Inspired by the
Pete Davies' novel I Lost My Heart To The Belles — which was written about a
real-life club, the Doncaster Belles — Playing the Field ran for five series,
from 1998–2002, with scripts by, amongst others, Kay Mellor, Sally Wainwright
and Gaynor Faye.
Despite being set in South Yorkshire, much of the location filming took place in
Ilkeston, Derbyshire; whilst the theme song, "Blue" by Alison Moyet, was
originally a B-side track about the singer's love of Southend United FC. A young
Marsha Thomason — who has since appeared in U.S. shows Las Vegas and Lost —
featured in all five series of Playing the Field. The first four series have
been released on DVD in the UK, but the fifth has yet to be made available.
Whilst Seasons 1-4 have been released, season 5 has yet to make it to DVD, so
this is your chance to get it while you can.
Recorded from satellite television, the quality (compared to retail dvd) is
Video 8, Audio 8 (Very Good!).
DVDs are as follows.
Disc One
Playing the Field, Season 5, Episode 1
Now the proud mother of Jessica, Jo finds herself on the Blues sub's bench
thanks to new coach Gordon.
Playing the Field, Season 5, Episode 2
The first day of the court case comes to an end after Rick's shocking
revelations about George's paternity.
Playing the Field, Season 5, Episode 3
Holly becomes exhausted trying to combine work with looking after Lee and the
house, so they decide to hire a woman carer, but she is not all that she seems.
Disc Two
Playing the Field, Season 5, Episode 4
Holly is puzzled over carer Ruth's lack of contact with her son. To celebrate
success of the under-thirteen football tournament, Lee takes Holly away for her
birthday, much to Ruth's displeasure.
Playing the Field, Season 5, Episode 5
Jim and Francine are struggling to come to terms with the factory going into
receivership, but they put on a brave face at the women's professional football
league function. Martin persuades Rita to go and represent the Blues in the hope
that he might meet someone from Bradford City FC. His wish is answered when they
meet Ron Milligan, Bradford Chairman, who promises them VIP tickets for a match.
Martin is delighted to discover that his form teacher, Ben Harris, is a big fan
of Bradford and decides to invite him to the match. Rita worries that Ben is
Martin's only schoolfriend. After a chance encounter, Rita and Ben find
themselves getting closer. Martin is devastated to find out that his father's
girlfriend is having a baby. He then returns to find Rita and Ben kissing
passionately. Later he and other youths vandalise the clubhouse, setting it on
fire.
Playing the Field, Season 5, Episode 6
The clubhouse has burnt down and Jim's business has gone under. The team falls
apart amid accusations and guilt, whilst Pauline tries to win over Matthew's
priest as the wedding approaches.
