16 June 1994 (1994-06-16) – 21 December 1995 (1995-12-21)
Roughnecks is a British television drama series, created and principally written by former Tomorrow's World presenter Kieran Prendiville, that first broadcast on BBC1 on 16 June 1994. Produced by First Choice Productions, Roughnecks ran for two series, with the final episode broadcasting on 21 December 1995. The series centres on the working and personal lives of the crew of the fictional oil rig "The Osprey Explorer" in the North Sea. Offshore filming was undertaken on the oil rig Dan Countess, which was not in use at the time.[1]
The series boasted a high calibre cast, including the likes of Liam Cunningham, Teresa Banham, James Cosmo, Bruce Jones, Clive Russell, Ricky Tomlinson, Paul Copley and Ashley Jensen. Notably for a British television series, the main theme was written and composed by renowned American television composer Mike Post.[2] An official guide to the series, written by Tom McGregor and featuring interviews with the cast and crew, was published on 29 September 1995, prior to the broadcast of the second series.[3] Neither series has been made available on DVD.
Cast
Cast listed as per order of credits in the opening title sequence
As the crew are flown across the North Sea to the hazardous world of an exploration rig, they are distressed to find that a colleague has died suddenly of a massive heart attack under mysterious circumstances. Meanwhile, a strike is threatened when a wallet goes missing.[4]
2
"Episode 2"
Kieran Prendiville
Sandy Johnson
23 June 1994 (1994-06-23)
Tessa, the new female mechanic, creates a stir on the rig and helps an oilman's widow to come to terms with her grief. Meanwhile, the stakes are high as a team from the Osprey Explorer challenge the crew of another rig to a quiz.[4]
3
"Episode 3"
Kieran Prendiville
Sandy Johnson
30 June 1994 (1994-06-30)
When they get shore leave, the crew of Osprey Explorer pick up the pieces of their private lives. Archie rushes to the hospital where his ex-wife has been taken after a car crash. Ian and Hilary have a great day walking in the Highlands but later face a problem over their relationship. Tom is worried because his daughter Heather is spending too much time with Chris – a playboy twice her age.[4]
4
"Episode 4"
Kieran Prendiville
Sandy Johnson
7 July 1994 (1994-07-07)
A journalist is flown on to the Osprey Explorer, putting Chris in the spotlight.[4]
5
"Episode 5"
Kieran Prendiville
Sandy Johnson
14 July 1994 (1994-07-14)
While Tom and Izzy's worse fears for Heather are realised, something is wrong on the Osprey.[4]
6
"Episode 6"
Kieran Prendiville
Sandy Johnson
21 July 1994 (1994-07-21)
Dawn breaks and the stunned survivors wait on Osprey for news of their missing mates. Someone is responsible for the accident and the fingers point at the driller. Why isn't Chris there to defend himself?[4]
Series 2 (1995)
Episode
Title
Written by
Directed by
Original airdate
1
"Episode 1"
Kieran Prendiville
Aisling Walsh
9 November 1995 (1995-11-09)
The crew return to the Osprey Explorer for the first time since their colleague Ian's death.[4]
2
"Episode 2"
Kieran Prendiville
Aisling Walsh
16 November 1995 (1995-11-16)
The crew are held at gunpoint in the coffee shack by a group of masked men. As tempers rise, Cinders is transformed into a reluctant hero.[4]
3
"Episode 3"
Steve Coombes & Dave Robinson
Aisling Walsh
23 November 1995 (1995-11-23)
There's an outbreak of gambling on the Osprey and a young steward soon finds himself addicted. Cinders, a reformed gambler, decides to teach him a lesson – but who pays dearest in the end?[4]
4
"Episode 4"
Steve Coombes & Dave Robinson
Aisling Walsh
30 November 1995 (1995-11-30)
Following a crane accident on the rig, Archie and Village must face a full-scale enquiry. Heather is quite taken with Chris's long-lost brother.[4]
5
"Episode 5"
Alan Whiting
Aisling Walsh
7 December 1995 (1995-12-07)
Pressure testing problems cause trouble on the Osprey and tension mounts when some of the crew are forced to take a five per cent pay cut. Cinders is furious and sparks are flying at Greenacres too, where Izzy walks out leaving Tom in charge of the boarding house.[4]
6
"Episode 6"
Alan Whiting
Ailsing Walsh
14 December 1995 (1995-12-14)
Love is in the air as the promise of romance touches several of the crew.[4]
7
"Episode 7"
Brian Elsley
Aisling Walsh
21 December 1995 (1995-12-21)
After an accident on the rig, work stops and the crew takes a break in Norway.[4]
