Spatz S3E3 (1992) - FULL EPISODE

Описание: Tango. Talk of Stanley's ballroom dancing career turns into a high-stakes contest with rival burger bar Blimpy's, while Karen is hoping to impress Spatz's owner with a rare Patagonian parrot. Or will she have to settle for a Sri Lankan night warbler instead? This episode was originally broadcast on Friday, 13th March, 1992.

Back in 2013 when the CITV channel did its 30th anniversary Old Skool Weekend, this got dusted down for an airing. On the one hand, that strikes me as a bit of a strange choice given that it's not really a typical episode (so doesn't necessarily stand on its own without a bit of a run-up), but on the other, I completely understand as it's absolutely wonderful fun. The main storyline regarding the dancing - complete with a guest part for the late great Nicholas Parsons - is solid and funny from start to finish. But the side-plot of the parrot takes it to the next level and is one of the best side-plots in anything ever, suitably daft and continually developing in unlikely directions. That's my opinion, anyway.

I think that Karen's efforts and anguish in this episode elevate her into the category of "deranged", but you can't help but feel sorry for her - especially when she needs to describe herself before Mr Frapelli even knows who she is. That's a good subtle gag (considering the original target audience, I mean), as is the "It is an ex-career" Monty Python reference. The way Vince capitalises on the situation has multiple laughs in it, and the eventual reveal is brilliant. The sheer disdain of the line, "A nocturnal parrot...?" tickled me far more than it should have. The multiple digs at Stanley ensure he has our sympathy, and it's interesting to remember that this episode came long before the ultra-mainstream launch of Strictly Come Dancing as essential Saturday primetime viewing. Obviously that opening Princess Di lookalike joke hasn't aged too well, but overall you can't argue when a show is this funny.

Stay tuned at the end for some CITV continuity presented by Tommy Boyd, followed by a full ad break and promos.

Grateful thanks to Joe for lending me this tape. Slightly disappointed he's pretty much the only regular in this who doesn't put on his dancing shoes.

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