A Perfect State was a 1997 British situation comedy starring Gwen Taylor, Richard Hope, Trevor Cooper, Emma Amos and Danny Webb. It debuted on BBC1 on Thursday 27 February 1997 and ran for seven episodes. Taylor took the leading role of Laura Fitzgerald, the Deputy Mayor of Flatby, a town on the East Coast of England. As the series begins, she is informed that because Flatby was never surveyed for the Domesday Book, it has never officially been annexed into the United Kingdom. As a result, and much to the chagrin of the Government in London, Laura rallies the townsfolk to declare Flatby an independent state. Most of the filming was carried out in Wivenhoe in Essex.
Episode One
Feb 27, 1997
The European fishing policy is causing outrage in Flatby-on-the-Bog. When deputy mayor Laura Fitzgerald discovers that, owing to the occasional submergence of the Flatby peninsula, Flatby has never been formally ratified as part of the British mainland, she sets out to convince her fellow councillors to declare the town an independent state.
Episode Two
Mar 6, 1997
Whitehall sends in the local Member of Parliament as Flatby's campaign for independence gathers steam. Bullying MP Bill Jarvis offers Mayor Winston an OBE to back down on the crusade. Laura is furious when she discovers Winston is planning to do a deal. She knows he has a vicious temper and primes the locals to provoke him to reveal all.
Episode Three
Mar 13, 1997
Radio Free Flatby is launched. Meanwhile, Whitehall's representative is on mission to stir up unrest in the newly created Independent State.
Episode Four
Mar 20, 1997
There is a power cut – another underhand Whitehall method of trying to bring the citizens to heel…
Episode Five
Mar 27, 1997
Flatby celebrates its Court victory with a street party. A wealthy businessman seems the answer to prayers when hospital funds are cut by Whitehall.
Episode Six
Apr 6, 1997
Malcolm struggles with his conscience when he is made Chief of Police, and an embassy for Simon is set up over the butcher's shop.
Episode Seven
Apr 13, 1997
The Independent State of Flatby is on a collision course with the UK Government by it buys liquor from the European continent and sells it cheap. A Customs post is set up. Unexpected invasion....
