Prisoner Cell Block H

This "bonzer" show from Down Under truly deserves it's classic cult TV status. In all "Prisoner cell Block H" ran for seven years, spawning an amazing 692 shows. Often vilified for its wobbly sets, ugly actresses and ridiculous plot lines, this show was a true pioneer, and it introduced us to many issues which other shows wouldn't have dared touch, including drug abuse and lesbianism for example.

The show depicts the fundamental dramas of prison life and the subsequent clashes between the guards and other inmates alike. The most endearing characters were three of the lead inmate characters, "Queen" Bea Smith, drunken old Lizzie Birdsworth and lovable lesbian Judy Bryant. These characters were easily my favourites. As the battle to be "Top Dog" raged and the threat of being "shanghied" to Barnhurst loomed large, me and my brother would sit enthralled well into the early hours as the evil Joan "the Freak" Ferguson would conjure up dastardly plots to make the prisoners lives a living hell.

Prisoner was usually aired twice weekly in the slot of about 11.30pm on ITV, but would often be broadcast as late as 12.30am. Despite our family possessing a VCR, the addictive nature of this show meant my brother and I made the foolish option of staying up far too late in order to tune in. I would urge all parents to discourage their children from repeating our actions, as my brother Lee failed all his GCSE's as a result. He sacrificed vital sleep time at a crucial period in his schooling, and as a consequence he struggled to concentrate in lessons every Monday and Friday for a sustained period of time. He is now employed in the local turkey factory and struggling badly with his finances.

Twenty years have now passed since the makers of "Prisoner" called time on production, but the memories I have will remain in my heart with great fondness. I have actually started together a DVD collection of the shows, and I have about 88 episodes now, and although they can be a bit tricky to locate, I hope to own every single show before too long. Great stuff! Enjoy!