Rodney - Are they a couple of ravers?!
Del - They’re a couple of geezers!
Episode 2 sees us witnessing Del’s sales prowess in all its glory and explores the two main characters’ attempt to find love - coming together in an ironic twist combining the storylines at the very end.
It’s also the first episode that we hear the immortal line “This time next year, we’ll be millionaires!” - right at the outset. It’s wonderfully symptomatic of Del’s optimism and ambition we saw in episode 1.
After meeting Trigger last episode, this time we are introduced to Boycie - who he manages to buy a “death trap” car from for £25 in return for storing his E-Type Jaguar (which he’s bought for his bit-on-the-side) away from the prying eyes of his wife (we won’t meet Marlene until series 4). Boycie’s ruthlessness isn’t seen much here and we won’t see it until next series in A Losing Streak.
Del’s ability to flip the car and sell it to the Aussie man for £199 is a work of genius. He spruces it up, plays on the Aussie’s naivety and seals the deal by convincing him it was previously owned by a vicar. His persuasiveness and shrewd salesmanship here are very impressive and shows what Del is capable of on a ‘good’ day.
The profits are soon put to use in Del accompanying Rodney ‘up west’ into a couple of bars. It’s clear that image and how they are portrayed by others is key to their personality - a common theme that runs on throughout the show. Del describes himself as “ostentatious”, they drive Boycie’s Jaguar there to not be seen in the van, and they celebrate their successful evening by smoking cigars. Del certainly likes to walk the walk, much less so than Rodney though - as demonstrated best by their choice of drinks (a recurring gag in the show).
Rodney’s character is further developed in this episode with him admitting his uniform fetish - another recurring joke in future episodes. Nicholas Lyndhurst portrays his lack of experience perfectly in the club at the end, delivering some fantastic punchlines like when they are trying to convince 2 girls (Nicky & Michelle) that they are on the Tennis circuit:
Nicky - What do you prefer: astro turf or grass?
Rodney - Oh I don’t know, I’ve never smoked astro turf!
Go West Young Man is a fun middle of season episode that epitomises so many of the shows central themes of family, love, and getting rich quick.
Tomorrow’s episode: Cash & Curry.
No comments:
Post a Comment