I completely understand the problem Roy Clarke faced - Peter Sallis and Frank Thornton weren't getting any younger, the show needed a more mobile/younger trio. Bring Russ Abbott in, fine, fair enough.
However, they didn't need to give him the whole show! It doesn't help either that his character is a bit one note, and the whole 'spy who has forgotten everything' joke wears a bit thin.
There's not much else going on here other than that though sadly. They should have made Trevor Bannister's character a bit more likable, and if Barry was any dimmer he'd be locked up.
Yes, Abbott does bring a new energy, but it's actually a bit sad to see Cleggy and Truly just top and tailing episodes to remind us they're still there.
However, they didn't need to give him the whole show! It doesn't help either that his character is a bit one note, and the whole 'spy who has forgotten everything' joke wears a bit thin.
There's not much else going on here other than that though sadly. They should have made Trevor Bannister's character a bit more likable, and if Barry was any dimmer he'd be locked up.
Yes, Abbott does bring a new energy, but it's actually a bit sad to see Cleggy and Truly just top and tailing episodes to remind us they're still there.