Ep 1. Salesmen Are Like Vampires

In the first episode of the hit British comedy series White Gold, entitled "Salesmen Are Like Vampires," we are introduced to a group of charismatic and cunning double glazing salesmen in the small town of Essex in the 1980s. Created by Damon Beesley, the show is a hilarious and satirical take on the cutthroat and often morally ambiguous world of door-to-door sales.

The episode begins with a glimpse into the lives of our main characters, Vincent Swan (played by Ed Westwick), Fitzpatrick (played by James Buckley), and Lavender (played by Joe Thomas). Vincent is a slick and smooth-talking salesman who excels at manipulating potential customers into buying his products. Fitzpatrick, on the other hand, is impulsive and slightly unhinged, delivering over-the-top sales pitches that are both outrageous and effective. Lavender, the newest addition to the team, is a timid and inexperienced salesman, struggling to find his footing in this ruthless industry.

As the episode progresses, we get a closer look at the dynamics within the sales team and the lengths they are willing to go to make a sale. Vincent, being the top salesman, is idolized by his colleagues and often seen as the leader of the pack. We witness his knack for reading people and adapting his sales approach accordingly, making him a formidable force in the business. Fitzpatrick, although eccentric and volatile, proves to be adept at exploiting people's vulnerabilities to secure a sale. Lavender, however, finds himself at odds with the high-pressure tactics employed by his colleagues, raising questions about the morality of their profession.

The plot thickens when the sales team learns that a rival company, Cachet Windows, has entered their territory. Led by the ruthlessly ambitious Tony Walsh (played by Nigel Lindsay), Cachet poses a significant threat to their sales numbers. Vincent, ever the cunning salesman, concocts a plan to sabotage this new competition by manipulating a potential customer into canceling a contract with Cachet and signing with his company instead.

As the episode progresses, we witness the fast-paced and often cutthroat nature of the sales industry. Vincent and his team are constantly at odds with Cachet Windows, engaging in a battle of wits and underhanded tactics to outshine their rivals. The episode also delves into the personal lives of the characters, shedding light on their motivations and the consequences of their actions.

"Salesmen Are Like Vampires" sets the tone for the series, combining dark humor with an exploration of morality and the human condition. The show cleverly satirizes the greed and ambition that drive individuals within the cutthroat world of sales, while also exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of success. With its strong ensemble cast and sharp writing, White Gold offers an entertaining and thought-provoking glimpse into the lives of these unscrupulous salesmen.

In this episode, viewers are introduced to the colorful characters and their complex relationships, setting the stage for the conflicts and challenges they will face in the ensuing episodes. With its blend of razor-sharp wit and social commentary, "Salesmen Are Like Vampires" is a captivating and entertaining introduction to the world of White Gold.