Famous for its use of "Mockney", which sounded like Cockney slang but was made up by either George Cole or the scriptwriters. Some expressions became so well known they have since passed into the language, including "A nice little earner" (a profitable task), "'er indoors" (the wife), "give him a little slap" (beat him up).
The series was originally conceived as a vehicle for Dennis Waterman, after The Sweeney (UK) - in which Waterman co-starred - had finished the previous year. Initially, George Cole's character, Arthur Daley, was more of a secondary character, finding situations for Terry (Waterman) to get involved in each episode. But the great chemistry between the two characters quickly made itself apparent, and as a result Arthur was brought to the fore of storylines much more.
In Seasons 1 and 2, Terry McCann drove a white Mark II Ford Capri, registration SLE 71R; this car also features in the opening titles. However in some episodes he drove a white Mark I Capri (an earlier model which pre-dates the Mark II) which had the same registration number. In a publicity photograph for CI5 The Professionals (UK), taken from the book "The Complete Professionals" by Dave Rogers, George Cowley is seen standing beside a Rolls Royce... which also has the registration SLE 71R! According to DVLA records, the registration number officially relates to the Mark II Capri.
The brick house with imitation Greek pillars around the front door, used as Rose Mellors' house, was also used as Johnny and Sheila Lyon's house in "The Sweeney" (1975) {Queen's Pawn (#1.4)}.
Rose Mellors' white Mercedes 450SL bears the registration EUU 47V. This registration also appeared on a yellow Rover 2000 driven by Trenchard in "Bergerac" (1981) {Trenchard's Last Case (#7.8)}. According to DLVC records, the registration has never been used and is therefore fictitious.
The warehouse filled with tailor's dummies is the same one that was used in "The Professionals" (1977) {Spy Probe (#5.6)} where Ferris and Twig took Doyle to test his shooting abilities.
The character "The Syrup", who wears a variety of very unconvincing wigs, owes his nickname to Cockney rhyming slang: Syrup of Fig rhymes with Wig.
The mystery disease that Arthur claimed Terry was suffering from was originally scripted as the very rare but real affliction of Huntingdon's Chorea. However, after complaints from viewers, this was changed to the fictional 'Spotter Syndrome'. You can see the edit was dubbed on post production as we only hear Arthur say it off screen.
Penny Morrell, who plays the predatory, man-eating hotel owner Daphne Mount, is George Cole's real-life "'er indoors" (wife).
Not shown on TV - released only on video to schools to spread the anti-drugs message to schoolchildren.
In this episode the character played by Allie Byrne is spelled Lucy. In "Minder" (1979) {Three Cons Make a Mountain (#8.4)} it was spelled Lucie.
In this episode the character played by Allie Byrne is spelled Lucie. In "Minder" (1979) {The Loneliness of the Long Distance Entrepreneur (#8.1)} it was spelled Lucy.
This episode did not have the normal closing credits (Arthur and Ray on Southend Pier). Instead the credits were displayed over scenes from the episode. The opening titles (Arthur and Ray outside the Winchester Club) were as normal.
This episode did not have the normal opening titles (Arthur and Ray outside the Winchester Club). Instead the titles were displayed over scenes from the episode. The closing credits (Arthur and Ray on Southend Pier) were as normal.
This episode did not have the normal opening titles (Arthur and Ray outside the Winchester Club) and closing credits (Arthur and Ray on Southend Pier). Instead the titles and credits were displayed over scenes from the episode.
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