Disturbing the Peace (''Porridge'')

"Disturbing the Peace" is an episode of the BBC sitcom Porridge. It first aired on 7 November 1975. ^[1] In this episode, Mr Mackay leaves Slade Prison to go on a course. The rest of the prison rejoices, until they see Mackay's replacement, Mr Wainwright.

Synopsis

The episode opens in the library where Fletcher is working. Fletcher asks Barrowclough to sign the order form for new books, but Barrowclough scores most of the books off the list, because they are either too sexual or subversive. Later that morning, Fletcher gives the Governor a copy of Tom Brown's Schooldays to prop up his lopsided bookcase. Fletcher takes the opportunity to read the title of an upside down memo and to steal some of the Governor's pens.

Back in his cell, Fletcher tells Godber about the memo which said Mr Mackay is going on a course. Fletcher decides to trick Mackay by reading out loud the star signs in the paper. Mackay agrees to a bet with Fletcher as to whether the former will be leaving his familiar surroundings within the next few days.

A few days later, Mackay is seen leaving Slade Prison. The prisoners are happy until Fletcher recognises Mr Wainwright, a harsh prison officer whom he remembered from Brixton prison. Wainwright soon recognises Fletcher and starts bullying the prisoners. His antics included punishing Godber for accidentally dropping mashed potatoes on his shoe and purposely treading on Fletcher's hand.

Barrowclough comes into Fletcher and Godber's cell to bid them goodbye, as he's being transferred to the prison farm. Godber tries to persuade Barrowclough to toughen up, but Barrowclough doesn't wish to do this. Fletcher arranges to speak to fellow inmates McLaren and Warren as they are experts at sabotage.

During lunch hour, McLaren starts a fight with Godber and announces that the prison food is not fit for swine. Warren declares that they want a riot and all the prisoners throw mashed potatoes and other food as well as crockery at the guards and each other. The alarms go off, and all the guards are called down to the dinner hall. Wainwright confidently walks in an says "You will be QUIET!" But the men pelt him instead, forcing him to leave. The Governor is faced with the daunting prospect of having to confront the prisoners himself. As part of his plan, Fletcher suggests to the Governor that Barrowclough should deal with the riot. Barrowclough comes in and timidly requests that the prisoners put their things down and that they should file back to their cells in a nice orderly manner. Since the prisoners respect Barrowclough, they do so.

Soon after the riot, Wainwright returns to Brixton prison and Mackay returns from his course. Mackay warns Fletcher and Godber that he will be enforcing a new regime where their lives will be made a misery. Despite this, every prisoner greets Mackay with a chorus of For He's a Jolly Good Fellow, which Mackay reacts to with a wry, almost appreciative smile.

Episode cast

Notes

• Mr Wainwright was previously mentioned by Fletcher in the episode Ways and Means.
• Only appearance of Mrs Heskith, the Governor's secretary. By the Desperate Hours, she has been replaced by Mrs Jamieson.

References