Porridge Season 1 Episode 1 New Faces, Old Hands

Porridge is a classic British sitcom that revolves around the lives of inmates in the fictional prison of Slade, located in Cumberland. Season 1 episode 1 titled "New Faces, Old Hands" follows the introduction of the newest prisoner, Norman Fletcher (Ronnie Barker), known as "Fletch," to his fellow inmates in Slade prison.

The episode starts with Fletch's arrival at the prison, where he is welcomed by the prison staff and given a tour of the facilities. Right from the beginning, Fletch finds himself surrounded by a cast of colorful characters, from the friendly and affable Lennie Godber (Richard Beckinsale) to the strict and no-nonsense warder Mr. Mackay (Fulton Mackay). Fletch is assigned to share a cell with Godber, who he quickly takes under his wing, eager to teach him the ropes of surviving in prison.

As Fletch is settling into his new environment, he realizes that the majority of the inmates at Slade are "old hands," meaning they have spent many years in prison. Fletch, who has only been sentenced to five years, is considered to be a "new face," and as such, he is met with suspicion and skepticism from his fellow inmates. The episode delves into Fletch's attempts to prove himself to the other prisoners, as he tries to navigate through the social hierarchies and unwritten codes of behavior in prison.

One of the main themes of this episode is the concept of "respectability" in prison. Prison is a closed world, and within it, certain behaviors and attitudes are expected from the inmates. The old hands are reluctant to accept Fletch into their circle as he does not conform to their norms of behavior. However, Fletch is determined to gain their respect, and he uses his wit and charm to try and win them over. Through various misadventures, he manages to prove his worth and gain the respect of the other inmates.

Despite the harsh realities of life in prison, the episode is peppered with moments of humor and lightheartedness. The witty banter between Fletch and Godber provides a lot of comedic relief throughout the episode. There are also moments of slapstick humor, such as Fletch's failed attempt to smuggle a bottle of whiskey into the prison.

Overall, "New Faces, Old Hands" is a great introduction to the world of Porridge. It sets the tone for the series, establishing the relationships between the characters and exploring the themes of respect, loyalty, and survival in prison. The show would go on to become one of the most beloved British sitcoms of all time, and this episode is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to get into the series.