Wesley needs some help. He's found an old, but extremely valuable racing car, and wants the lads to help him get it home.
This episode marks the first appearance of Crusher, however his introduction generally now appears in the 2nd episode of the 8th series. For continuity reasons, in most repeat airings of this episode (as well as the DVD releases), Jonathan Linsley's appearance as Crusher has been edited out. As The Loxley Lozenge was moved to the front of this series to become a seasonal special, it ultimately caused continuity problems with the character of Crusher.
This episode also marked the 2nd (due to popularity) guest appearance of Wesley Pegden (who became a full regular from the next series onward until 2002).
Also guest-starring appearance of Ashley Jackson as a painter.
Included on the Series 7 & 8 boxset.
The general consensus is the chassis of an Austin Sheerline was used as a prop for the titular fictional vehicle.[3]
The original scripted ending involved the settee (on which the three men sat) sliding around the chassis, making it difficult for Clegg to steer; the settee tips over backwards, causing the men to fall out. This was altered due to safety and logistical concerns.
The scene in which the Loxely Lozenge detaches from Wesley's Land Rover and rolls back toward the wall was unplanned. Unlike as depicted in the final scene, the actors were safely stopped before crashing,
Regular series
Title
Airdate
Description
Notes
The Mysterious Feet of Nora Batty
10 February
Foggy and Compo have a disagreement about the size of Nora's feet, so they set out to find out the truth.
As originally scripted, Compo was to pour liquid onto a piece of hardboard with the idea that Nora Batty would step onto it, leaving an imprint of her feet to be measured. It would result in the board being stuck to Compo's wellies and the scene would have ended with him escaping down her steps, the hardboard still attached to his feet. Safety concerns necessitated alterations.
Keeping Britain Tidy
17 February
Foggy decides to embark upon a campaign to clean up the countryside, starting with an old mattress.
The official introduction of Crusher occurs in this episode as his appearance has been edited out of the previous Christmas Special in most repeats and the DVD release. He becomes a regular character from this episode until the 1987 Christmas Special
This episode features Brian Glover as a guest star. Ten years earlier Glover and Brian Wilde had appeared together in series one of Porridge.
Enter The Phantom
24 February
Compo transforms himself into 'The Phantom', a daredevil motorcyclist. Will this impress Nora?
Catching Digby's Donkey
3 March
Foggy offers to help Digby catch his donkey.
This episode marks the first appearances of Howard, Pearl and Marina who become full regulars from this episode onward.
