The Fear

19881h 0m1 seasons5 episodesCrime, Drama

The Fear is a five-part television drama produced by Thames Television subsidiary Euston Films for ITV. Broadcast from 17 February to 16 March 1988, the serial follows Carl Galton, the enterprising leader of a criminal gang running a protection racket in North London. Young and ambitious, Galton represents a new breed of criminal who seeks to expand his underworld empire and takes on the old East End firms. 1980s materialism clashes with old school London villainy as Galton rises to power, yet his ruthlessness carries a personal cost, especially on his wife Linda and best friend Marty.

Seasons

Episode 1

Part 1

Feb 17, 198852m

Carl Galton, who runs a protection racket, seeks revenge after his brother Mark is hospitalised by Jimmy Chaulker. His father believes he has sorted him out but Carl has very different ideas by burning down his empire.

Episode 2

Part 2

Feb 24, 198852m

With Chalker dying of a heart attack and his son on the run, Carl and his gang take over his club. Chalker's former bookkeeper Con agrees to hand over the remainder of the details but collecting needs violence.

Episode 3

Part 3

Mar 2, 198852m

Carl wants to strongarm Klein out of business but gangster Tony Slater has already bought a stake in his empire. Meanwhile, Marty confesses to Carl that he's gay and is conflicted while his wife Linda is terrified he will discover her affair.

Episode 4

Part 4

Mar 9, 198852m

Marty's cracking up and tries to use his sexuality to goad Carl. Slater arranges a meeting with Carl as he acts as middleman for Dot Fleming and her American backers. Plans to rob Klein's lorry shipment ends badly

Episode 5Latest episode

Part 5

Mar 16, 198852m

Carl's botched lorry hijack leaves Marty dead. Con has been playing both sides against each other and vanishes. Slater invites Carl and Linda to the village fair, believing his claiming the spoils are due.