The Sharp End was a 1991 British television comedy drama starring Gwen Taylor, James Cosmo and Philip Martin Brown. It was written by Roy Clarke and directed by Brian Parker and David Penn, and ran for eight episodes on BBC1 from 12 April 1991. Taylor took the leading role of Celia Forrest, a recent widow who had decided to take on the running of her late husband's Debt Collection Agency. However, her decision to do this was much to the displeasure of her more ruthless business rival, who tried everything in his power to close her business down. James Cosmo also starred as Carmichael, an illiterate hermit who was hired by Forrest as her assistant. He spent much of the series riding around on a pushbike with a tape recorder on which Forrest would record instructions of his tasks for the day. The duo managed to keep the company running, but the series was less successful, and was cancelled after one season.
The Sharp End (Season 1)
Episode 1 (Episode 1)
Air date: 1991-04-12
Episode 2 (Episode 2)
Air date: 1991-04-19
Overview: With the illiterate Carmichael on-board as her new assistant Celia battles her unruly daughter and competitor intimidation. Carmichael discovers debt collecting isn't simple. She chases a debt owed by a bankrupt suing insurance companies.
Episode 3 (Episode 3)
Air date: 1991-04-26
Overview: Barras poaches one of Celia's clients, she challenges the double glazing firm to give her one last try to collect their three worst debts to prove her worth. Celia's daughter gets expelled from private school.
Episode 4 (Episode 4)
Air date: 1991-05-03
Overview: Barras and Celia are chasing the same debtor (Warboys), Celia's daughter is back home having been expelled, Crystal's boyfriend has been hitting her. Warboys owes money all over town and with a string of ex-wives and girlfriends as well.
Episode 5 (Episode 5)
Air date: 1991-05-10
Overview: Celia is chasing an indebted road haulier with dodgy operations. His drivers bend the rules and his wife gets on his nerves. Barras has attracted the unwanted attention of the authorities. Celia's daughter is moping.
Episode 6 (Episode 6)
Air date: 1991-05-17
Overview: Barras isn't getting on with his wife and Celia isn't getting on with Carmichael and a blue Mercedes . Barras is annoyed that Celia's business hasn't folded yet and ups the ante. But has he taken one step too far when turning the screw?
Episode 7 (Episode 7)
Air date: 1991-05-24
Overview: Barras Senior has got Religion unnerving Barras Junior. Celia is up at the Small Claims Court with a client and her dim partner while someone crashes into her car when Carmichael was driving it. Crystal's boyfriend turns up.
Episode 8 (Episode 8)
Air date: 1991-05-31
Overview: Barras's marriage is on the rocks, Carmichael has a lady friend, Celia has work and her Mother has Barras Senior. Celia's daughter brings Crystal's boyfriend back to the house and gets caught by Celia's Mother.
Seasons
Episodes 8