12. London's Burning (Jack Rosenthal's TV film)

No, not the soapy drama series that went on forever that neither
Andy or Martin watched but the Jack Rosenthal-penned TV film which
served as a sort of pilot and aired back in 1986. It's a tough
watch given its race-based plot especially as this episode was
recorded in the same week that George Floyd was murdered by police
in the USA. However, there are some lighter moments including
excerpts from Rosenthal's 'Sadie, It's Cold Outside', 'The
Knowledge' and one of his Coronation Street episodes from 1961.
There's even a bit of Nick Berry's Every Loser Wins and David
Tennant atop Alexandra Palace thrown in for good measure. As well
as examining the rampant racism and sexism of the time, and the
greater public awareness of fire safety in the 80s, Andy and Martin
consider what makes an ITV drama and whether this is one of
Rosenthal's better works. All this and Oscar Botcherby and a
curtain ring. Yes a curtain ring Martin, not any other sort of
ring! Yep, Martin makes a glorious faux pas! If you want to go
straight to the 'ring' moment skip to 1 hr 04 mins. You'll be
pleased you did. Next Time: Miss Marple