The Desperate Hours (Porridge) The Desperate Hours (Porridge) "The Desperate Hours" is the second Christmas special of the BBC sitcom "Porridge". It first aired on 24 December 1976. In this episode, Fletcher and Godber are in trouble for brewing liquor in the lead-up to Christmas, but are caught up in a hostage situation in the Governor's office. It is nearly time for Christmas, and Fletcher has been making wine for the prisoners of Slade Prison. The Governor, who is strictly teetotal, has a zero tolerance on illicit drinking in Slade Prison. After Mr Barrowclough fails to discover alcohol in Fletcher and Godber's cell, Fletcher
The Hustler (Porridge) Fletcher has the last laugh, because he bet the entire landing that he will be in a single cell by Sunday, so he can pay Ives his winnings after all. The Hustler (Porridge) "The Hustler" is an episode of the BBC sitcom "Porridge". It first aired on 12 September 1974. In this episode, Fletcher and his friends hold an illicit gambling syndicate under Mr Mackay's nose. Fletcher is still working in the prison farm, and he and fellow inmate Horrible Ives are taking bets over which hen will lay an egg first. Ives loses and Fletcher describes him as such