20a. Tenko

What else could it be for the letter T than Tenko? Once again, Andy
wrote a comprehensive book on the series ‘Remembering Tenko’ and
considers the series to be one of the greatest ever made. Martin
likes it too, but perhaps not so rabidly as his co-host. Together
they explore this drama which charted the fortunes of women
prisoners of the Japanese during World War II over 3 series and 30
episodes from 1981 to 1984 and became a runaway success for the
BBC. As well as covering its creation and the crucial roles of
Lavinia Warner, Jill Hyem and Anne Valery, they examine three
episodes in particular, picking out key performances, action and
themes: the aftermath of Blanche’s escape from Series 1, the events
leading up to Sally’s suicide in Series 2, and Dorothy coming to
terms with all that has happened to her and who she is in her final
episode in Series 3. They also talk about shopping channels,
Martin's radio show and how Tenko passes three important tests with
flying colours: Bechdel, Makomori, and Sexy Lamp. Find out more in
today's episode. Next Time (35 years on since its first broadcast
to the day): Tenko Reunion.