Rabical-91 Reviews

Alfresco: Episode #1.1 (1983) Season 1, Episode 1

''Can you smell the burning?''

[8/10 · 29 April 2024]

A year after the three part pilot show 'There's Nothing To Worry About', Granada Television commissioned a further seven episodes and renamed the show 'Alfresco'. The same cast from the earlier show returned, with the exception of Paul Shearer, who was replaced by the up and coming ( and now sadly deceased ) Robbie Coltrane. The show was clearly set on being the next 'Monty Python', with its reliance on meaningless sketches, lack of punchlines and dark tone. Sadly, it failed to make waves and proved to be both a critical and ratings flop.

Ben Elton, who earlier managed to score television success with the BBC after co-writing 'The Young Ones' wrote the show more or less alone, with a small amount of additional material provided by Andy De La Tour and Robbie Coltrane. Sadly, unlike with 'The Young Ones' ( which he co-wrote with Rik Mayall and Lise Mayer ), Elton indulged himself too much here and, while there was the occasional funny moment, on the whole the show was disjointed and, for the most part, pretty dire.

The first sketch sees a nervous young man attempting to purchase a bottle of perfume from a department store as a gift for his mother. The assistant asks if he is buying it as a birthday present for her, to which he reveals he is buying her it as he is in love with her and hopes to persuade her to sleep with him!

A social worker tediously tries to get into the mind of an anti-social young girl with arsonist tendencies. However, when she carelessly discards a cigarette, she ends up setting fire to his office, however the social worker is too caught up in lecturing her to notice!

A musical item entitled 'Be A Pal' sees a slovenly couple singing of how they don't see the point in tidying their house as it will soon enough get filthy again in the long run!

A man auditions for a part in a war movie, only to find out that the film will be featuring real soldiers and troops and will be using real firearms, thus putting the actor's safety at risk!

This opening episode is amusing in places but the mostly ropey material, plus the smugness of some of the cast members showing through ( mostly from Stephen Fry and Ben Elton ) does the show very little favours. The show's theme tune, supplied by David McNiven, was a dreary saxophone arrangement of 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' which played over a cartoon style title sequence of a tramp busking in an underpass. Thankfully, McNiven carved a far more successful career as a musical composer when he relocated to BBC Scotland. The show's biggest saving grace is Robbie Coltrane, who throughout his career never once failed to shine in the spotlight.

Funniest sketch - probably the 'Be A Pal' musical sequence, particularly for this piece of dialogue.

WIFE: I donated the contents of the refrigerator to Salmonella Research.

HUSBAND: What did they make out of it?

WIFE: A fortune in tranquilizers!

Christmas Hamper (1985 TV Movie)

Different channel, same rubbish!

[1/10 · 29 April 2024]

In the '80's, Stanley Baxter's contract with LWT was terminated due to the station being unable to foot the costs of his television specials. Michael Grade, who was a huge fan of Baxter, invited him to return to the BBC. His first show for them was this 1985 special entitled 'Christmas Hamper'. If it had been more similar to the show he did for the BBC back in the '60's, all would have been well, but no! Baxter, obviously not one to learn from past experience indulged yet again in more over-performed, over-budgeted sketches with lavish costumes and just like the LWT shows, it was not particularly funny. One sketch had Baxter as Dorothy from 'The Wizard Of Oz'. I don't know about some folk, but to me it is rather odd and somewhat uncomfortable watching an elderly man prancing about as a young girl! Just as well Operation Yewtree was not in existence back then. Baxter's name would have been a dead cert to be on the list!

Baxter did one more show for the BBC the following year -'Stanley Baxter's Picture Annual' but yet again, his insistence on relying on sketches and songs with lavish sets and costumes proved yet again his downfall and thankfully his contract was terminated yet again!

Budgie: In Deep (1971) Season 1, Episode 5

Budgie in colour

[10/10 · 29 March 2024]

The first sight of our friend Budgie in colour. The first four episodes having been filmed in black and white due to industrial action affecting LWT at this time.

A shady looking man seats himself next to Budgie in a cinema clutching a briefcase. This is Maurice Khan, a notorious gangster who is being tailed by the police. Moments later, officers raid the place and arrest the man in question. As soon as he is gone, Budgie looks inside the case and is astonished to find it stuffed to overflowing with money. Knowing the rascal as we do, his sticky fingers go into action.

Hazel, strapped for cash and desperate to feed her child, pleads with Charlie Endell for a job. Taking pity on her, he gives a job as a barmaid at a drinking club he owns, however he ropes Budgie into working for him too. Initially, things look to be going well however Khan is on the run from jail and is after Budgie's blood for making off with his cash...

Very good stuff. Only someone with Budgie's lack of intelligence would squander dirty money without any regard as to repercussions. However, Budgie for once comes up from this disaster unscathed. Just as Khan corners Budgie in regards to the missing cash, the police raid the club and close it down due to it being unlicensed and at the same time apprehend Khan.

One of the club members is played by the late John Savident, who would later play Fred Elliott in 'Coronation Street'.

Full Swing (1996)

The grass isn't green for Tarby!

[8/10 · 18 March 2024]

With snooker based game show 'Big Break' ( hosted by Jim Davidson ) proving a huge hit, the BBC tried to replicate its success with a similar idea, 'Full Swing', a game show combining golfing skills with general knowledge. The host was Jimmy Tarbuck, with Rosemarie Ford ( most famous for 'The Generation Game' ) acting as narrator. Tarby would pair off contestants with a celebrity golfer. However, unlike 'Big Break', 'Full Swing' was a colossal flop and for two very good reasons. For one, it was more than obvious it was a cheap imitation of 'Big Break' ( even down to it's theme tune ). Secondly, having Tarby as host. Yes, I am aware that Tarby was a keen, knowledgeable golfer, but sadly he was none too hot as a presenter or comic. Jimmy lacked the same likeability that Davidson possessed in 'Big Break' and consequently it doomed the show to sink from day one!

It was like this, Tarby would open each show with some jokes ( well, they were supposed to be jokes ) before introducing the contestants and pairing them off with a celebrity golfer. The celebrity would be the one to take the swing with the use of a virtual reality styled golfing game whilst the contestant would be required to answer general knowledge questions. The star prize for the winner would usually be a holiday however even if the contestant lost, they would at least go home with a trophy in the shape of a golf ball.

Celebrity guests included the likes of Eric Sykes, Tim Brooke Taylor, Ronnie Corbett, Ian St. John, Gareth Hale and Norman Pace, some of which looked distinctly uncomfortable in taking part.

'Full Swing' was axed after only eight episodes due to a poor critical reception and disappointing ratings. Overall, it was not too bad, worth watching for the sport alone if you can overlook Tarby's attempts to be funny.

Budgie: Grandee Hotel (1971) Season 1, Episode 4

''I'll crucify the little b*****d!''

[10/10 · 18 March 2024]

Budgie, with Hazel in tow, arranges to meet Charlie Endell at the Grandee Hotel, a gaudy Spanish style joint where the manager's ambitions for the place do not match the passion for he has for his marriage craving receptionist, with whom he is having an affair.

Budgie has arranged to meet Charlie at the hotel to try and offload a stolen film projector onto him ( silly boy ) however Charlie, knowing it has fallen off of the back of a lorry, wants to have nothing to do with it. So now what must he do?

Meanwhile, a Mr. Oliphant is staying at the hotel who is looking to find his estranged teenage daughter, who is reported to be staying at the hotel, whilst salesman Mr. Grindlay is having trouble trying to find a buyer for his consignment of mincemeat.

'Grandee Hotel' is a fine piece of work. It has it all. Humour, tension, pathos. Iain Cutherbertson really comes into his own here. He is arrogrant, controlling and a bully yet for some bizarre reason likeable. The late June Lewis makes her debut as his mute wife Mrs. Endell ( mute only because Charlie doesn't give her the chance to get a word in ).

Quite an interesting supporting cast here too. As hotelier Jeff Staines we have Anthony Valentine and Sylvia Kay of 'Just Good Friends' as his lovely receptionist Eileen. Peter Sallis ( Clegg from 'Last Of The Summer Wine' ) plays the mousy Mr. Oliphant while Preston Lockwood appears as the mincemeat pushing Grindlay. 'Love Thy Neighbour' star Jack Smethurst has a small role as a drunken customer who Budgie cons into believing there is a blue movie exhibition going on at the hotel.

The episode ends on a sad note as Oliphant discovers from the hotel receptionist that his daughter's lifeless body has been found in one of the rooms, having taken her own life via an overdose.

Michael Bentine's Square World (1977 TV Movie)

Bentine back on the box

[8/10 · 18 March 2024]

A one-off special return to the box for Michael Bentine, screened as part of the 'Comedy Special' pilot strand in 1977.

It was more or less a continuation of his '60's television show 'It's A Square World', with a selection of bombastic sketches interspersed with monologues to camera by Bentine himself, such as extolling the virtues of hydroelectricity.

The first sketch sees a farmer woken up by a crowing cockerel. Irritated, the farmer silences the bird by blasting it with a shotgun!

Two shovels digging holes end up fighting with each other. When the losing shovel dies a dramatic death and sinks down into the ground out of sight, the winning shovel buries the fallen shovel by scooping earth on top of him!

There is also an amusing spoof featuring Bentine as famous diver Jacques Cousteau done in a similar vein to Benny Hill's famous shows for Thames Television.

This stand alone show made for pleasant viewing, though there were, and still are, shows of far higher quality. Some of the sketches wouldn't have looked out of place on 'Monty Python's Flying Circus'. Bentine himself came across overall as amiable and likeable enough, who at this time was still presenting his children's television show 'Potty Time'.

Like I said, pleasant, unassuming entertainment on the whole but sadly no further series developed.

Budgie: Brains (1971) Season 1, Episode 3

Stamped on from a great height!

[10/10 · 14 March 2024]

Having been forced to leave his flat in Soho, Budgie returns to Watford to kip down at the flat if his estranged wife Jean, who works at the local supermarket and is having an affair with the store supervisor. She is less than pleased to see him however still puts him up.

Budgie's latest 'get rich quick' scheme sees him attempting to flog knocked off trading stamps. However, Charlie Endell points out to the gullible deadbeat that people wouldn't be daft enough to buy stamps for trading when it is cheaper to buy the goods outright from the retailers. Budgie however refuses to listen.

When punters show no interest, Budgie decides to trade them in for goods to sell on instead. However the store manager realises straight away that they are fake and calls for the police, forcing Budgie to make a run for it...

Lynn Dalby is absent from this edition, which provides an excuse to introduce the other woman in Budgie's life, his wife Jean, played by the late Georgina Hale. He treats her no different than he does Hazel. Not that Jean herself is a saint. However, it still doesn't justify the verbal vitriol she endures from Budgie.

Good episode, though Lynn Dalby is missed, and Georgina Hale's dog whistle like voice does grate on one after a while.

Budgie: Some Mothers' Sons (1971) Season 1, Episode 2

Budgie gets fleeced

[9/10 · 13 March 2024]

Budgie is looking for a flat to hole up in for a few weeks. Charlie lets him stay in a flat in Soho but there is a snag. Budgie has to act as minder to a group of illegal immigrants, whom Charlie is harbouring as a favour to a shady estate agent. With nowhere else to go, Budgie reluctantly agrees to the deal.

Worse problems are to come for Budgie though as Hazel is taking him to court for not paying towards the welfare of their illegitimate son..

Not as good as the first episode but very good stuff nonetheless. You have to wonder why someone of Charlie Endell's intelligence would entrust Budgie to act as minder to a group of immigrants considering he failed to mind Charlie's stripper in the pilot episode, unless of course he was setting Budgie up for a fall as revenge. The building where Budgie flat is gets raided by the police as it is listed as a house of ill repute that the police have been watching for some time. Budgie is out on his ear yet again.

Nicholas Smith, Mr. Rumbold of 'Are You Being Served?', plays the arresting officer who immediately recognises Budgie from old.

Budgie: Out (1971) Season 1, Episode 1

Budgie spreads his wings

[10/10 · 11 March 2024]

Recently for the first time in years I have decided to revisit this splendid Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall scripted LWT drama starring the late great Adam Faith as hapless petty criminal Ronald 'Budgie' Bird. After all these years, it was a pleasure watching it again. It had lost not one iota of it's appeal.

'Out' begins with recidivist Budgie being released from prison after serving a sentence for theft. No sooner than is he out that he is up to his old tricks. Whilst leaving a transport cafe, he notices a regular customer who works as a delivery driver has a habit of leaving his keys in the ignition whilst he has his meal. He puts his brain into action and plots a scam.

Needing somewhere to stay, he dosses at his downtrodden girlfriend Hazel's house. Needing money, he borrows £40 from Glaswegian villain Charles Endell, who owns a shady strip club as well as a dirty book shop. Endell lends him the money on the condition that Budgie looks after Charlie's underage stripper Charity, who has a voracious appetite. He uses Charity and friend and fellow crook Grogan ( who is about as bright as a blackout ) to help him steal the van from the transport cafe. However, because Grogan is too busy flirting with Charity ( which technically makes him a paedophile ), Budgie ends up stealing the wrong van, an unmarked police van no less...

Worse to come, Grogan runs off with Charlie's stripper. Charlie is fuming...

From day one, you know Budgie is destined to be nothing more than a pathetic loser. Budgie truly is an unredeemable character. He is greedy, selfish, two-faced and only looks after number one. He treats the women in his life like dirt. However thanks to his own incompetence things never go right. This wonderful opener got the series off to a cracking start. Though the relationship between Grogan and Charity would likely cause controversy now. Adrienne Posta plays the gluttonous Charity.

Paul Squire Esq.: Episode #1.5 (1983) Season 1, Episode 5

''The bank robber's son wants to follow in his father's fingerprints!''

[8/10 · 6 March 2024]

Episode five opens with Paul saying of how he is feeling so depressed he wants to drown his sorrows but he cant as he can't get the wife to go swimming!

A man goes into a bank and asks the clerk, ''is this the listening bank?''. ''Yes it is'' says the cheery clerk. ''Well I'm from the talking robbers!'' says the man as he pulls a gun out towards the now terrified clerk!

Two coal miners in a bar discuss the possibility of hydro electricity becoming the new source of energy. ''It will never work!'' says one of the miners. As he takes a drink from his pint, the light on his hard hat suddenly springs into life.

A cowboy sheriff trying to enjoy a drink in a saloon bar is irritated by the other cowboys making rustling noises from reading their newspapers. ''That's it, your are all under arrest for rustling!'' says the sheriff to the bemused cowboys!

A cowboy asks a deaf barman for a beer. The barman mishears and draws a beard on the bewildered barman's face. The cowboys turns to face a cowboy bent double over a table. ''What's wrong with you?'' he asks the stricken cowboy. ''I tried asking him for some roasted nuts!'' he painfully answers!

Not bad penultimate episode but it is hampered somewhat with the dire musical interludes from Marti Webb. Two names in the writing credits include Rob Grant & Doug Naylor, who later provided sketches for 'Spitting Image' and also later find sitcom success with 'Red Dwarf'.

Funniest sketch - the sketch involving the deaf saloon barman, particularly for the 'roasted nuts' gag! Those sort of jokes never get old!

Paul Squire Esq.: Episode #1.4 (1983) Season 1, Episode 4

''Did you hear about the tramp who stole a bottle of perfume? He was charged with fragrancy!''

[10/10 · 26 February 2024]

A decent fourth episode of the underrated 'Paul Squire Esq'.

Paul begins by giving us some helpful advice on how to keep garden lawns tidy: ''You sprinkle whisky on your lawn and it comes up half cut!''. Paul then goes on to regale us with some fine impersonations of Tommy Cooper and Bobby Ball among many others.

A blindfolded knife thrower takes aim and throws a lethal looking knife at his male subject, to which point we hear a blood curdling scream. The knife thrower sheepishly moves over to a board reading 'The Great Waldo & Robert' and puts a letter 'A' next to Robert's name, making it read 'The Great Waldo & Roberta'!

In a Chinese takeaway, Paul asks the waiter for number 12 from the menu, however the waiter takes him literally, removes the number from the menu and hands it to Paul, who is left standing staring in confusion.

An elderly couple sit around a coal fire reminiscing about the good old days. ''We had some good times, Maggie'' says the old man. ''My name's Bertha!'' replies the old woman in confusion. The old man rolls his eyes in despair as he realises he is in the wrong house!

This edition was a great improvement over the previous week's effort, boasting some fine visual comedy and some great mimicry yet again from Paul. It was just such a pity he never caught on with the public. Had he arrived before the 'alternative comedy' brigade took over the box, he may have stood a better chance of finding his niche on television.

Funniest sketch - without shadow of a doubt the knife throwing sketch. It takes a person with zero sense of humour to not at least snigger at this one!

Paul Squire Esq.: Episode #1.3 (1983) Season 1, Episode 3

''We can make a car in one minute!'' ''I know you can, I bought the bugger!''

[8/10 · 21 February 2024]

The third episode of 'Paul Squire Esq' begins with Paul being asked ''Do you think there is life on mars?'', to which Paul replies: ''No, I thought it was just chocolate!''.

A middle aged couple sit in their living room wondering what is taking their son so long to get changed after returning from school. Suddenly, wolf like cries can be heard coming from upstairs, however the parents do not react at all to this. Moments after, the son appears in the living room, having transformed into a hideous werewolf. Nonplussed, the father says to him: ''You were a long time changing!''

A glum looking man sits at the dinner table complaining to his wife that he is not happy about the other 'night'. ''Why ever not?'' she enquires. The man replies: ''Because he gets bigger portions than I do!''. We then see that there is a man in a knight's suit of armor sitting at the table with them!

A group of bank robbers go through a complicated and highly confusing rehearsal of their operation plan to rob a bank. Satisfied that his goons have gotten the hang of how the operation takes place, the boss of the group says: ''Smashing! See you on Sunday!''.

A corporal dismisses his troop of soldiers so they can enjoy their leave. Making their way towards a parked bus, they gain entry by breaking down the windscreen, kicking doors open and in general damaging the bus beyond use. Eventually, one of the soldiers enquires: ''Does anyone have the keys to this thing?''

The third episode is okay but one or two of the items are a bit threadbare, some of which look like bottom drawer sketches from 'The Little & Large Show'. The musical interludes from Little Foxes and Melba Moore are pretty naff too. Luckily, Paul's fine impersonations and witty stand up gags keep the episode afloat. In the supporting cast in this edition are Michael Robbins and David Barry, the latter better known as Frankie Abbot from 'Please Sir' and the former best known as Arthur from 'On The Buses'.

Funniest sketch - probably the 'soldiers on leave' sketch. As I've said before sometimes the simplest of jokes can be the best!

The Stretch (2000 TV Movie)

Grantham and Dobson at it again!

[8/10 · 15 February 2024]

Tiring of 'Eastenders', both Leslie Grantham and Anita Dobson, who played warring husband and wife Den and Angie Watts, left Albert Square back in the late '80's. Surprisingly however, in 2000 the two reunited on-screen for a two part drama show 'The Stretch', screened by Sky One. Grantham played Terry Greene, a shady two timing drug dealer. Anita Dobson played the role of his long suffering but hard as nails wife Sam Greene. It all begins with Terry being in the dock, facing a life sentence for murder. While Terry is behind bars attempting to find a way out, Sam is forced against her better judgement to run his shady business empire. Terry eventually is acquitted but that does not spell the end of his and Sam's troubles. The two are left with even bigger fish to fry.

As Sam and Terry, Dobson and Grantham were Den and Angie in all but name. That said, the two made for strong leads and the result was an intriguing and gripping drama, well acted and well written. Sadly, being a Sky One production, hardly anyone saw it and today it seems to have just faded into oblivion, which is a shame. It deserved far better treatment. Anita Dobson's husband, Brian May, the rock guitarist from Queen, wrote the show's terrifying theme music.

Street Fighter II' Turbo: Hyper Fighting (1992 Video Game)

''Sonic Boom!''

[10/10 · 17 January 2024]

A year after 'Street Fighter II- The World Warrior' became Nintendo's biggest seller ( next to the series of 'Super Mario' games ), 'Street Fighter II Turbo' was made. It was more or less the same as the 'World Warrior' game save in one important respect - the four previously unplayable characters - American boxer Balrog, Spanish bullfigher Vega, Muay Thai figher Sagat and head of Shadaloo crime organisation M. Bison - now appeared as playable characters. Other than that it was business as usual and yet again an excellent gaming past time. Proof that the second game in the series became the most popular in the franchise is the fact that it was ported to nearly every gaming console that was on release at that time, as well a further adaption - 'Super Street Fighter 2 - The New Challengers' - being released the following year, featuring new characters and fighting zones. That edition proved so popular it was re-released in 2003 on the PS2 to mark the 15th anniversary of the much loved franchise. In 1994, 'Street Fighter - The Movie' went on release but it was panned universally by both fans and critics. I don't care much for the more recent adaptions of 'Street Fighter' ( too much effort seems to be put into the graphics rather than the quality of the gameplay itself ) but the originals I could play until the cows come home. As the match announcer would say: ''Perfect!''.

Punchdrunk (1993– )

The show that punched above its weight!

[7/10 · 14 January 2024]

Sitcoms concerning sport generally have not been very successful, aside from the cricket themed 'Outside Edge'. In 1973, Ronnie Barker played the leading role of a football trainer in 'Spanner's Eleven', a sitcom pilot for his 'Seven Of One' anthology show scripted by Roy Clarke. It had some funny moments but was not deemed successful enough to spawn a series. In 1989, Eric Sykes against his better judgement signed up for a short lived, and frankly dreadful, golf themed sitcom entitled 'The Nineteenth Hole'. In 1993, BBC Scotland commissioned a sitcom about boxing entitled 'Punchdrunk'. The show was written by Brian Clarke ( who wrote under the pen-name Clayton Moore ), who had previously gained some writing experience providing sketches for 'Scotch & Wry' and 'Naked Video' ( in particular a very funny one for the latter in which a drunk piper vomits through a set of bagpipes whilst trying to play them ). Sadly, despite the interesting premise, the show didn't pack much of a punch and lasted for just one series. Despite some very funny moments and some witty dialogue, it is not particularly hard to see why, but more on that later.

The show centres around Vinnie Binns - played by the late Kenny Ireland - a slovenly boxing manager for a failing boxing gym whose career is hanging on by a thread. His best fighter, Danny Boyle ( Grant Smeaton ), is forced to retire after being seriously injured in his last fight. Other problems Vinnie suffers from is that his father, who once owned the gym, was popular amongst the fighters and Vinnie often feels he is trying to hard to follow in his late father's footsteps. As if that isn't bad enough, he also has fierce competition in the shape of Pat Hunter ( played wonderfully by the late Sean Scanlan ), a corrupt rival manager for a more salubrious, more successful boxing gym and who has a habit of poaching Vinnie's fighters. Pat's new protege is the muscular Slug ( Gilbert Martin ), a spotty faced thug with the brain of a zombie.

One night in a pub, Vinnie and his assistant Neillie ( the late Jake D'Arcy ) spot a young man involved in a pub brawl and impressed by his fighting skills sign him up for the gym. This is Hance Gordon, a handsome, sharp tongued bare knuckle fighter with the potential to be a star fighter. However, things are not plain sailing from there. Vikki Brown, a bright headed female doctor, who leads a campaign to abolish boxing, tries to put Vinnie out of business but ends up involved in a romantic entanglement with both Vinnie and Hance.

By all accounts, there was much friction between the cast and production crew. Allegedly, Ireland threatened to walk out on production unless the scripts were re-written so that he would get the girl, which stretched belief as no one would believe that a posh, good looking woman like Vikki would take up with a slob like Vinnie. Also, unlike the earlier 'Just Good Friends', there was no suspense or build up to the romance between Vikki and Hance either. Everything seemed rushed and left the show with too many voids to fill. I am not surprised that Moore never sold another sitcom. The drama involved in the making of 'Punchdrunk' would have been enough to put any writer off the idea of trying to sell a show again! The performances were strong, particularly from John Kazek, who made for a likeable enough protege as Hance. Claire Nielson was rather good in the role of Hance's blowsy mother Elsie and as I stated at the start of the review the show was not without its funny moments but after just six episodes the towel was thrown in and Clayton Moore stepped out of the ring forever after that.

Rab C. Nesbitt: Rab in Hoodie (2014) Season Unknown, Episode Unknown

''I may be Robin Hood, but I'm also a robbing b*****d!''

[10/10 · 2 January 2024]

Firstly may I wish all IMDb users a happy new year.

Season 10 of 'Rab C. Nesbitt' was by and large a disappointment. The ideas were more far fetched and less original than before, also the harshening of Mary's character did the show no favours. It just did not work. At the beginning of 2014, two and a bit years after the final series ended, Ian Pattison devised a one off special to round the show off. Despite some trepidation, I still tuned in and was relieved when the show returned to form. Rab was no longer trying to battle the drink, Mary was more like her old self and most importantly, Iain Robertson did not return as Gash. He simply was not suited to the role. Andrew Fairlie portrayed Gash as streetwise and tough. Iain Robertson's portrayal of Gash portrayed him as more of a wimp. He was not in the slightest bit believable as an ex-drug addict.

This special sees Rab and Mary attempting to fool the D. W. P that they are exempt from paying bedroom tax by claiming to use their spare bedroom as Rab's study area ( where he claims to study horse racing ), however the snooty council inspector is not fooled. Matters are made worse by the fact that Mary and Ella's cleaning company has finally dissolved and they are forced to rely on handouts from the local food bank. Desperate to help, and to pay for their granddaugher Peaches' school cruise trip as promised, Rab enlists the help of Jamesie and Andra to help him gain money. Donning hooded jackets, Rab names himself 'Rab In Hoodie' ( inspired of course by 'Robin Hood' ), with Jamesie and Andra acting as his merry men. Their thieving of course is not just for personal gain, they are doing it to help out the poor and under-paid, gaining them local support and favourable news coverage!

However, their luck does run out and the trio are eventually arrested by the arrogant Inspector Cromer ( who has been tailing them ), but not before making sure Peaches' achieves her boarding pass for the school cruise...

Yet again, it is nice to see Rab as the hero again, even if the gains are made by dishonest means, at least the intentions are honorable. Iain McColl sadly died the year before this special was made and so his character Dodie was written out again. Also, Cora Bissett did not return as barmaid Camille. Her place was taken by Sally Reid as the more surly Jeanette. The special was well received but did not lead on to a further series. Gregor Fisher later started work on his autobiograpy 'The Boy From Nowhere' and also went on to work on a remake of 'Whisky Galore'. Elaine C. Smith later moved onto the Simon Carlyle and Gregor Sharp scripted show 'Two Doors Down' alongside Alex Norton and Arabella Weir. The idea of a 'Rab C. Nesbitt' farewell tour was mooted but never came to pass for one reason or another ( though it could have been that around that time Gregor Fisher suffered a heart attack ). Brian Pettifer, who played Andra, went on to condemn the show, claiming that he never enjoyed working on the show and has never rewatched any repeats. ''Most people in England have never heard of 'Rab C. Nesbitt' he told the 'Daily Record'. Strange considering it was a national show and proved every bit as popular outside of Scotland as it did in. Believe it or not, more recently it has even been screened over in America. Johnny Depp became such a fan he drew inspiration from the character to master his Scottish accent for playing the Mad Hatter in the 2009 remake of 'Alice In Wonderland'!

With the ease in which people get offended in this day and age, it will be unlikely that any further shows of 'Rab' will be made. Though it has been repeated uncut on That's TV recently and has also appeared on streaming platform Britbox, albeit each episode prefaced with a warning disclaimer.

Funniest bit - before being subdued by the police, Rab turns to the camera and says: ''I should say something along the lines of ''It's a far better thing I do now than I've ever done before!'' but sometimes words just don't say enough!'', afterwards he delivers a swift head butt to the snidey Inspector Cromer. Serves the git right!

Second funniest bit - Jamesie and Rab in their jail cell trying to burrow their way out by digging the floor up with spoons. The floor eventually gives way and the two sink out of sight. Unfortunately, their cell is situated above the sewage disposal tank!

Scotch & Wry: Episode dated 31 December 1985 (1985) Season Unknown, Episode Unknown

''I haven't wrapped my fish-heads in newspaper!''

[8/10 · 26 December 2023]

Merry Christmas to all IMDb users, and yes, even to those who have not been too complimentary against my reviews of late. Christmas is after all a time of peace and goodwill.

The 1985 special of 'Scotch & Wry' starts off with a sexy woman in bed lighting a cigarette after just making love. ''Did you enjoy that?'' she says to the as of yet unseen figure. We then cut to see Santa Claus getting dressed. ''Well it makes a change from a glass of milk and a biscuit!''. We are then onto a sketch with Supercop stopping before a large U. F. O which is situated on a street corner under a 'No Parking At Anytime' sign. The green faced alien alights and approaches Supercop. Far from being frightened by the extraterrestrial being, he bluntly tells him ''You can't park here, you're on a double yellow line!''. ''I was forced to land here!'' explains the alien. ''I had trouble with asteroids near uranus!''.

Dirty Dicky Dandruff makes his second and final appearance here in a sketch in which he is seen making a hotpot, however things don't go to plan as we see him unsuccessfully trying to ignite a microwave oven as though he were lighting a gas stove. We then see a man in an R. A. F costume walk past, to which Dicky replies: ''Now I see what's happened, the pilot's just went oot!''.

A man watching television is interrupted by a knock at the door from his local binman who is obviously hinting for a Christmas box. The man refuses to give him money so the binman then upends the man's dustbin contents all over his living room floor until the man relents and gives him some money. However, the binman realises he is at the wrong house. Handing the man his money back, he tells him: ''I'm terribly sorry to have troubled you, your wife paid this morning!''. He then scampers off, leaving the bewildered man standing staring at the disgusting mess left on his living room floor!

Dracula flies in through a set of French windows on a stormy night and sees the figure of a woman lying in bed. Gleefully, he sinks his fangs into the woman's neck. We then hear the sounds of escaping air followed by a rapidly deflating blow-up doll catapulting out of the window!

An elderly woman attends a driving school for what is revealed to be the 79th time. The instructor is extremely reluctant to take her out driving again due to her penchant for dangerous driving however is forced into doing so by the manager. ''Remember the hand signals!'' says the manager to the instructor before he leaves. The instructor then crosses himself in silent prayer.

A man stuffed up with a nasty cold asks a British Rail ticket clerk for a second class return ticket to Nottingham. However the clerk cannot understand him and suggests he buy some Tunes throat lozenges from the kiosk to clear his airways. Returning moments later, he asks again in a much clearer voice for a ticket. ''I'm sorry, the last train left two minutes ago!'' says the clerk as he pulls down the window shutter. Leaving the man standing there staring in bewilderment. The sketch was a parody of an advert for Tunes in which Peter Cleall played the customer with a cold while Robin Parkinson played the ticket clerk. Here Gregor Fisher played the Peter Cleall role while Robin Parkinson's role was played by Rikki Fulton.

A drunk man wakes up in a morgue and thinks he has died after drinking a lethal cocktail consisting of Irn Bru, Windowlene and lighter fluid. However, a nurse comes through an explains that he merely passed out after having too much too drink. Relieved, he gets up to leave. As he makes to go, a corpse raises from under a shroud and says in an ghostly voice: ''Before you go, gonnae get me another one of those cocktails!'' The man stands frozen in horror upon seeing this!

The Reverend I. M. Jolly reveals on air a letter he received from a suicidal parishioner. ''If I had the money, I would take the bus to Erskine bridge and throw myself off!'' reads Jolly. ''Well, I couldn't ignore such a heart wrenching plea from this poor man, so I sent him his bus fare!'' says Jolly.

This 1985 special is quite funny, though the earlier specials, and indeed the ones that would follow, are much better. Some of the sketches, such as the drunk father embarrassing the bride and groom during his speech at their wedding, are rather tedious, equally so is the sketch involving a socially awkward man asking sports pundit Archie McPherson for an autograph, only then to be disappointed to discover that he is not Bamber Gasgoine ( as the man thought him to be ), but there are overall still more solid sketches than there are sloppy. Annette Staines appears in some sketches as supporting female characters. Good to see Claire Nielson again too!

Barbara Dickson's musical interludes here see her singing 'Rising Waters' and 'Soldiers' ( the latter a cover of Abba's 1981 hit ).

Funniest sketch - without doubt the driving lesson sketch. There are too many hilarious one liners to list here but Bob Black's wonderful sketch is brought to life not just by Rikki Fulton but by Claire Nielson as well. The moment in which Fulton has to be dragged onto the set kicking and screaming by Tony Roper was not scripted! Rikki ad-libbed this hilarious moment while is was being broadcast live!

Second funniest sketch - a post closing credits sequence which sees the cast as themselves as though they have just finished watching this episode talking happily amongst themselves until the continuity announcer reveals that 'The Hogmanay Show' is about to start. We then see Rikki frantically picking up the television set and chucking it through the window! Sometimes I feel like doing that when I see Jackie Bird appearing on 'Hogmanay Live'!

Scotch & Wry: Episode dated 31 December 1983 (1983) Season Unknown, Episode Unknown

''Who the hell wants to be in Dingwall on New Year's Eve?''

[10/10 · 15 December 2023]

The 1982 Special of 'Scotch & Wry' was considered worthy of a national airing and was networked on 1/1/1983 however it did not prove particularly successful South of the Border and was never networked again thereafter. Why this was the case I have no explanation for. However, the show was still popular on its own turf and was awarded a Hogmanay special on the same year as the national broadcast.

Gregor Fisher returns for this edition and it is more than obvious that by this point he has became as much, if not more, of a comic genius as Rikki. Claire Nielson makes a welcome return, playing her usual collection of female characters, though Tony Roper is still absent ( presumably busy with other commitments ). Appearing in supporting/background roles are future 'Brookside' actor Steven Pinder and Shiela Grier.

A post opening credits sketch sees two brassy women appearing at the door of a drab looking building which is opened by a furtive looking man. ''We are friends of Big Alex!'' says one of the women to the man. The man then allows them in and the sounds of a drunken orgy can be heard. The camera then pans up to reveal that the building is in fact a police station!

Supercop appears three times in this edition. The opening sketch sees him pulling over a female motorist who turns out to be a long lost love who jilted him at the alter. She reveals how well she has done since they last met. She is a millionare with a large mansion however she recognises that Supercop must uphold his profession. After a battle with his conscience, he allows her to go. He then laments to the audience: ''The poor wee soul has suffered enough as it is!''. The second sketch sees him calling at a house party to tell the head of the house that he has some bad news regarding the man's mother in law: ''She will be here in five minutes!'' he warns the disgruntled man! The third sketch sees him at home sitting with his wife and son where he listens to his wife reading their son a bedtime story. The boy falls asleep before the end so she stops reading. ''Why did you stop? I want to know what happens to Little Red Riding Hood!'' whines Supercop in a petulant voice!

A man eagerly switches his television set on to watch a match between Celtic vs Rangers. ''Make sure you get uninterrupted coverage of the match!'' says the narrator. ''Don't worry, I will!'' says the man to himself smugly, whereupon it is revealed that he has gagged his wife and tied her to a chair!

A heavily made up woman, covered in expensive looking jewellery is extolling the virtues of how good Laddie dog food is. ''My Sandy swears by it!'' she says, ''It lasts him for days and I manage to save enough on the housekeeping to treat myself now and again''. We then see her putting the dish down in front of Sandy, who happens to be a very ill looking old man!

In what is my favourite sketch of all time, A barber with questionable hygiene named Alky Broon ( ''the cheeriest barber in toon!'' ) employs some very unconventional ( as well as pain-inducing ) hair cutting methods to his customer. ''Does this feel sharp to you?'' asks Alky to the customer as he casually drags an open razor across the poor man's face. To make matters worse, moments later he cuts off the man's ear, much to his distress! Alky Broon made two more appearances in the show, once in the 1989 special ( though on that occasion he was a dentist, not a barber ) and once more in the 1992 special.

Two men in a bar discuss unemployment. Holding a UB40 card, one of the men says: ''I'm one of the three million unemployed. I just hope the government knows what's going on!'' says the man. The other man then holds out a fistful of UB40 cards and says: ''I'm twelve of the three million unemployed and I just hope the government doesn't know what's going on!''

A hard man challenges another hard man to a fight in a pub. Breaking a bottle against the bar, the first man holds the broken shard to the other's face and asks threateningly: ''Are you Mad Mick McDonald, the meanest, dirtiest, hardest man in Glasgow?'' . Mad Mick then takes hold of another bottle and starts eating it. ''Aye!'' he growls to the man whilst spitting out chunks of broken glass. The first man then replies in a terrified voice: ''can you tell me the right time please?''.

Closing the show as always is the lugubrious Reverend I. M. Jolly, giving an insight into what the year 1984 will be like: ''Big Brother is watching you? Big Sister more like!''

The 1983 special of 'Scotch & Wry' although not as good as the previous year's special is still cracking fun. Tony Roper is missed though. Thankfully he would return the following year for each subsequent special up until 1991. Gregor Fisher as I said here steals the spotlight on many occasions, particularly in a sketch which was a spoof of the dire STV gardening programme 'The Beechgrove Garden' ( which Gregor ironically later appeared on ), in which the two presenters treat a glass of whisky as though it were a potted plant! Steven Pinder is not bad but does not have the same chemistry with Rikki as Gregor and Tony do. Shiela Grier too alas does not get much to do at all, apart from stand in the background looking pretty. They did not return to the show's subsequent specials.

Barbara Dickson returns to provide the show's musical interludes giving us 'Answer Me' and 'Little By Little In Love'.

Funniest sketch - as I earlier said, the 'Alky Broon' sketch. A bit gruesome by 'Scotch & Wry' standards but hilarious all the same!

Second funniest sketch - the 'hard man' sketch. Simple but effective!

Scotch & Wry: Episode #2.2 (1979) Season 2, Episode 2

''What sort of speed does this egg do?''

[9/10 · 12 December 2023]

The second edition from the second series of 'Scotch & Wry.

Supercop stops before a very flashy looking car crumpled against a lamp post. The driver, who happens to be drunk, is accosted by Supercop who intends to fine him for driving under the influence. However, the man reveals himself to be a Chief constable and also points out to Supercop that he has performed a number of felonies such as driving a bike with an expired tax disc and parking his bike on a double yellow line. Supercop reluctantly lets the Chief off with the fine. As the drunk Chief reverses away, he collides with another lamp post. ''That does it!'' says Supercop ''I'm going to book that lamp post!''

A drunken, scruffy looking man accosts a middle aged woman in a posh dance hall and whisks her onto the dance floor. She susses out he is a gigolo and intends to spend the night with him until an older but smarter and better looking gentleman approaches her and steals her from under the man's nose. ''Look at that, my own father stole my bird!'' says the gigolo to the audience.

A cowboy stands nursing a whisky in a saloon bar whilst 'High Noon' blares on a radio. ''It's high noon Tex!'' says the barman to the cowboy. The cowboy then marches out of the saloon doors like a brave man about to meet his fate. Seconds later he returns. ''My dinner is not ready yet!'' he meekly says to the barman!

A curler headed harridan starts nagging at her husband as he arrives home from work, demanding he perform household chores such as hoovering and cleaning the dishes. Eventually, he has enough and removes a tarpaulin from a howitzer he has built. Totally oblivious to this, the wife continues to carp on at him until he lights the cannon and fires it at her, killing her!

A bowler hatted city gent walks into a grocery store and expresses a wish to purchase a new egg, however he treats the situation as though it was a new car he were buying. When he finds an egg he is satisfied with, he asks the greengrocer: ''how much will you give me in exchange for my old one?'', to which point he opens his briefcase and releases a stench so great it knocks the greengrocer unconscious!

This edition's 'Last Call' is delivered by Mrs. Ida Closeshave, a prudish middle aged woman who has returned from Africa with her husband Gervais and informs the congregation of her and her husband's hair raising time spent in the jungle doing missionary work.

Good second episode, even if some items do tend to drag out a bit. Gregor Fisher gets far more of an opportunity to shine here than he did in the previous episode and Claire Nielson ( who at that time was one of the sexiest women on television ) proves yet again her versatility, going from gorgeous dolly bird to middle aged frump at the drop of a hat.

Barbara Dickson sings here 'Come Back With The Same Look In Your Eyes'.

Funniest sketch - the 'egg' sketch, which clearly originally started life as a sketch from 'The Two Ronnies'. I could easily imagine Ronnie Barker as the city gent and Ronnie Corbett as the greengrocer!

Keeping Up Appearances: Angel Gabriel Blue (1994) Season 4, Episode 9

''It comes from an excess of good living!''

[10/10 · 29 November 2023]

The funniest all time episode of 'Keeping Up Appearances'.

Hyacinth has her sights set on some new kitchen worktops in the colour of Angel Gabriel Blue. Visiting a fitted kitchen showroom, she is informed that the choice of colour is no longer in stock due to poor sales, however this only makes Hyacinth want it more as she believes that it will be more unique as it wont be seen in many homes. She brow beats the poor salesman into phoning the manufacturer to see if they may have enough material leftover for her project, which, surprisingly enough, they do. Hyacinth immediately puts in an order.

Arriving home, she is horrified to find out from Richard after a visit to his doctor that he has been diagnosed with athlete's foot. Thinking her status on the social ladder may be under threat, she puts a big bandage on his foot and insists that he is suffering from gout!

Later on, Hyacinth gets a phone call from Daisy to inform them that there is a strange man in their father's room, as father has left home and has rented his room out to a Mr. Mawsby..

No series was made in 1994 as Routledge was busy with theatre commitments, however there was time in her schedule to work on a Christmas special, which is how this little gem of an episode came into production. Trevor Bannister, who played salesman Mr. Lucas in 'Are You Being Served?', plays the kitchen salesman Mr. Merryweather ( who has a thing going with Rose ). One wonders whether this was a consolation role offered to him after not being asked to return to the role of Mr. Lucas for the 'Are You Being Served?' sequel 'Grace & Favour'. The twist ending reveals Hyacinth cancelling her order after she discovers that Onslow and Daisy have acquired the same kitchen worktops as her after Onslow got them for free from the local rubbish tip. Hyacinth's bubble is burst yet again!

In my review on the ITV sitcom 'On The Buses', I regarded it as the second funniest sitcom of all time ( next to 'Rab C. Nesbitt' ). Having rewatched the show recently, I have changed my mind, whilst I still love 'On The Buses', I have to say 'Keeping Up Appearances' is funnier by miles.

Funniest bit - Daisy voicing how insecure she feels because of how she feels Onslow is so attractive in the eyes of other women ( have you ever tried Specsavers, Daisy? ). Nodding nonchalantly, Onslow replies: ''Don't worry, that'll fade in time!''. Hughes' delivery of the line was tremendous!

Paul Squire Esq.: Episode #1.1 (1983) Season 1, Episode 1

''What do you say to a baby wearing desinger jeans? Gucci Gucci Gucci!''

[10/10 · 16 November 2023]

The BBC poached Paul Squire from ITV in early 1983 following the end of 'The Paul Squire Show' and gave him a vehicle to showcase his outstanding talent for mimicry, the resulting show being 'Paul Squire Esq', which was a mixture of sketch comedy, stand-up, music and impressionism. Scripts were provided by the likes of Terry Ravenscroft, Kim Fuller and 'Red Dwarf' creators Rob Grant and Doug Naylor. With all these good points, how unfortunate it is then that 'Paul Squire Esq' failed to gel. Very unfortunate as it was very funny and very well performed.

Paul opens this first edition by chatting to one of his friends about his new diet.''You have beans an chilli for breakfast, beans, chilli and curry for lunch and beans, chilli, curry and garlic for dinner''. When he is asked if he has lost anything yet, he replies: ''Yes, all my friends!''. We are item onto a tuxedo garbed Paul belting out 'Dancing For Love'.

A man in a casino asks the croupier for chips, obviously meaning gambling chips and so the croupier complies with his request by dumping chips on the blackjack table. Unfortunately, they are the edible kind!

At the B. O convention, the head of the convention instructs his guests to raise their glassed to toast The Queen. As he raises his arm, all the other guests faint!

A married couple visit a marriage guidance bureau. The couple however are King Henry VIII and his third wife. His wife is irritated by his constant attempts to behead her and so seeks some advice. The advisor recommends they have a trial separation. Wielding an axe, the king says: Suits me, what part of her shall I separate?".

Like I said, in my review of the show itself, I realise I am leaving myself open to criticism but I really do not care one bit what anyone thinks. I liked the show and I am not ashamed to admit it. Paul's impressions were fantastic, just listen to his take offs of Tommy Cooper and Dame Edna Everage and you will see what I mean. The show was good natured, inoffensive entertainment, however audiences were sadly not impressed and the show only sustained a six episode run. Pity.

The gorgeous Mari Wilson appears as a musical guest belting out 'Cry Me A River'.

Good fun, and if anyone has an issue with my thoughts on this fine show, I'm not interested! If you don't like it, that's your problem, not mine!

Funniest sketch - the marriage guidance sketch. Henry VIII's wife is played by the late Patsy Rowlands, who graced 'Bless This House' and the 'Carry On' films for many years whilst the advisor of the bureau is played by none other than the also sadly deceased Stephen Lewis, best known as Blakey from 'On The Buses'.

Keeping Up Appearances: Daisy's Toyboy (1990) Season 1, Episode 5

''I never knew she liked motorbikes!''

[8/10 · 15 November 2023]

Hyacinth and Elizabeth are in attendance at a church hall function. Elizabeth is less than thrilled as she is tasked with assisting Hyacinth with her valuable Royal Doulton tea set ( which Hyacinth has brought for the guest speaker to use ). As soon as Hyacinth arrives, she more or less takes charge of everything, much to the annoyance of the vicar and the other ladies.

Meanwhile, Daisy is feeling neglected by Onslow and enlists the help of Rose's toy boy to try and make Onslow jealous...

Jonny Lee Miller makes his television debut in this amiable episode as Daisy's motorbike riding toy boy. He later would land a hugely successful film role in the 1996 film adaption of Irvine Welsh's novel 'Trainspotting' which would later make him a huge star. Naturally, Onslow sees through the ruse. Robert Rawles makes his first appearance in the show here as the put upon milkman who is unfortunate enough to have to deliver to Hyacinth's house.

Funniest bit - Onslow being roped into singing hymns with the other parishioners whereupon he, to his alarm, attracts the eye of a rather plain looking elderly lady!

Keeping Up Appearances: The Charity Shop (1990) Season 1, Episode 4

''He offered me marriage!''

[10/10 · 14 November 2023]

A brilliant fourth episode from the first season.

Hyacinth and Elizabeth are assigned by local councillor Mrs. Nugent to assist as volunteers in their local charity shop. However, before they leave for their charitable duties, Hyacinth receives a telephone call from Daisy saying that a strange woman is ensconced in their father's bedroom, refusing to budge on the grounds that daddy offered her a proposition of marriage.

Hyacinth tracks down the lady's shiftless son and demands that he go and take her back home...

This episode sets the wheels in motion for another running joke in the series. Hyacinth's father constantly is said to make random proposals of marriage to several women, all of whom readily accept and then stalk him when he goes back on his proposal.

Routledge's talent for physical exploits are also first in evidence here too. Accepting a lift from Elizabeth to Daisy's house, Hyacinth realises she cannot let Elizabeth see the state of their house and gets Elizabeth to park outside a posh detached house, fooling Elizabeth into thinking that it is Daisy and Onslow's house. When Elizabeth is not looking, Hyacinth sneaks into the back garden and clambers over the top of a shed and over a garden wall to make her track to her sister's less than salubrious dwelling.

Gretchen Franklin is hilarious as the reedy voiced 'fiancee'. The late actress has appeared in countless sitcoms over the years but is best known to viewers as nosy Ethel Skinner from the original series of 'Eastenders'. Norman Lovett plays her bone idle son. Lovett was Holly in 'Red Dwarf' and has also appeared in several sitcoms of the '80's/'90's such as 'The Young Ones' and 'Rab C. Nesbitt' as well as his own sitcom 'I,Lovett'. Charmian May makes her first appearance in the show here as the ghastly Mrs. Nugent, who believe it or not is even more pompous than Hyacinth!

Funniest bit - Hyacinth scolding the old lady for taking advantage of her senile father. ''He took advantage of me!'' proudly announces the old battle axe. ''When?'' asks Daisy, shocked. ''How?'' asks Onslow, more puzzled than shocked!

Not Only... But Also (1965–1970)

Pete & Dud's mixed bag!

[8/10 · 25 October 2023]

I have mixed feelings about 'Not Only But Also'. Some of the sketches, particularly those of Pete and Dud as a couple of flat capped idiots having hypothetical and highly illogical discussions about various subjects, do tickle my funny bone however others have a tendency to carry on for too long with very little pay off, in particular the spoof interview or musical sequences.

I like Peter Cook, very much in fact, Dudley Moore not so much, his high pitched wailing voice I found grating and off putting.

The best sketches included Pete and Dud sitting in art gallery discussing Leonardo Da Vinci ( mainly for Pete and Dud's corpsing ), 'The Immortal Bargo' ( pretty good for a spoof sketch ) which was a tale about reclusive film star Emma Bargo', Pete and Dud arriving in heaven, which leads Peter to exclaim "Bloody hell!" and Pete and Dud standing on deck The Ark Royal singing 'Goodbyeee!', only then to end up being catapulted into the sea!

Pete and Dud eventually parted company. Apparently their relationship had been suffering for some time due to Cook's alcoholism. Moore went on to make films. Cook later landed a single show for London Weekend Television entitled 'Peter Cook & Co' and later landed a memorable role alongside Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson in the wonderful 'Mr. Jolly Lives Next Door', an edition of 'The Comic Strip Presents' from 1988.

Very little of 'Not Only But Also' exists complete ( even scripts have known to be destroyed too ). What does exist was put together as a compilation entitled 'The Best Of What's Left Of Not Only But Also'. I don't in any way regard this show as a classic but it is vastly superior to Pete and Dud's dreadful 'Goodbye Again'.

A Kick Up the Eighties: Work (1981) Season 1, Episode 2

''Do not investigate tarmac, investigate work!''

[8/10 · 10 October 2023]

The second 'A Kick Up The Eighties' edition starts off with a group of seamen rushing out in a raging storm looking as though they are heading towards their ships to embark on an urgent and dangerous voyage whereas they are really rushing out to retrieve their washing from the drying line.

A group of workmen stand digging holes whilst another group of workmen stand filling the freshly dug holes back in. One of the men turns his back to the camera to reveal the words 'Job Creation Scheme' sewn onto the back of his jacket!

A man in enters a job centre and follows several signs directing him to an information desk down a succession of corridors until eventually he gets directed back out into the street!

Kevin Turvey this week appears to apparently discuss the ethics of work but instead veers way off the point and ends up telling the viewers of how he saw someone in Tesco that was a dead ringer for Noele Gordon!

In 'Toyah Wilcox's Masterclass', Wilcox ( played convincingly by Tracey Ullman ) gives a lesson to a pupil on how to sing just like her. After attempting to sing several times 'It's A Mystery', the pupil says in despair: ''It's no good Toyah, I'll never be as bad as you!''.

Ullman also as Toyah performs a musical item entitled 'I Am Angry' which was a parody of Toyah's brilliant chart hit 'I Want To Be Free'.

A secretary sits working on a letter at her typewriter when she is then approached by her boss who starts sensually running his fingers through her hair, much to her displeasure. A narrator's voice can be heard saying: ''Don't suffer harassment at work, get a helping hand!''. The woman then presses a key on her typewriter which then sends a boxing glove springing out of the side straight into the man's groin!

A decent second episode. Ullman is indeed the standout here, mostly due to her talent for mimicry and her ability to be able to sing. Ullman the same year this went out utilised her visual and vocal talents on another BBC sketch show - 'Three Of A Kind' - which also starred Lenny Henry and David Copperfield.

Funniest sketch - the 'job centre' sketch. What has changed, I ask you?