Tucker's Luck

Tucker's Luck was a British television series made by the BBC between 1983 and 1985. The series is a spin-off from the school drama Grange Hill and capitalised on the popularity of one of the series' original characters — Peter "Tucker" Jenkins, played by Todd Carty. Tucker's Luck followed the exploits of Tucker and his friends, Alan Humphries and Tommy Watson, after they had left school and their attempts to find employment and cope out there in the "real world". Three series were made, with several former Grange Hill cast members reprising their roles for the spin-off, although the programme never came close to matching the popularity of Grange Hill. The third and final series saw the first appearances of Tucker's younger sister, eight-year old Rhona, and Tucker's elder brother Barry.

DramaFamily

Seasons

1. Sick

Air Date: 1983-03-10

Tucker, Tommy and Alan, late of Grange Hill, sign on at the dole office. Tommy makes an enemy of local thug Passmore.

2. Architect

Air Date: 1983-03-17

Tucker finally gets up the nerve to talk to Michelle while Tommy continues to court danger with Alison. Later, Tucker goes for an interview.

3. Paint

Air Date: 1983-03-24

Alan's dad offers the boys a job. Tommy is attacked by Passmore during the lunch break. The boys wait to get back at Passmore and get a surprise from Michelle.

4. All Change

Air Date: 1983-03-31

Allison takes Tucker to the news agency to look for a job. When they return they interrupt Tommy and Michelle. Tommy's sister suggests they get organized.

5. Bo Derek

Air Date: 1983-04-07

Tommy believes Tucker should have a party to help Alan get his mind off of Suzi.

6. Paper

Air Date: 1983-04-14

It's the morning after the party. The house is a disaster and there's an unknown guest. Can the boys clean the place up before Mrs. Jenkins gets home?

7. Motorcycle

Air Date: 1983-04-21

Tucker's new motor bike causes nothing but problems - first with Tommy, then Mr. Humphries, and finally Passmore.

8. The Bill

Air Date: 1983-04-28

Mr. Humphries gets a new contract but he and Tucker can't see eye-to-eye on the wages. Tommy has a black eye after several encounters with Passmore.

9. Blackeyes

Air Date: 1983-05-05

Tucker finds out why Allison has been avoiding him then he challenges Passmore.

1. Tosser

Air Date: 1984-03-13

Tucker tries to discourage Alan from befriending a homeless man. Tommy places bets for someone who never loses.

2. The Hump

Air Date: 1984-03-20

Jobs are scarce, but Tucker, Tommy and Passmore all have prospects and it appears their luck has changed.

3. Absolutely No Selling

Air Date: 1984-03-27

Tucker and Tommy have each found jobs, while Passmore is given a sale's pitch. Alan's family life is in turmoil which prevents him from looking for a job. The boys help Creamy move into a new place.

4. Couriers & Draughtsmen

Air Date: 1984-04-03

Tucker's delivery job and friendship with Sarah turn his thoughts to design school. Passmore questions the tactics of his bosses.

5. Barry Manilow

Air Date: 1984-04-10

Tommy agrees to invite Tucker to his club, but only if Tucker brings a date. Alan and Creamy arrive uninvited. Tucker's choice for the date angers both Sarah and Creamy.

6. The Invisible Men

Air Date: 1984-04-17

Sarah warns Tucker that Tommy is going to take part in a heist. Tucker, Alan, Creamy, and Junior make plans to stop it.

7. Sweet Georgia Brown/Tunnel Vision

Air Date: 1984-04-24

Alan has joined Creamy's band and they get a paying gig as an opening act. Tucker doesn't like the attitude of the headliners and makes sure the night will be memorable.

8. Maggie's Army

Air Date: 1984-05-01

Tucker, Tommy, Sarah, Creamy, and Uncle Vic have all lost their jobs and Alan still hasn't found one. But Tucker and Alan search for a solution that will allow them to keep their dignity and give them an identity.

9. Going Through The Motions

Air Date: 1984-05-08

Happy days are here again. Prospects look bright for Tucker, Alan, Creamy, Sarah, Ade, Junior, and Stu. But what's left for Tommy?

1. The Wedding

Air Date: 1985-10-22

Tucker, his little sister Rhona, and Mrs. Jenkins attend a relative's wedding, but cannot understand Mr. Jenkins absence until they return home.

2. Jenny Jay

Air Date: 1985-10-29

While Tucker searches for Barry, he receives news about his school application. Alan gets rejected then considers making changes.

3. Big Brother

Air Date: 1985-11-05

Tucker spends a day looking after Rhona. After an adventurous trip to the swimming pool, they have a surprise waiting for them at home.

4. Hungry Eyes/Naff Job

Air Date: 1985-11-12

Tucker and Rhona have mixed feelings after Barry moves in. More than one Jenkins finds a job, but no one is left to take care of Rhona. Natalia pays Tucker back for missing an earlier date.

5. Bookends/Vanished

Air Date: 1985-11-19

With everyone working, there's no one to watch Rhona. She begins to feel like she's a burden.

6. Tom Robinson

Air Date: 1985-11-26

Rhona is missing and everyone gets involved in the search.

7. Stolen Car

Air Date: 1985-12-03

The differences in Tucker and Natalia's social backgrounds are affecting their relationships with each other and their friends. Mrs. Jenkins goes to see a lawyer.

8. Phased Out & Washed Up

Air Date: 1985-12-10

Tucker finally sees the true side of Natalia and Mr. Choudhury. Alan has news for both Barry and Tucker.

9. Trisha

Air Date: 1985-12-17

Tucker finds it difficult to work on his O levels, stay on the dole, and help Barry look for his car. Meanwhile, Tucker faces losing one old Grange Hill friend while another reenters his life.

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Rating

5.5/10

Release Date

1983-03-10

Episodes

27 (3 seasons)

Status

Ended

Cast