When the Boat Comes In (Season 2)

When the Boat Comes In is a British television period drama produced by the BBC between 8 January 1976 and 21 April 1981. Taking place between 1919 to 1937, Jack Ford is a veteran of The Great War who returns to his poverty-stricken (fictional) town of Gallowshield in the North East of England. It dramatises the interwar political struggles of the 1920s and 1930s, and explores the impact of national and international politics upon Ford and those around him.

  • Poster for Ask for Twopence, Take a Penny

    Ask for Twopence, Take a Penny (Episode 1)

    Writer: James Mitchell

    Air date: 1976-10-29

    Overview: Jack starts his new job as District Secretary but he has to contend with trouble from within his union and he meets up with his old friend Sir Horatio Manners.

  • Poster for Tram Ride to the Bluebell

    Tram Ride to the Bluebell (Episode 2)

    Writer: James Mitchell

    Air date: 1976-11-05

    Overview: Tom is released from prison, however, when a Scottish stranger comes looking for him and Jack there is going to be trouble.

  • Poster for A Pillowful of Buttercups

    A Pillowful of Buttercups (Episode 3)

    Writer: James Mitchell

    Air date: 1976-11-12

    Overview: Billy returns home as a qualified doctor whilst Jack has a visit from an old army pal who is in trouble.

  • Poster for Roubles for the Promised Land

    Roubles for the Promised Land (Episode 4)

    Writer: James Mitchell

    Air date: 1976-11-19

    Overview: Billy is unable to get medical work due to his socialist principles. Tom, living in a hostel, befriends Kaganovich, a Russian Jew hoping to travel to Palestine and looking for Jack. Kaganovich accuses Jack of stealing money from his late father during the Russian revolution. Jack claims he was given the money for helping the old man escape. In any case it is worthless 'Kerensky money'. Jack persuades Tom to return home.

  • Poster for Some Bulbs to Keep the Garden Bright

    Some Bulbs to Keep the Garden Bright (Episode 5)

    Writer: James Mitchell

    Air date: 1976-11-26

    Overview: Les Mallow wants Jack to help him expose a local scandal and help secure him a place on the council and he is prepared to use any means to secure Jack's help.

  • Poster for God and Love and Wellesley Street

    God and Love and Wellesley Street (Episode 6)

    Writer: James Mitchell

    Air date: 1976-12-03

    Overview: Tom meets a rich lady who is looking for her father and agrees to help. Meanwhile, Billy starts work as a doctor at the local surgery in Wellesley Street.

  • Poster for Whatever Made You Think the War is Over?

    Whatever Made You Think the War is Over? (Episode 7)

    Writer: James Mitchell

    Air date: 1976-12-10

    Overview: Sir Horatio Manners calls in his favour from Jack, who pays him back with interest.

  • Poster for Ladies, Women, Sweethearts and Wives

    Ladies, Women, Sweethearts and Wives (Episode 8)

    Writer: James Mitchell

    Air date: 1976-12-17

    Overview: Bill sets up another shop in Gallowshields and Jack and Dolly get ready for a night out with the Duke of Bedlington.

  • Poster for After the Bonfire

    After the Bonfire (Episode 9)

    Writer: James Mitchell

    Air date: 1977-01-07

    Overview: Dolly leaves Jack to be with Tom. Jack gets them both jobs on the duke's staff. He becomes increasingly friendly with Lady Caroline and buys land from her to spite Manners. Billy finally accepts Jack's job offer, saying that the money he earns will be split between repaying his family and Stoker's clinic.

  • Poster for A Wreath with Our Names On

    A Wreath with Our Names On (Episode 10)

    Writer: James Mitchell

    Air date: 1977-01-14

    Overview: There is an accident at the Lewis Bishop Ship Yard and one of the fitters is fatally injured. He was unfit to work so Jack tells Billy to keep quiet about it in order that the widow get compensation.

  • Poster for The Way it Was in Murmansk

    The Way it Was in Murmansk (Episode 11)

    Writer: James Mitchell

    Air date: 1977-01-21

    Overview: Jack is in demand to speak up for Geordie Watson, the local Labour candidate in the forthcoming election.

  • Poster for In the Front Line You Get Shot At

    In the Front Line You Get Shot At (Episode 12)

    Writer: James Mitchell

    Air date: 1977-01-28

    Overview: Union head office wants Jack to force Colfax, the local employer, to allow the union into his factory, but Jack has split loyalties. Bella is taken ill.

  • Poster for The Simple Pleasures of the Rich

    The Simple Pleasures of the Rich (Episode 13)

    Writer: James Mitchell

    Air date: 1977-02-04

    Overview: Jack steps down as secretary for the union and everybody is upset about the potential demolition of the country house, Mandrake Place.

When the Boat Comes In

Seasons