Ep 6. 1979
- February 19, 1996
- 70 min
-
7.5 (19)
Our Friends in the North is a British television drama series that follows the lives of four friends from Newcastle upon Tyne. The show spans several decades, from the 1960's to the 1990's, and explores social and political issues in Britain during that time. In the sixth episode of season one, titled "1979", the characters are dealing with the aftermath of Margaret Thatcher becoming Prime Minister.
It's a time of great change in Britain, and the characters are all affected in different ways. Nicky is struggling to come to terms with the death of his father and has turned to alcohol to cope. He's also having a difficult time at work, with a new boss who doesn't seem to understand or appreciate his talents. Meanwhile, Mary is dealing with her own personal demons, as she continues to struggle with her feelings for Nicky and her role in the women's liberation movement.
Geordie and Terry are also grappling with the changes taking place in their country. Geordie is dismayed by the rise of Thatcher and the Conservative Party, and is starting to feel disillusioned with his own political beliefs. Terry, on the other hand, is excited about the prospect of making money in this new era of deregulation and privatization. He's even considering quitting his job at the council to start his own business.
As the episode progresses, the characters' paths continue to cross and intersect in unexpected ways. Nicky's drinking problem comes to a head when he gets into a fistfight with Geordie in a pub. Mary tries to help Nicky through his struggles, but it's clear that their relationship is becoming more complicated.
Meanwhile, Terry's entrepreneurial spirit leads him down a dangerous path. He gets involved in a dodgy business deal that could have serious consequences for him and his friends. Geordie, meanwhile, finds himself drawn into a political scandal that could have repercussions for his career.
Throughout the episode, there's a sense of unease and uncertainty in the air. Britain is changing rapidly, and the characters are struggling to keep up. Some are excited by the possibilities of this new era, while others are deeply cynical. As the episode ends, it's clear that the characters' lives will never be the same again.