The Spain episode. First broadcast on 25 November 1982.
The Trotters, and everyone else, have been forced off the market by persistent heavy rain. While drowning their sorrows in The Nag's Head, Alex the travel agent mentions that business is slow for him too — he can't even give holidays away at the moment. As a promotional gimmick, Del suggests offering an 80% discount on a holiday to the next customer in the shop — and the following morning, who happens to walk by, but Derek Trotter.
Having sold sun-hats in the rain, Rodders has managed to earn some travel cash, but he is dismayed to learn that the 80% discount only extends to a grotty hotel in Benidorm. And despite the fact that he wasn't included in the bargain, the brothers reluctantly pay for Grandad to join them on their escape to the sun.
During the holiday, Del and Rodney go on the pull, although their efforts come to nothing as Grandad cramps their style. Things get a bit more serious when Grandad gets himself arrested. Despite fearing that old history is returning to haunt him — in the form of an incident from the last time he was in Spain (during the Spanish Civil War, no less) — it turns out that he was arrested for jaywalking and is released without charge. Much to Del's annoyance, as he had needlessly bribed a police officer to secure his release.
Tropes:
- All There in the Manual: Del's 2015 autobiography He Who Dares would reveal that over the last few days of the holiday, Grandad didn't even moan about having to sleep in the bathroom.
- Arson, Murder, and Jaywalking: Grandad gets arrested. He tells Del and Rodney that during the Spanish Civil War he smuggled guns for both sides and ended up being captured, deported and ordered never to return to the country. He believes that the Spanish authorities are going to put him on trial for these past crimes so Del bribes the guard to turn a blind eye and let them walk out. After taking Del's money, the guard tells Del that the charges have been dropped and Grandad is free to go, explaining to a flabbergasted Del that Grandad had in fact been arrested for jaywalking.
- Bribe Backfire: Del tries to bribe a Spanish prison guard to release Grandad. An inversion in that the guard accepts the money, but it turns out Grandad was going to be released anyway.
- During the War: The Spanish Civil War, in this case.
- Foreshadowing: Three years before Uncle Albert joins the gang, Grandad tells a war story and mentions that the Trotters have never been good sailors.
- Jack Bauer Interrogation Technique: As practised by the Spanish authorities, back when Grandad and his friend Nobby Clark were gun-runners. After they were captured, Nobby was tortured and never told them a thing. When it came to Grandad's turn...Rodney: [concerned] What, they tortured you?Grandad: No. But they would have done if I hadn't told them everything I knew!
- Moment Killer: Early on during their holiday, Del and Rodney go out on the pull and manage to entice two young ladies back to their hotel room, where they see Grandad fast asleep on the bed. Unsurprisingly, the girls quickly leave.
- Photo Montage: Used to depict the part of the holiday in which Del and Rodney go out on the pull.
- Ripped from the Headlines: It's 1982. Mention is made of the fact that Spain has recently hosted The World Cup.Rodney: They'll just deport him again.Del: Just deport him? You're joking of course! They've just held the World Cup here, haven't they? They've got half of Manchester and Glasgow to get rid of first! By the time we get him back he'll be eating paella and calling us gringos!
- Vacation Episode: The Trotters go on holiday to Benidorm. Although the beach scenes were actually filmed in Bournemouth.
- War for Fun and Profit: Grandad's Spanish Civil War experiences count as this.Rodney: You were gun-running in the middle of a civil war?Grandad: Well, that's the best time to do it, Rodney. Supply and demand.Rodney: Why, you dirty little mercenary.Grandad: Oh, we didn't do it purely for financial gain. Oh no, we both felt a deep commitment to a political cause.Del: Which side were you selling to?Grandad: Well, whichever side had the most money, really.
