TVs Hidden Gems #2 Prospects

Prospects is a British television drama series that was written by Alan Janes and originally shown on Channel 4 in 1986. Created by Euston Films who had a pedigree of producing successful, gritty drama such as The Sweeney and Minder, it followed the exploits of two East End characters - Jimmy 'Pincey' Pince played by the late Gary Olsen and Billy played by Brian Bovell and their trials and tribulations of making a living in London's Isle of Dogs.
Comprising 12 episodes Prospects - with a comic slant, dealt with many of the major issues affecting British society at the height of the "Thatcherite" '80's including unemployment, crime, poverty, regeneration, social change and racism.
Prospects gained a cult following and ratings wise it performed well above expectation for Channel 4 and was moved to a 9pm prime-time repeat slot on ITV in the Spring/Summer of 1987. This fuelled rumours that the network wanted to develop Prospects into a long-running comedy drama series. However despite seeing potential ITV declined the opportunity to develop it beyond the original first series.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P77140cYKu4


It ended with a double episode that left me wanting to know what happens to our two protagonists and I will always fondly remember it. Yes it is dated but it does conjure up a certain time and place.