Poetic Justice (Porridge)
| "Poetic Justice" | |
|---|---|
| Porridge episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 2 |
| Directed by | Sydney Lotterby |
| Written by | Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais |
| Original air date | 25 February 1977 |
"Poetic Justice" is an episode of the BBC sitcom Porridge. It aired on 25 February 1977. A new inmate arrives at Slade Prison. Fletcher is astounded that the inmate is the judge who sentenced him to Slade Prison.
The episode opens with Godber and Harris carrying a metal folding bed into Fletcher’s cell. Predictably, Fletcher is not happy with the situation, but Mr Barrowclough tells him he has no choice due to the increase in crime and limited prison resources.
One of the new arrivals is taken straight away to meet the Governor. It turns out the man, Stephen Rawley, is an old friend of the Governor. Rawley is confident as he has an appeal coming through. The Governor is concerned because his friendship with Rawley might have negative consequences for him if anyone finds out. Although Rawley requests a single cell, the Governor denies this, wishing to prevent resentment from prisoners.
Mr Mackay escorts Rawley to meet his fellow inmates. Mackay warns the other prisoners to treat Rawley fairly. Godber welcomes Rawley into the prisoner’s social circle, but Fletcher recognises Rawley immediately – as the judge who sentenced him to Slade Prison! He wastes no time in taunting Rawley on his fall from grace. Rawley, on the other hand, does not initially recognise Fletcher. Although, Rawley then remembers Fletcher for his endless protestations of innocence, which Fletcher points out Rawley was deaf to. Fletcher states that with the judge now in prison, this proves that he wasn't fit to sentence him in the first place. McClaren enquires as to what Rawley was sentenced for. Rawley states that the charges were:
Fletcher brushes this off as legal mumbo jumbo and the true nature of the charges is bribery and corruption. McClaren believes that Rawley will get off due to his high quality lawyer. Godber, however, finds Rawley’s presence reassuring as it proves nobody is above the law. Mr Barrowclough makes it clear that Rawley won’t receive any favours from him, although he does address Rawley as “your honour”, much to the chagrin of his inmates. That evening, Godber makes Rawley’s bed for him, to which Fletcher says that Rawley must learn for himself. Godber tries to make Fletcher understand that Rawley is equal to them now he is a convict, but Fletcher doesn’t change his mind. Rawley explains he’s been allowed to keep his own toiletries and offers to share them with his new cellmates. He even agrees to abide by Fletcher’s rules of his cell.
...
Wikipedia