Just Desserts (Porridge)

"Just Desserts" is the first episode of series 2 of the BBC sitcom Porridge. It first aired on 24 October 1975.^[1] In this episode, Fletcher discovers his tin of pineapples has been stolen, and Godber decides to steal another tin for him.

Synopsis

One morning, Fletcher has some rather shocking news for his fellow inmates - that there is a thief among them. This comes as no surprise, as there are 600 men in Slade Prison, and two-thirds are in for stealing something. Fletcher means there is a thief on the inside, as his tin of pineapple chunks has been stolen. Other prisoners comment that they have had things stolen, such as a jar of gooseberry preserve. This suggests that the thief has a sweet tooth.

Later that day, Fletcher arranges a meeting in his cell with all the men from his block. Mr Mackay soon breaks up this meeting, as prison rules state there are only three men allowed in a cell at any one time. Godber arrives after his shift in the kitchen, and is promptly frisked by Mackay. Godber protests, as he claims he is now learning his lesson and will not steal any more. Once Mackay leaves, Godber shows Fletcher he smuggled a block of margarine under his chef's hat.

That night, Godber asks Fletcher for some boot polish as it is after lockup. Fletcher initially refuses, which causes an argument between the two cellmates. Once Godber says he is darning Fletcher's socks, Fletcher lends Godber some boot polish after all. Fletcher admits that his trust has been misplaced since the theft of his tin of pineapples, although Fletcher exonerates Godber as a culprit because he searched Godber's things when he was in the shower.

The next morning, Mr Barrowclough comes into the library to have a word with Fletcher. It turns out that Barrowclough is the "thief" who took the tin of pineapples. Barrowclough explains to Fletcher that during the football match on Saturday afternoon, he was ordered by Mr Mackay to carry out a Random Security Check. Barrowclough discovered the tin of pineapples in Fletcher's cell which had been stolen by Fletcher from the kitchens. Barrowclough tells Fletcher he let him off the hook because of Fletcher giving him marital advice. However, Barrowclough confesses that instead of returning the tin, he took it home and he and his wife consumed the contents. Realising that this would make him a felon like Fletcher, Barrowclough agrees to buy a new tin, as long as Fletcher pays for it and promises Barrowclough no more stealing.

Meanwhile, Godber sets out to steal a new tin for Fletcher. The theft is soon discovered and Mackay arrives to search Godber, this time including his hat. During the standoff, Barrowclough discreetly replaces a new tin of pineapples in the cupboard. Mackay then searches the cupboard and scolds Mr Birchwood for wasting his time.

Warren believes this to be a miracle. Fletcher is disappointed, as he has been told that he now has to paint the library. Mackay comes in to tell Godber that he is not bullying him and that he treats every prisoner the same. Unfortunately, Mackay discovers the stolen tin of pineapples on Fletcher's bed. Fletcher tries to say it's a plant, but Mackay doesn't listen and takes Fletcher to see the Governor. The episode ends with Godber asking for a tin opener and Fletcher looking sour.

Episode cast

Note

• First appearance of Banyard, the former dentist turned prisoner.
• Last appearance of Ives in the regular series though he did appear in the film in 1979.

References