Season 1 • Episode 5
LatestCarl'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.
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.
Acting
Iain Glen's shark-eyed charisma before he became everyones tragic uncle.
Production
Thames Television capturing Londons criminal class with grimy authenticity.
Creator
Ray Burdis
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Broadcast during the Lawson boom, The Fear captures the moment British crime went yuppie — new money criminals in red braces terrorising old school firms who still remembered rationing.
Jerome Flynn appears here pre-Soldier Soldier and decades before Game of Thrones; his Freddie is a fascinating early sketch of the charming dangerous type he'd perfect.
GB
