The Riff Raff Element is a 1990's British comedy-drama series written by Debbie Horsfield and directed by Jeremy Ancock, who also directed Dressing for Breakfast and episodes of The Bill and Bergerac. It was nominated for the British Academy Television Award for Best Drama Series in 1994.

Exiled Prospero lives on a desolate island with his daughter, Miranda. When Prospero's usurping brother sails by the island, Prospero conjures a storm that wrecks the ship and changes all of their lives.

In this compelling story of a daring conman, Leo Hopkins (Hugh Laurie) prospers from the greed of others - but his undeniable charm and willingness to take risks plunge him into a mess of troubles and worry. Addicted to gambling, seduced by his secretary and threatened by his corrupt boss, his life spirals downward and Leo must find a way to straighten himself out before he loses everything. Written by cmwinn1227

A London private eye on her first case probes the supposed suicide of a rich young man.