I had a feeling this would be love or hate, but I get the impression this could be fun if it was developed. I know the humour was dull, but doesn't it make a nice change, comedies have lost their sense of humour of late.
When he said Mr Leeman was dead i thought he said he's still in bed
Yes, I think there is some potential in this if given a series to gestate. This episode felt like a typical pilot in reintroducing old characters and introducing new ones, but without having a discernable plot to revolve around. With stronger storylines, the actors would have a chance to become more comfortable with their characters so that they could deliver the jokes with aplomb. Then perhaps there would be something to it. And there are storylines to be had, else why would they introduce this new Mr. Grace and his plan to modernize the store?
The BBC has invested quite a lot in this one, what with the elaborate sets that are so close to the original ones. It would be odd that all of that work was put into making just one episode. That's why I wouldn't be surprised if they commissioned an entire series. I wouldn't argue against it, either, because there are glimmers of promise to be had.
I thought it was OK as a retro piece. Too many critics appear to have taken it at face value rather than a nod-and-a-wink trip down memory lane.
shareThere is nothing like this on TV at the moment and we seriously need it. I haven't laughed so much for ages.
shareWell having just viewed this and of course the comments I have to say we were spoiled all those years ago. I suppose with all the sit coms we have used the catch phrases that are still popular. I was quite pleased at how they played the parts and wonder if the quite young of today would have got it. I thought the innuendo was OKAY. It was not Roy Chubby Brown. But I do have to hand it to Les Dawsons good friend who was VERY good at Mr Grainger's character.
With all the comments about the unusual placing of the Black character who cares. Mr Lucas was replaced before the end of the series and I always thought his line delivery was the least natural in that group. Had they used some of the LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR style dialogue now that would have been an attack on the PC brigades sensitivity. I believe they have all signed up to take a refugee each. Bless.
This is after all a celebration of those older series and as such try to capture it as it was. I am not one of those 'we did it so much better in my day' people. I chuckled.
The new junior was one of the few good parts. The new Mr. Grace was another good part. The new characters were good. The old ones, with bad actors doing bad impressions of the originals, stunk.
There was a moment when it worked well. When Mrs. Slocumb returned from her apartment. The cast members stopped trying so hard to be like the originals. There were some funny moments there. The Mr. Grainger, especially, suddenly clicked.