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24 April 2012

Howard, Hilda And Neddy...

 
 Howard and Hilda Hughes: "You can stay in the Polly Wolly Doodle room, Ann."

Mike has written to say:

I loved reading your blog post on Only Fools And Horses - lots of details, and very concise. Also enjoyed hearing about your step father's resemblance to Trigger! Is OFAH your favourite '80s sitcom?

Thanks, Mike, glad you enjoyed the post. If our research is superior to the BBC's we usually feel happy with an article, and in the case of OFAH, despite it being a BBC production, it is. In one of the BBC articles we recently read, the BBC states that the show's creator, John Sullivan, was a used car salesman at a time when he was actually working as a plumber and... wait for it... for the BBC! LOL!

We loved Only Fools... Grandad (Lennard Pearce) was our favourite character initially (we adored his two tellies and out of stepness) but Del, Rodney, Trigger and Uncle Albert soon took a grip on our affections.

But, much as we positively worshipped Only Fools... it is not our favourite 1980s sitcom.

That honour goes to the John Esmonde and Bob Larbey-penned Ever Decreasing Circles (1984-1989), a tale of an obsessive organiser and community-minded wally in a small suburban street (sorry, I mean close!) who finds all he holds dear threatened by a suave type for whom the sun always seems to shine.

It's a forgotten masterpiece.

Ever Decreasing... was great in so many ways - not least because it gave Richard Briers a chance to prove what a great actor he is. But the rest of the cast were wonderful too and the show is a very beautiful thing which we here at '80s Actual cherish and cherish again.

157 men went to mow, went to mow a meadow...

Read our review here.


8 comments:

Cerys said...

Ever Decreasing Circles really was a sitcom for grown-ups. Far more intricate than The Good Life. I approve of your choice. Rose hip syrup?

Drew said...

I'll just do a bit more work on Neddy's ears, have my Horlicks, then uncork the bottle! :))

Sarah Jane said...

I love this. Even now we sometimes watch the repeats. I love Howard & Hilda
"Hilda, I'm home"
"Whose home"
"Our home"
"Then we have a little laugh about what we've just said"

Ha ha, class

Chris said...

The relationship between yuppie Paul and Martin was brilliantly portrayed. I love the way Martin gradually became fond of Martin, and Martin was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice - leave Ann to be happy with Paul.

Anonymous said...

Blimey, Andrew! I didn't realise you blogged. Nice one.

Yer Scottish pal x

Drew said...

Glad you like it! I think I know who you are - sending a kiss right back! x

Anonymous said...

Yeeeaaah you do.

L.

Drew said...

Bless ya! x