Christmas Special 1991 - Miami Twice (Part 1): The American Dream

Mike - I tell you. they're on the verge of a drug war over there.

If we were to consider this episode as one long one (as it appears on the DVD) then it would be by far the longest in the show's history. However I'll be looking at it as the 2 parts that were originally broadcast over consecutive days. This episode occurs entirely in England, and sets up the circumstances for Del to join Rodney on holiday in Miami in the next episode. Looking back in hindsight, there are a couple of clues which lead us to thinking that the trip may not be as "sensible" or "sophisticated" or "debonair" as Rodney hoped, but nothing that prepares us for the level of problem they will land themselves in.

On the face of it, part 1 is quite a normal Only Fools episode. We cover Damian's christening (very much picking up from the birth with Rodney still believing him to be the living embodiment of the antichrist), Del attempting another profit-making opportunity through the church, Rodney and Cassandra's relationship, and Del interfering so that he blags a free holiday using Rodney's pension money. Each of these aren't without problems and laughs along the way.

The Christening appears to go off without a hitch, except for Rodney forgetting his lines. It's only the third time we have met Pam, Cassandra's mum, and there's now an ongoing joke that she disapproves of Alan's drinking with Del. There's a funny misunderstanding from Trigger (as always) which also happens to be a premonition as it turns out that she will actually become the drunk one.

Alan - We have to show our respects to Del & Raquel and wet the baby's head.
Pam - Roughly translated that means "I can't wait to get down The Nag's Head and get legless with Del....!
Trigger - Steady on, Pam. We have to christen the baby first!

Del also has got a supply of something, and is looking for a profit-solution as always. This time it's wine and he figures that the church could do with a bulk-buying and time saving solution: "Trotter's Pre-Blessed Wine". Of course, there's always issues when it comes to Del - this one doesn't materialise until Part 2. It's a simple idea with Del only seeing the dollar signs, but he is a trier as we have been told in the past.

Rodney is only seeing Cassandra at weekends at the moment, sleeping in the same room as Damian in the week. Alan giving him the pension cheque gives us a moment of Rodney taking a mature decision in front of Alan, earning him a bit more respect again. However when he sees how much the cheque is he u-turns and takes the money.

Alan - But what about the future?
Rodney - What future?! I work for Del!

Del quite clearly engineers the situation so that he gets control of Rodney's money and hatches a plan to ensure that he would be eligible to go with Rodney to Miami and that Cassandra wouldn't. All he then needs to do is instigate the plan and convince both Raquel and Rodney to allow him to go. Raquel overhears the plan on the baby monitor, ultimately giving in after making Del work for it. Rodney on the other hand initially rejects the plan outright.

Del - I'm coming to Miami with ya!
Rodney - No you bloody well ain't!

Convincing Rodney that he can behave and take things differently than their previous holidays (Benidorm comes to memory in 'It Never Rains') Del gets Rodney to "say the magic words" and they're off, leopard print trunks and all - blissfully unaware of the dangers that await them.

Tomorrow's episode: Miami Twice (Part 2): Oh To Be In England

S7 E6 - Three Men. A Woman And A Baby

Rodney - I've got so many things worrying me. You know, I mean, the polar cap is melting, the continental shelves is shifting, the rainforest is dying, the sea is being poisoned...! And I ain’t had a bit for months!
As the final episode of the final full series, we end on yet another heartfelt moment - the birth of Damian, son of Del & Raquel.
At the beginning of the episode we have Del announcing his latest money-maker - "Wigs!" Only Rodney soon points out that these are men's wigs and not women's - cheering Rodney up from his disastrous day with Cassandra. The wigs help deliver 2 big laughs in the story- 1 later in the delivery room, teed up as Del sold one to a woman married to a hospital worker. The first wig joke comes from Rodney's sporting of a little ponytail as he goes round to see Cassandra. Del bumped into Steven in the market and talks about his ponytail, hearing that they're all the fashion in the city - renewing Del's faith in the wigs.
Hearing this spurs Rodney on into giving the wig a go. This shows that he remains committed to trying to give Cassandra what he perceives she wants. When she then speaks of Stevens and dismisses his ponytail as for "lame brains" Rodney panics and tries to get rid of it. This action ultimately brings the two together as Cassandra mistakes it for a mouse, and Rodney 'heroically' saves her. The two of them then get a call from Del when they are in bed announcing Raquel is in labour.
Raquel is given time to shine in the final act. She continues to put Del in his place as he acts out - "will you let go of my leg, Derek!" Rodney is convinced that their child is the coming of the antichrist, and jokingly throws out the name 'Damian', which they go on to adopt.
Del - Yes. Damien Derek Trotter.
Albert - You can't call him that! His initials will be DDT!
Rodney's obsession gives us some funny moments of them linking into The Omen music and him expecting 666 to be on his forehead. He's at least convinced it's a boy. It's the first question he has for Del after the birth.

We also have the pay off of the wig joke when Del mistakes it for Damian's head of hair. The whole hospital scene is some of the best writing of the series. Del is very emotional at the end of the episode, promising the boy anything he wants and to be able to live his dreams for him. Damian is shown off to Del's mum in spirit as we get her first grandchild born.

Tomorrow's episode: Miami Twice: The American Dream

S7 E5 - He Ain't Heavy, He's My Uncle

Rodney - I'll take the van, you take the prat-mobile!

Uncle Albert is often never the focus of the attention, but someone who either adds a different perspective, a quick cheap line, or an anecdote about his time at sea which seems relevant to the situation that Del and/or Rodney are in.

We get a closer look at him, what makes his character tick, and what he'll do when backed into a situation which doesn't go his way. He's joined the over-60s club and has a new lease of life, looking to find some female company - notably in the form of Marlene's mum, Dora. His main competition is Knock Knock - who he is facing in the final of the dominoes competition. There's a great little moment with Albert and Marlene when Albert orders a large navy rum "puts lead in your pencil!" which is followed up with Boycie being offered a drink a minute or so later and Marlene saying "give him a large navy rum!"

We're told that there have been a spate of muggings on the estate, and a suspicious group of skin-heads have recently become regulars at The Nag's Head. A couple of them had noticed Albert whip his cash about as he tries to impress Dora. Later that evening Rodney comes rushing back to flat claiming that Albert has been mugged and taken to hospital.

Albert is physically battered and bruised and mentally distressed from the ordeal, not wanting to go outside and frightened of the front door ringing (not to the sound of a national anthem, sadly). One of the visitors is Cassandra, with her and Rodney sharing a conversation for the first time since 'The Chance Of A Lunchtime'. Rodney has agreed to work with Del again, and this is a great scene as we see Del's influence over Rodney already coming through: from the "starter kit" outfit, and the phrases "lovely jubbly" and his new one "no way, Pedro!"

Albert has another one of his top 3 moments in the show's history here. His recalling of his story confronting the lion in Africa ending with his big "RAHHHH!" and wetting himself is one that gives us 2 big laughs.

It also leads us on to a wonderful scene of Rodney sitting down into that seat. Some of the best jokes are when we know one or some of the cast know something that we the audience do, and one or more of the characters don't. Rodney moving uncomfortably in the chair keeps adding laughs.

Rodney convinces Del that Albert needs to start getting over his ideal and regaining some composure, Del goes in at him "a bit hard" according to Rodney - well "harder than I expected, that's all!" Albert takes this as his marching orders and that they don't want him around any more and leaves. The montage search scene features a bespoke song 'We're So Sorry, Uncle Albert', written and performed by Paul McCartney. The music budget continues to grow it seems.

The brothers find Albert at the street he grew up in: Tobacco Road, which has been transformed into luxury flats around a marina. We get some heartfelt nostalgia from Albert, which Del doesn't appreciate - seeing the new flats of a symbol of what he wants to achieve when he makes it.

In the final scene, Albert's ,mugging story is revealed to be a lie, there's a also a well setup joke of "Who's there?" "Knock Knock". They were quarrelling over Dora when "Knock Knock knocked him out!" It's not the first time that Albert has been liberal with the truth, but there's a pride and a shrewdness in this episode which is reminiscent of Grandad in episodes such as 'Homesick' and 'A Slow Bus to Chingford'. Albert isn't the best at lying however, the number of muggers he claims that there was increases from 4 to 5 and then 6 within the space of a couple of days.

Del - 6?! There's 6 of them now - any more takers?!

Albert isn't a major plot driver I think from now until his death in 'Strangers On The Shore', and him eventually being the one to bail them out from the grave in 'Sleepless in Peckham' - his appreciation for everything that Del and Rodney have done for him is reinforced in this episode.

Tomorrow's episode: Three Men, A Woman And A Baby

S7 E4- The Class of '62

Rodney - On a cold rainy night in Peckham. Somebody has arranged for you 4 to be in this room at the same time. Nobody knows who, and most important and frightening aspect of the entire mystery, nobody knows why. Now think hard, who would do something like that?
Trigger - … Jeremy Beadle?!
Slater may well be my favourite recurring guest character in the show. He always brings the best out in Del as we saw in 'May The Force Be With You' and 'To Hull And Back'. There's an air of destiny in that Raquel was once Slater's wife and is now living with and having a baby with Del. This is the last we see of Roy Slater, and he is finally thwarted by Del once more, just as you think he's got him all ends up again.

We begin with Del being invited to a school reunion out of the blue and last minute, sent via his fax machine. The scene between Del, Rodney, Boycie, Trigger and Denzil with them guessing who arranged the reunion is brilliantly written and performed. When Jeremy Beadle is ruled out, prime suspect is their old Headmaster (who was seemingly looked up, so is one to fear)
Denzil - It's Bend-Over-Benson!
Del - Well if it is then he's grown another ear!
Slater repents for all of the times he stitched up the guys with false crimes. None of which we have seen, so could be ideas that John Sullivan had once had as plot lines. Rodney - I remember the time you followed me in the van, and you nicked me for doing 70mph in a built-up area. It was just my word against his, and guess who the magistrate believed?! I mean, you couldn’t get that van to do 70mph if you pushed it off a cliff! Afterwards, Slater tries to convince them that he's a changed man, but the group have a hard time believing it after all that he has done in his life. Del comes out with one of his all time best punchlines.
Slater - When I was in jail, I found Jesus!
Del - Yeah? What had they fitted him up with?! Some of the best lines are delivered by Trigger however. Pretty much in every episode throughout series 6 and 7 we have a 'Trigger moment' where they tee up that someone would have to be stupid to do or say something, and then Trigger does it. I also loved his perfectly timed "Dave" at Rodney's wedding in 'Little Problems'. He gets a couple of absolute classics in this episode which are worthy to note due to how cleverly they are written. Trigger - I’ve been standing in your dance hall for the last hour.
Mike - All the lights are off Trig.
Boycie - You’ve been standing in the dark for an hour?!
Trigger - Yeah... I thought we were all gonna jump out and surprise each other! We then have the wonderful Jeremy Beadle line noted at the top of this post. When they retire back to they reminisce about the old school football team and they couldn't remember the Italian boy's name. As Trigger is about to leave, Del tees up this jewel of a line. Del - We had Denzil in goal, we had Monkey Harris at left back. We had camaraderie!
Trigger - Was that the Italian boy?! As the revelation that Slater was married to Raquel comes to light, emotions are running high and Del is nearly "set" on Slater as he provokes him. Only Albert can't get there quick enough and asks "who's Rachel?!" at all the wrong moments (but the right moments in terms of comic timing).
Del and Rodney overcome Slater's hold on Del by figuring out his plan to sell the 10 diamonds that he had hidden away and not to allow Raquel any legal claim to them. This is a lesson in perception and bluffing as the photocopier doesn't actually work, so the threat to Slater is ultimately hollow but solid enough looking that he leaves town for good. Del has finally beaten his nemesis for good.
Tomorrow's episode: He Ain't Heavy, He's My Uncle

S7 E3 - Stage Fright

Tony - You’ve got sexism, wacism, sizeism and ageism. Well, I am a victim of 'pwonunciation-ism'!

Following on from the last episode of Raquel successfully auditioning for a theatre production, we see her talents on show as a singer, all in the name of making money (and not getting Del nailed to a door).

Rodney's story isn't progressed much further, he accepts a part time role as a Road Manager for Del on this enterprise. His duties are quite clear: "sweep up and make the tea". He's still living in the flat but needs to find another place to live as Raquel is now 3 months pregnant. His offer of an LDA (Low Demand Accommodation, not Luxury Detached Abode) is not what he had in mind.

Del conducts the least romantic proposal to Raquel but as Del's luck continues to build and they seem content she accepts.

Raquel - Maybe tomorrow we could go out and get an engagement ring?
Del - No I can’t tomorrow sweetheart - I’m in court!

The main plot of the episode revolves around Del securing (/ being lured into) the contract of providing the cabaret at the Starlight Rooms, a premier nightclub in Peckham. Eric the manager, an old friend convinces him for £600 a night to set up Raquel to sing (Del using his normal trick he used on Rodney "I gave him your word!" which again is met by more push back from Raquel than Rodney ever gave.)  After saying she'd consider it if there was a singing partner, he procures the support of Tony Angelino - the singing dustman from Trigger's depot. Del also hadn't realised that The Starlight Rooms had recently been bought by local tough man Euguene McCarthy, and the cabaret was in honour of his mother's 82nd birthday. Del always sees the best in people though and immediately gets carried away at the potential of Raquel & Tony.

Del - They could be the new Carpenters!
Rodney - Or plumbers, or brickies...
Del - Sonny & Cher.
Rodney - Chas & Dave!
Del - Renee and Ronato.
Rodney - Mills and Boon!

We are teased before the performance that "Tony has a problem". Raquel's initial performance gives Del false hope that the evening can be a success as then Tony enters the stage, and not only does his performance not match Raquel's glamour and meekness but it's revealed he can't pronounce the letter "R". Their performance of 'Crying' (or "Cawhying") is so memorable and funny as a punchline, the rest of the episode rests heavily on this joke.

 
Del bails out of the club early before he suspects Eugene will nail him to the door (something he is famous for). Raquel and Rodney return home to again paint a picture of what we missed off camera.

Raquel - Oh yes we saw it through to the death. We had: Please Welease me, Congwatulations, and The Gween Gween Gwass Of Home!
Rodney - And that was followed by a melody of wok and woll!
Del - That’s not funny Wodney - Rodney!

When Tony arrives he states that he doesn't sing songs with "Rs" in them, or changes the lyrics if they do. But he certainly would've struggled with the night's set list.

Tony - How can I change the lyrics to 'Crying'?! Bloody song’s called 'Crying'!

As it happens Del's luck continues as Eugene's Mum liked the act as it was the funniest thing she'd seen in years. We never see if the 5 month contract is taken up and carried out, but it would help Del's cashflow no end - Raquel being pregnant and embarrassed would be tough to convince however.

Tomorrow's episode: The Class of '62

S7 E2 - The Chance Of A Lunchtime

Raquel - I’ve read the play again and again, and at no point does Shakespeare mention that Rosalind... is pregnant. 

As we now have both brothers in a relationship, this episode typifies how they are currently headed in different directions. Raquel gets a new role in a production of Shakespeare, only to have the news of the pregnancy interrupt things, but delighting Del who has been supportive of her. Whereas Rodney and Cassandra seem stuck in neutral, and Rodney foolishly resigns thinking Alan has heard about their latest row (which he hasn't).

There's a moment of reversal in fortunes for both couples. Del believes that Raquel is embarrassed by Del or thinks less of him than the actors she's met, and Rodney temporarily patches things up with Cassandra. For Del it's Trigger who gets in his head, with a story about is sister who dated an actor and "suddenly thought she was more intelligent than the rest of the family". Rodney's successful wooing of Cassandra again at the restaurant is down to Del's interference (again) but this time it pays off. It's a moment for relief for both of them that they show each other that they still have feelings and an attraction to each other, despite their hostile tough exteriors.'

Whilst Del let Trigger's story get to him, for Rodney it is Albert who recounts the story of Tubby Fox who resigned but they refused his resignation. Rodney takes this advice a bit too literally and ends up having his resignation accepted. Only last episode we had Alan saying he was hoping that he could leave the business to Cassandra and Rodney and retire one day. Del is in disbelief and we get Rodney failing to justify his actions.

Del - You stupid little plonker! That was the best job you've ever had, and are likely to have - and you've chucked it away!
Rodney - Listen. I am in control of my own destiny. I am my own man. I make my own decisions.
Del - Then why did you resign?
Rodney - Because he told me to!
Del sums up the situation nicely.
Del - This is all your own doing. You've got no one else to blame. You had a lovely flat, a lovely wife, the bestest job in the whole world - and you blew it!

Raquel handles Del much better than Rodney ever has, by forcing him to stop interfering when he meets her and Adrian the director at lunch. Del is put firmly in his place, which he isn't used to. She becomes the person that he listens to most, in that sense replacing his mother. Del has lacked any real direction in his life up until this point but Raquel has come in and isn't afraid to set him straight.
That's not to say he's not working like he always has however. His business with the door bells shows that he's still up to his old ways. He also knows his low hanging fruit too as he manages to sell one to Trigger, Marlene and installs one on Rodney & Cassandra's new door for a great punchline moment. We've seen Del trying to push some rubbish before, but Mike tells him in the most honest way possible what he thinks of Del's product.

Mike - Del, they're cheap and tacky!
Del - I've got one on my front door...!
Mike - Yeah, you most probably have. You'd need a brain bypass to have one of them fitted!

All of this is overshadowed by the news of Raquel's pregnancy however. How nervous she is about telling him about it is a sign that whilst they are living together, it's still early days and she fears he may not want a child. However Del's reaction is over the moon, as he is to have Raquel in his life anyway. John Sullivan commented that he knew that if the show continued as long as it currently did then baby Trotters would inevitably become a storyline.

Tomorrow's episode: Stage Fright

S7 E1 - The Sky's The Limit

Raquel - You caused that? You brought Europe, an entire continent, to a standstill!

This episode feels like a sequel to the previous one, and it being aired a week after it ensured that the events of 'Rodney Come Home' are fresh in the memory of the audience. Rodney is staying with Del, Raquel and Albert, whilst Cassandra has gone off to the family villa in Spain with her mum.

Del has a great idea that he can secure the honeymoon suite of a hotel near the airport and Rodney should pick Cassandra up and take her there. This is a good idea of Del's and if it wasn't his own doing that caused the plan to unintentionally backfire then it may just have worked. Rodney also tells Del that since he started his new job with Alan there's money available if he would need it - giving us knowledge that Rodney hasn't lost sight of what's important and is getting back on his feet (despite having his mysterious viral condition / belly ache).

Raquel living in the flat is bringing about some changes, most notably to Del's diet. She refers to the events of 'Sickness & Wealth' and Dr Meadow's advice, which Del is seemingly struggling to adhere to. Albert is now defending Del's diet whereas before he was facilitating the change in breakfast.

Raquel - I don't know how you can eat that sort of rubbish, Albert.
Del - The Trotter family have been eating that sort of rub-... that sort of cuisine for generations.
Albert - It never did us any harm. My old man died when he was 81.
Del - 81, see that's a good age!
Albert - It weren't for him, he died!

The other main plot in the episode is Boycie and his top of the range, excessively sized satellite dish, which apparently gets nicked in the episode. When Bronco the decorator isn't paid by Boycie despite doing a good job and then phones Del about a satellite, Del assumes he has nicked Boycie's one in spite. Bronco also has a history of stealing very silly things and has suffered with mental illness, leading to another clever line.

Del - That psychiatrist said you had some sort of paranoia.
Bronco - You can't take any notice of him, Del. He's always had it in for me!

Del's satellite appears on the news, in a similar way to the dolls did from 'Danger UXD' and then it is clear that it came from the airport near where Bronco lives. Either way the satellite had been stolen, regardless of whether Del was in possession of it or not, so Cassandra was always going to be diverted to Manchester. However the reason for Rodney's plan going wrong lying with Del for the satellite and then Albert not relaying the right information make chances of Rodney rekindling things with Cassandra very slim anytime soon.

Tomorrow's episode: The Chance Of A Lunchtime

Christmas Special 1990 - Rodney Come Home

Rodney - What a life eh? My wife don't love me, my mum's left me, and some bastard's nicked me bike!

A year has passed since Rodney being thrown out after the Jolly Boys' Outing, but this episode takes a deeper look at this plot and relationships - what makes them work and what doesn't. The introduction of Raquel as another female soundboard, and one with experience in this area is important to adding the gravitas. Raquel as a character doesn't deliver as many punchlines as many of the other characters but becomes an important glue in the family and a bounce-board for Del and Albert in the flat as we move into series 7.

Raquel - A lot of people think a marriage comes complete with gift-wrapping. It doesn't, it comes in kit-form - you have to work at it.

Albert is now fully Del's partner in crime too with Rodney now working for Alan. The opening scene has Albert on lookout again, still learning the ropes. We then get a brilliantly timed "during the war" joke but we can tell Del is very tiresome of it now cutting it short, for comic effect too. The joke around this catchphrase has certainly built up over the past few episodes and series 7 it becomes a regular punchline.

Del - I instinctively know when the optimum moment arrives, and only then will I strike.
Albert - Yeah... During the war-
Del - -Right, here we go then!

The plot mostly revolves around Rodney walking out on Cassandra again and him interrupting Del's blossoming romance with Raquel - something which Del is being very cautious about due to his respect for Raquel. Both Rodney and Cassandra react to their circumstance with childish behaviour, but they each believe that they have the moral high ground. There's a lack of clear communication between them and it leads to shouting matches. It affects them both in their interactions with others, with them both delivering the best example of an immature point of view.

Chris - Rodney, why don't you go home to Cassandra? You had a nice flat, a good bird, and you've given it all up 'cause of some stupid row!
Rodney - If she wants to phone me and apologise then I'll consider it. But she started it, so she's gotta phone me first.

Cassandra - I'm not behaving childishly if that's what you're suggesting.
Del - You haven't phoned him though.
Cassandra - I'm not phoning him first, he started it!

The funniest scene is Albert's reaction to Rodney taking Tanya to the pictures. This is up there with one of Albert's funniest moments in the history of the show. It's perfect as Del is already planning to meddle in Rodney's affairs and needs an accomplice, even though the revelation is shocking to Raquel and gives a natural reaction, but Albert's timing gives the audience a great laugh.

Del's interference leads to a line which has summed up many of the similar instances of this in the past in a moment between Albert and Raquel.

Raquel - Why does he have to interfere?!
Albert - It's in his nature. Still, it proves his heart's in the right place.
Raquel - Hmm... Pity about his brain!

Del arrives too late to save the day and the episode ends with a scenario very similar to the previous episode. Rodney has also managed to lock himself out of the flat and is remorseful and defeatest in summing up the situation.

Del - That's jealousy for you, bruv. It's a dangerous thing.
Rodney - We've naused this right up, ain't we?
Del - So what's new?

There's a lot of character growth in this episode for Rodney and Cassandra in particular, but Del and Raquel also move their relationship forward too. It's another instance of Del sticking his oar in on Rodney's life and it all not going to plan. The fact that Rodney ultimately does the right thing is a sign that he is maturing and has learnt something from the events, but Del hadn't trusted him to either make his own mistakes or believe that he would see sense. Their reconciliation on this point ends the episode on a heartfelt note, but the lesson on communication is relevant between the brothers just as much as it is for Rodney and Cassandra.

Tomorrow's episode: The Sky's The Limit

Christmas Special 1989 - The Jolly Boys' Outing

Raquel - No no no Del, you didn’t think! You never think. You didn't look, you didn't listen, you didn’t notice any of the signs - you just go at it like a mad bull! 

In a poll conducted by UK Gold - this episode was crowned the viewers' favourite. This is definitely one of the most fun episodes to watch, and I can imagine one of the best to shoot. It shows how full the cast has got, and given its 80 minute run-length, all of the characters get a moment to shine.

Coupled with all the fun and games of the beano to Margate however is the brothers' love interests which end up with mixed fortunes, despite Rodney emulating Del he manages to come off much worse again (both of them punching the other bloke in the face is similar to the time they both slapped women's bums in 'Yesterday Never Comes' - Del gets away with it, Rodney doesn't.)

There's a lot to digest in the episode, there's the trip to Margate, the overnight stay at the Villa Bella, Del and Raquel's reunion at the Mardi Gras club, and Rodney's marriage problems with Cassandra.

The coach trip down to Margate is a lot of fun and David Jason puts the episode's love by the viewing audience of people remembering their own similar trips and beach escapes. The music used in the episode also adds an extra layer into the episode, the montage of 'Everyone's Talking' by Harry Nilsson allows them to fill a lot of content of the fun they had on the beach, at stalls and on the rides. The driver Harry's scene also gives us a laugh initially but then it's even greater when at the end of the day he reveals he'd only had lemonade and thought he'd been overcome by fumes. The evacuation of the coach and it's eventual explosion is one of the best set piece pieces of comedy in the show's history.

Del and Raquel meet again as the group recognise her in the Mardi Gras club owned by an old rival of Mike. She's performing as a magician's assistant to The Great Raymondo - and to save money we discover that the two of them are living in the same flat. Del jumps to conclusions and assumes that Ray has Raquel trapped in the flat with her. Rodney pleads with Del to not jump the gun and take it "nice 'n' easy", which is flat out ignores, punching Ray out of the kitchen and throwing his suitcase out the window. We rarely see Del's ability to be tough - we have seen glimpses in the past such as in 'No Greater Love'. Del hadn't asked any questions, if he had then he would've realised that Ray was homosexual and therefore not a threat. Raquel is livid but also feels safe around Del and shows her appreciation.

Raquel - You were stupid and you were embarrassing! … Thank you.

Another great introduction into the mix is Cassandra's immediate superior Stephen - a proper yuppy sort combined with Del the wannabe leads to some great dialogue. His catchphrases are memorable and he's exactly the kind of guy that Del and Rodney would never hang around with. Rodney is clearly both jealous of Cassandra giving him attention and upset that she wants to be more like that. His anger and frustration over the situation, and him being upset over believing his suspicions were right when he finds Stephen in the flat leads him to lash out and not take his own advice to Del on board. Ultimately it lands him chucked out of the flat, a storyline carried on into next episode. Steven and Joanne are brilliantly played, as we have all met those people who don't see themselves for what they are.

Stephen - How do you mean - 'guys like me and Stephen'?
Del - Well, you know, yuppies!
Stephen - Derek... I am not a yuppy!

The extra length in the episode allows for more pay off jokes that were funny at the time but funnier when they come back around again. These include: Albert's war story in the Aegean where we discover he stopped Sid from escaping a POW camp, the Trotters remembering that Joanne was going to see her parents and then she shows up in Rodney's flat after he'd punched Steven, Del's dodgy car radio and the fumes leading to the bus exploding, and Albert recalling Mike got hit on the head by the suitcase Del chucked out the window.

The music budget has definitely increased on the show over time, David Jason states that with the show such a great success by this point the BBC was willing to pay out for more songs. There's hits by Gregory Isaacs, Tom Robinson Band, Roxy Music, Third World, Tears For Fears and Simply Red included in this episode alone, along with a Comic Relief cover of Help! by The Beatles. Finally, the end credits are different in this episode and were created specifically for the episode by Chas & Dave - could there be a better fit?!

Tomorrow's episode: Rodney Come Home

S6 E6 - Little Problems

Del - You’ve got it all now. New job, new flat... new wife! A new life. As per the end of series 5, it feels like the end of series 6 was written as though there was a chance no more episodes would be made for the show - the same could be said for the end of series 7 too (with Damien's birth). This is a monumental episode: we have Rodney's wedding (and stag do), and we meet Cassandra's parents for the first time. Del also by proxy of Mickey and Jevon realises he's in business with the Driscoll Brothers who finally show up, and they don't disappoint. They're almost the opposite of the Trotters. The main man, Danny, is the tall one whereas his brother is incredibly short. They have respect and install fear in others even by just walking into a room (notably Del and Boycie - who pays Del an old debt the instant that they show up), Danny also intimidates Mike buy offering to buy everyone in the pub a drink with £1 - and wanting change. They also have their business affairs in order, Danny explains that they "don't let debts linger". The way they work together is also clear as Danny points out to his brother Tony. Danny - We had an agreement. I do the thinking - you don't! Del manages to buy some time to sell the dodgy phones by reminding them who looked after their mum while they were in a children's' institution. Del being this kind of character has got him out of a tight spot, but is only delaying the inevitable. Del finally does the right thing and pays his debt through a beating rather than give up the money that he had promised to Rodney as a wedding present. Even though it is unpleasant, Del once again proves that his heart is in the right place. Del explains to Marlene that Rodney's wellbeing has always been his #1 priority - giving up on previous relationships as none of them were willing to help raise Rodney as well. In between all of this we have some funny scenes as always. Rodney manages to get his diploma despite getting his space probe to Dartford instead of Venus. The ongoing joke about the phones that Del is trying to sell messing up TVs is both hilarious and believable. Tony looking for Del in the curtains scene ending with one of the phone's aerials up his nose is a great bit of slapstick humour. We also have Rodney's stag do where he ends up wearing the L-plate that Denzil previously described for an extra laugh. All of these help to lighten the mood from an episode which is both dark in the Driscoll's business, and serious in Rodney flying the nest. Rodney's marriage goes off without a hook (apart from his middle name clanger). Alan also gets his way with holding the reception in the Nags Head and eating lots of jellied eels. The moment Rodney announces that he and Cassandra are off creates a moment where Del and Rodney catch a look at each other. No words are said, but you just know that the love and bond that they share will always be there despite this emotional farewell.

The most emotional 8 seconds in the entirety of the show. from r/OnlyFoolsAndHorses

The theme of the series is Rodney's final growth into independence from Del, and in this episode he manages to break away on a financial, habitual and physical basis. In theory there's no need for Del and Rodney to spend anywhere neat as much time together as they have throughout all the previous years. That's what makes the final scene of Rodney returning to Nelson Mandela House so perfect. Del - How can I put it? You don't live here no more!! There's only one line that befits that moment: "what a plonker!" Tomorrow's episode: The Jolly Boys Outing

S6 E5 - Sickness & Wealth

Dr Meadows - I just happened to be talking to some colleagues when the name 'Derek Trotter' cropped up. So I asked if I could read your GP's report and have a look at your tests. I was amazed. I found myself reading about this non-smoking, tee-total, celibate, vegetarian, health-freak. I thought: can this be the same Derek Trotter that I know and begrudgingly admire? That uptight, wheeling dealing, Pina Colada lout. The Castella King. The Curry Connoisseur. The same man who has lived his life on nervous tension, fried bread and doubtful women?!

This episode feels like it goes a bit under the radar, but in terms of laughs per minute it must be up there - there are so many quick one liners and quick punchlines, it would probably be my longest blog post yet if I picked out all of my favourites. It's title makes you remember Del's illness, but the other central plot of the séance delivers just as many classic moments.

Del has been getting pains in his stomach, and refuses to see a doctor about it. For him seemingly doctors are like any other position of power: people to be avoided. He's off for a vindaloo early in the episode, Rodney explains it as "an alternative medicine" for Del - not seeing that this is ultimately what his problem has been. Del also privately admits to Albert that he hasn't paid 3 months rent and the council are looking to evict them. He takes the stress and the burden of this upon himself, yet again demonstrating his protective nature over Rodney.

His mood is lifted however when he realises that Albert's new lady friend. Elsie Partridge, was once a famous spiritual medium and people would pay thousands of pounds to connect to lost loved ones through her. (We never found out if the medium-sized dress would've fitted - one of my favourite jokes of the episode.) Not to miss an opportunity to reverse his fortunes he hatches a plan to bring Elsie out of retirement.

Del - Me and Elsie Partridge - what a combination! The old-age pensioner with a priceless gift, and a successful yuppy who's brassic flint!

As the séance is about to begin, Boycie is initially very dismissive of the concept. Yet the revelation of his middle name being 'Aubry' and the message about Marlene suddenly becoming pregnant calls into doubt any scepticism. After the boys' mum delivers an order to Del to go to a doctor, Albert thanks Elsie for fabricating the story, something that she claims she's never done before.

There's some wonderful lines in this scene, and Elsie's act is very convincing. We have everyone explaining to Elsie the situation around Boycie and Marlene struggling to have kids, Trigger delivering the kicker line "he's low on something...!" As the session comes to a close there's another instance of brilliantly timed humour (which there's a lot of in this series), in Nerys bursting through the door to announce "Lager's off!" scaring the entire room.

Del finally agrees to visit the doctor, expecting to find Dr Meadows (who's someone you can talk to, he's more like a mate). Del's interaction with Dr Shaheed are great. We get a breakdown in communication in two ways - firstly in Del's cockney rhyming slang, and then what the Doctor has asked Del to do (strip to the waist).

Dr Shaheed - Where on your body?
Del - Oh right. I get it in the old New Delhi.
Dr Shaheed - New Delhi??
Del - Yeah, the belly - the belly! You're not from round these parts are you?
Dr Shaheed - No, I'm from New Delhi!

Del in hospital with a mystery illness should be a scarier moment than it is, as always John Sullivan finds the funny - straight off with his pyjamas and silly lines like.

Del - All this fasting makes you hungry!

We've had a real dissection of Del's character in this episode and it confronts a possibility of life without him, something Rodney refuses to engage with. It's Del's diet and stress that causes it - and his mind is put to rest further by Dr Meadows' calming chat explaining that "a lot of yuppies suffer from it". Straight away we know that Del is unlikely to be a changed man as a result of this ordeal.

Tomorrow's episode - Little Problems

S6 E4 - The Unlucky WInner Is...

Del - You can't win a raffle if you don't buy a ticket!

John Sullivan explains the origin of this story as a conversation between himself, David Jason and Nicolas Lindhurst where they discussed Nick's "boyish good looks" - a line used by Del to justify how they will get away with blagging the free holiday despite the age mixup.

Throughout this episode and many in the past, we see Del in particular deal with a problem by coming up with an often botched solution rather than confessing a mistake or oversight which caused the problem in the first place. Both Rodney and Cassandra at various points want to admit the truth, but Del manages to convince them to keep quiet and keep up the charade as a path of least resistance. In the moment Albert notices the mistake, Del decides to carry on regardless rather than do the right thing, he's obsessed with making things a success and now he's won a competition there's no looking back. The irony of the writing where Del has doctored all of Rodney's IDs so that they can't claim on the lottery is yet another bittersweet ending for the two.

There's similarities to other episodes here as well, Del keeping quiet about his secret until they land is reminiscent of Grandad on their trip to Benidorm in 'It Never Rains...' There's precedent for Del not giving Rodney the full story in many episodes previously, but none that lead to such embarrassing circumstances for Rodney - particularly in front of Cassandra. We also get Cassandra having less of a sarcastic sense of humour in this episode and her allowed to have some punchlines - especially when she's been told to "be a bit mum-sy".

Carmen - We're all going for a jumbo hamburger and double french fries!
Del - Oh, that's his favourite!
Cassandra - Don't get any ketchup on your shirt!

Rodney in his role as acting like a 14-year-old starts behaving like a teenager, progressing through the typical emotions as the episode progresses. He is reluctant to take part in the 'Groovy Gang' showing signs of moodiness (understandably so), he then turns angry when he gets Del away from the tourists in the hotel suite, he later rebels against Del's authority at the bar, ordering a large Bacardi & Coke.

Rodney - I am now a 26 year old man who just came 2nd in a skateboard gala! Rodney and Cassandra's relationship is tested in this episode. There's Rodney's contraception troubles early on - Cassandra immediately asks if he'd been speaking to Del about it and he refuses, just for Del's shamelessness to contradict that statement. We also see them not enjoying the holiday due to Rodney's commitments with the Groovy Gang. As he goes to have a sit down and chat with Cassandra on the night of the junior disco, we get the best gag of the episode - as so many times in the past the imagery it creates is enough to make you laugh without having to see Rodney dance. Carmen - Rodney, it's the final of the breakdancing championship! Rodney - Oh god! Cassandra - Fancy watching? Rodney - Watching?! I'm in it! It's unclear how much Del knew what he was setting Rodney up for in this trip. Regardless, he is seen to be selfish and bullying at times towards Rodney and isn't considerate to either Rodney or Cassandra until he is forced to be. His commitment to maintaining the charade all for a holiday which isn't really a proper break for anyone shows us how powerful and influential he can be over others that surround him. Tomorrow's episode: Sickness And Wealth

S6 E3 - Chain Gang

Del - I mean, how could you possibly lose an ambulance?! I mean it's a ruddy great big white thing with a flashing blue light on the top! And if you're peepers ain't too clever, it makes a sound like an air raid siren!

There's another get rich quick scheme brewing courtesy of Del's new contact Arnie - a retired jewellery trader. This ultimately is revealed to be a con, which is reminiscent of 'Cash & Curry' and 'To Hull and Back' in a way, where we and the Trotters are blissfully unaware of the con until it's too late and their money has gone. Only this time, there are more people involved this time including Mike and Trigger along with the Trotter's collective input and Boycie. Like 'To Hull and Back' we get a happy ending and one that leaves them back on top, catching the con artists in the act.

We also get a sense of people's true nature and financial situations. Rodney (as per last episode) wants nothing to do with it - but gets dragged into the car and in a minor way financially to take them over the threshold. Both Trigger and Albert seem desperate for any little benefit they can get - contributing in the hundreds, with Trigger pawning Rene's neckless (without letting her know). Mike manages to put up £1000, with Boycie fronting more than half of the cash £7000 - and is rightfully suspicious and nervous about the deal. Del contributes £4000, Rodney pulls him up on this questioning where this money has come from when from a business perspective they are broke (reminding me of the scene in 'A Losing Streak').

Rodney - £4000?
Del - That's my nest egg!
Rodney - That's more like a bleedin' ostrich egg!

Their personalities also shine through when Arnie's predicament with Mr Stavros is announced. Boycie initially gets carried away

Boycie - If he wants a war, we'll give him one - won't we!
Rodney - Eh?!
Albert - I don't like the sound of that!
Mike - Oh don't worry, Albert, there won't be many naval engagements in this one!

Rodney comes across as forgiving and willing to sell the chains back to Arnie for just a small profit - more concerned for Arnie's wellbeing. Boycie has a more black-and-white view.

Rodney - Stavros is going to give Arnie a bad time, ain't he!
Boycie - I don't care if he redecorates Regents Street with Arnie - this is business!

Del the opportunist spots the way forward straight away but is ultimately falling into Arnie's trap. The restaurant scene brings us chaos as Boycie and Del try to recover the cash and chains after Arnie's supposed heart attack. The commentary from the rest of the consortium in the cars outside is just as funny as the events going on inside.

Albert - Do you get the impression all is not going according to plan?!

Arnie's fatal flaw is his greed in that he tries the deal too frequently in a similar location - he's unfortunate that Denzil's brother is one of his next targets and gets spotted on the job by Rodney, but greed is never likely to pay, especially in this show. The con itself is rightfully described as "beautiful" by Del but they are ultimately able to turn the tables around in the end.

Tomorrow's episode: The Unlucky Winner Is...

S6 E2 - Danger UXD

Denzil - Del's got 50 little timebombs on his hands! If them things get hot they're going to need to redo the 'A to Z'!

This episodes in many respects feels like a part 2 to Yuppy Love. We get similar themes around Del's new Yuppy lifestyle which he's now forcing upon others in his circle, while Rodney manages to get another date with Cassandra where they discuss the events of their last encounter. All of this is on the Del doing deals about some iffy tomatoes, hooky VCRs and explosive sex dolls.

The obsession with image and perception is Del's favourite talking point and has managed to convince Denzil to over-do the branding on his new haulage company from the Peckham Courier Service to Transworld Express. Mike also complains about it, but ironically it's working for him as he sells Denzil a beef stew for £1, while selling the same bowl to the yuppy-sort Adrian for £2.50. Del's in at some of his most assertive in these episodes, and convinces Denzil to forge the delivery note on the dolls so that "everyone's a winner".

Rodney is still trying to break free from the grip of Del, but this episode shows that he still struggles despite his protests on not wanting anything to do with the dolls. He also succumbs to Del's obsession with image - donning his best suit in the market when he's moving boxes of tomatoes around. Here we see the flaw in Del's plan in that he may get himself and Rodney to look the part but he's not managed to escape the realities of the market trading and manual labour. Rodney also helps Del load the inflated dolls into the van, and saves the day by rushing to help Del destroy them before they explode. Rodney continues to rebel against Del throughout this series but often gets dragged back in to his life.

The scene where they unpack the dolls, followed by them escaping the flats with them dressed in their mum's old clothes are so unexpected the first time that you see them, and incredibly rewatchable. There's so many wonderful moments: the funny noises, Albert's innocence on their use (Rodney again showing how far he has to go as he has a dirty magazine on him), Rodney also almost blows them all up by going to burst one with a cigar. There's not a better laugh than Del's impression of a lady saying "good evening" to Mr Cooper who comes past as they are waiting outside.

The writing towards the end of the episode is strong. I particularly like these episodes where we the audience know more than the characters and get to see them work it out. Rodney's reaction laugh to discovering the dolls are filled with explosive gas is great acting. It also leads to some fantastic lines. When Del doesn't manage to sell them to Dirty Barry (who himself has sold off his stock to stores in Soho) he explains to Albert that it's just like the stock market - they just need to hold on to the dolls to wait for demand to pick up.

Del - We'll hold on to them and wait for the big bang!

This episode and the last one are examples of impeccable comic timing. Del falling through the bar was masterclass in 'Yuppy Love' but the dolls inflating and then exploding moments are just as expertly timed. These are right up there with the chandelier in slapstick and comedic timing laugh out loud moments that make this show so memorable.

Tomorrow's episode: Chain Gang

S6 E1 - Yuppy Love

Rodney - Del thinks all you need’s a Filofax and a pair of red braces, and you're chairman of the board!

Series 6 kicks off with one of the most celebrated and memorable scenes in British comedy. This scene is expertly timed, the "nice and cool" dialogue is perfect, and the acting from Roger Lloyd Pack in Trigger's reaction is sublime. There's a reason why this scene and other big slapstick moments are so well loved is because they are relatable in how they are caused and stories that are simple, easy to explain and share with others. The set up for the joke to land as well as it does is what makes it so successful however.

Simply falling over in a bar is funny in of itself, but the fact it is a fancy wine bar, with Del trying to impress some ladies, the waiter has been coming and going all episode long, and Trigger doesn't realise what's happened gives us a private and personal moment of embarrassment between us the audience and Del. No other character (apart from Albert who doesn't really hear the whole story) gets to know how embarrassing this is, but we've all had those moments either when we've tried to impress someone and it backfires, or you simply want to lean or sit on something which you think is there and no longer is. How they got Del to fall so well in the frame of the camera is great acting too, as your instinct would be to stumble back or hold your arm out if you know you're about to fall.

The episode has plenty of other laughs to it as well, many centred around Del's new yuppy image - inspired by Gordon Gekko from Wall Street. We have the normal situation of them flogging items in the market (this time the focus is on raincoats with 'Dry Clean Only' on the label), but we also see Del making bigger decisions around buying the flat - initially we think for sentimental reasons, but then he reveals it's pure business.

Del - This is from the Council. They've received my application to buy this flat and they're giving it consideration.
Rodney - This flat? Why?!
Del - Well we've been living in it since 1962. You were born in it. He was banned from it. I mean, we're all living in it, you know - the whole family. There's Mum and Grandad... you know, everyone. This place holds many warm memories for me.
Rodney - So why do you wanna buy it?
Del - So we can sell it!

Del takes Rodney down to Kings Avenue on his way to the Adult Education Centre to explain his current motivations.

Del - Look, Rodney, I wanna be successful - but for the money. I want the power and influence that success brings.
Rodney - And what will you do with all this power and influence?!
Del - Spend it!

Rodney on the other hand is still working on his computer course. He's very clear that this is a selfish plan to get out of working for Del and land a proper job. Despite the winning scene being Del in the bar, the episode's central plot is Rodney falling in love - the main theme of series 6 as a whole. It looks like love at first sight between him and Cassandra, and we get a super awkward introduction between the two.

Cassandra - You've taken my coat!
Rodney - Oh, I am so sorry.
Cassandra - It's OK. They're very similar - it's an easy mistake to make. This one's yours.
Rodney - Well how did you know it was mine?
Cassandra - It's got your name written in it!

As Rodney bumps into Cassandra later that night and they dance (much to the annoyance of Mickey and Jevon), he manages to get his lift home that Del caused him to miss out on after the evening course. Mickey manages to tag along and plants the seed of contrast between Cassandra's house and their estate. This is similar embarrassment as to what Del describes in his recalling of his love affair with the woman from Texas, but also what Del experienced in the last episode 'Dates'. After being

dropped off in Kings Avenue instead and having the guts to wave at the owners of the strangers house, this is a true story that John Sullivan talks about from personal experience. We then get another great comedy moment when we realise he's taken Cassandra's coat again just as it tips it down.

Rodney arrives home in another slapstick special moment - we’ve all be caught out in a massive downpour and looked like that once. Del then gets one over on Rodney as he tells Rodney just how predictable he is (even though he knows what happens through the call from Cassandra) it makes for a good laugh. We also get a good life lesson from Del provoking Rodney to bin his Filofax in retaliation.

Del - You've learnt an important lesson tonight - don't gamble! 'Cause you never know when the cards are stacked!

The end of the episode is one of the strongest in the show's history in my opinion too. Often we get an ironic twist or simple joke to end a show which is rarely the episode's best. And while the bar scene and Rodney's entrance are hysterical moments, the end panic of Rodney rushing to save the Filofax is up there too as one of the best moments of the episode. It rounds out the start of the series exceptionally well.

Tomorrow's episode: Danger UXD

Christmas Special 1988 - Dates

Dating Agent - There is very little future in fabrication or deceit.

Dates is John Sullivan's favourite episode, and it's easy to tell why. At its core, the plot is very simple but the layers on top make for great laughs, immense awkwardness and sheer heartbreak. We also get some of the best from Uncle Albert too - it is his birthday if he hadn't dropped enough hints?!

The central theme and major plot points revolve around love - a theme we haven't seen tackled by Only Fools for a while properly. The quote at the top of the page seems to sum up the episode well. Del meets his soulmate but neither he nor Raquel are being honest or truthful, Rodney is trying to impress Nervous Nerys the barmaid by pretending to be tough like a hooligan, and Albert reminisces his lucky escape from court martial for crashing his ship HMS Peerless in to an American aircraft carrier USS Pittsburgh.

Rodney - You didn’t see an aircraft carrier?
Del - 42,000 tons of steel...
Rodney - In broad daylight?!
Albert - Well I wasn't close enough!
Rodney - You must've been reasonably close Unc - you hit it!
Del - They'd have stood more chance with Ray Charles in the crow's nest!
Albert - What I mean is I wasn't up on deck. I was in the radar room looking at the screen. I couldn't make head-nor-tail of it...! It was all blibs and blobs! Still, the Japanese sub had it away a bit lively.
Rodney - I suppose it didn't feel needed with you around!

Del follows Trigger's lead by signing up for an electronic dating agency (having been blown away that Trigger manages to get a date with an actual woman). Del is partnered up with Raquel and he immediately starts to blag his way through the date - and is calling himself Derek Duval.

Raquel - This is a bit like Brief Encounter isn't it?
Del - You reckon?
Raquel - That's my most favourite film.
Del - Oh yeah mine too.
Raquel - Really?!
Del - Yeah. My favourite bit was when the big space ship landed and all the little martians come out!
Racqel - That's Close Encounters....!
Del - Yeah, I love it.

Neither he or Raquel are being truthful - Del is much more on the charm offensive than we have ever seen him. It's the most serious he has been about a woman since Heather but this time he shows more overt romantic gestures, but these are backed up with multiple lies. Del also tries to become a freemason in order to help her career, blackmailing Boycie to nominate him in a funny telephone scene. Raquel says that she's at drama class when she's actually working as a stripper-gram. But she has a point that if she had known his real name then she wouldn't have taken the job at Albert's birthday.

There is a wonderful contrast between Del's date at the Hilton Hotel Park Lane and Rodney taking Nerys out for a "cruise" in the 3-wheeled van. It allows some fantastic juxtaposition and editing moments when Del says "my brother handles things when I'm not there" and then it cuts to Rodney flying the van over the crest of a hill getting air as he's driving so fast trying to escape his chasers. Rodney taking Mickey and Jevon's advice ultimately brings Nerys to tears and he causes an accident between a police car as he jumps a red light.

As Albert's birthday arrives and Albert defies all of Mike's rules it gives us some jokes before the reveal of Raquel as the stripper-gram booked for him.

Mike - He's started to slur his words. He's almost offended some of the ladies.
Del - How do you mean?
Mike - Well he wanted a rum and black. He ordered a bum and rack!
Del - Yeah, well cross your fingers he doesn't want a bucks fizz!

As all the lies are revealed by both Del and Raquel, Del is overly harsh on her as she provokes him by pointing out the hypocrisy of him being willing to "leer and lust over a stranger". Del ends up wanting to do the right thing and patch things up with Raquel but ends up getting arrested for Rodney's driving offense and assuming the police that come to question him are stripper-grams too sent by Albert. We won't see Raquel again until 'The Jolly Boys' Outing' - she remains the one that got away for now.

Tomorrow's episode: Yuppy Love

Christmas Special 1987 - The Frog's Legacy

Del - There's a million quids worth of gold out there, Rodney! Our gold! We can't just say bonjour to it!

This episode is an important one in the show's history. It confirms two main things - that Rodney has a different father to Del, and that they are in fact already millionaires - but their treasure won't see the light of day. Neither of these two subjects are brought up again in the show's history until Rodney's lineage is discussed one last time in the final episode 'Sleepless in Peckham'. This theme of brotherhood how it both matters but doesn't matter at all is central to the dynamic of the two main characters.

There's not much that this episode doesn't have going for it to be honest. We have the characters reunite with Lisa from 'Tea For Three' for her wedding, we have Albert reminiscing as well as holding a lot of the keys to ultimate puzzle, Del walks down memory lane and is trying to sell computers that don't work, and Rodney gets a new job at the undertakers as a computer programmer / chief mourner / pall-bearer / sandwich collector.

The intricate nature of the episode when they hear about the lost gold is such that every element of it is a clue that leads them to discover where the gold is. The vicar hears Del and Rene discussing Freddie Robdul at the wedding. Had Del not got Rodney the job at the undertakers, he wouldn't have found the record with the name Alfred Broderick on it. If Del didn't go back down to meet the vicar to collect his money for the computer, he wouldn't have discovered that the burial was at sea.

Along the way the episode is packed full of jokes. The computers that don't work aren't exactly selling like hot cake. Mike, Mr Jahan and the vicar all see no need for it or have problems.

Mike - I spend half my life trying to hide my business deals. The last thing I want is to have them all recorded on a floppy bloody disc!

Mr Jahan - So far you computer has managed to destroy my accounts, wipe my entire stock records, and set fire to my curtains! Del - You've taken the protective wrapping off it, messed about with it, let an unqualified wally repair it, and now you wanna elbow it! Rodney's new job doesn't get off to a great start either when he leads the funeral procession the wrong way down a one-way street. However it does get him out of being the bloke in the market with the bad back for Del to do his healing act on - that job lands to Albert who gets a bit too cured to be convincing. As the brothers close in on the clues towards the missing gold, there's a story retold about Freddie the Frog (Robdul) and his mate Jelly Kelly robbing a post office in Plumstead. Del asks what happened to both of them - the imagery that they paint in your mind is fantastic.
Albert - Apparently they'd wired the explosives up, everything was going well, and then - nobody knows why - Freddie the Frog sat on a detonator! They found him up on the roof... of a building opposite! Del - And what happened to the other mush - Jelly Kelly? Albert - Well he was holding the nitroglycerine when Freddie sat down!

The final thing of note in this episode is the retelling of how Freddie and Joan the boys' mum had become friends. Del is so blissfully innocent when hearing these stories, remembering his mum through rose-tinted-spectacles. Rodney, Rene and Albert make the connections much more quickly with it dawning on Rodney. His hobbies and interests included art, he looked the same, they're both tall - it makes sense. The final nail in the metaphorical coffin is the detonator story, making Rodney comment to himself "what a plonker!".

The Trotters never find the physical coffin of gold - there were plenty more stories to write and as soon as they become rich, the show nears its end.

Tomorrow's episode: Dates

Christmas Special 1986 - A Royal Flush

Del - Is that a Da Vinci?!

As we have seen in ‘A Touch of Glass’ and ‘Yesterday Never Comes’ - combining the Trotters with the country’s rich and elite is too hard to resist. Despite Del’s protests that they are no better than them (a good attitude to take in principle) and in his head he can mix with the upper establishment perfectly, the reality is that his personality and behaviour jars considerably with their way of life.

This is contrasted with Rodney who is much more introverted, less assuming and exceptionally (and overly) thankful that Victoria would invite him into her life. This episode and the next one focus a lot on Rodney, with this one on his relationship with Del and tomorrow’s on his lineage. 

John Sullivan notes that the episode never really worked, putting it down to the lack of dubbing on the episode and not a live audience. It does feel flat at times, it’s also a well trodden path considering the other two dealing with similar themes.

Rodney is ultimately in awe of Vicky, her way of life and art accomplishments. He’s also flabbergasted that she would be interested in the rough and tumble of life in Peckham market. Their trip to Sid’s Cafe exposes the different worlds that they operate in, but it doesn’t deter either of them due to their mutual interests. Del (and later Henry) make the assumption that Vicky isn’t all that interested in Rodney as a person, Del says she’s “a posh tart fancying a bit of scrag”.

Del invests in Rodney’s relationship as soon as he gets wind that she’s from a wealthy background (after establishing that she doesn’t run a pub). He gets the opera tickets and then £500 for the gear for the shooting trip. Ultimately he tries to make his money back at the end but hadn’t counted on Rodney refusing the Duke’s offer.

We get some wonderful moments in those scenes of how much the Trotters (and June at the opera) are like fish out of water - firstly when Vicky says “I hope they’re not forgeries” about the tickets, terrifying Rodney. Del and Rodney assume the bell for taking your seats is a signal for last orders, June courtesies in front of Vicky, and Del goes to buy ice cream in the middle of the performance. We don’t see it happen, but the joke about June being sick and them cutting the night short is brilliant.

June - I don’t know what came over me...

Del - Nor did the lady in front of you!

Del shines as we get to Berkshire. Rodney is being the perfect guest (apart from pointing a shotgun at the other guests and his hosts). Being the ultimate blagger, Del turns up unannounced, tucks into the food, invites himself to dinner and then manages to ace the shooting.

Rodney - Where did you get that gun?!

Del - Iggy Iggins

Rodney - Iggy Iggins robs banks!

Del - I know, but it’s Saturday!

Rodney is instantly concerned when Del shows up, and rightly so. He notes that Del’s presence alarms him and they agree to be on their best behaviour - which Del promptly ignores when there’s free wine going. Del’s behaviour is more and more embarrassing, and he keeps threatening to “project” Rodney to their hosts. What he thinks is a favour is what hinders any slim chance of Rodney having any kind of successful relationship with Vicky. Del also fails to notice any sly remarks that the other guests send his way, possibly as they go right over his head. Either way, David Jason makes for a fantastically convincing drunk.

Lady - Tell me, it’s Trotter isn’t it?

Del - Yes m’lady, but my friends call me Del.

Lady - I see. Tell me Trotter, how do you come to know Henry?

Rodney finally has it out with Del when they arrive back at the flat. The end scene is where Rodney has to spell out to Del that his interference in his life is going too far. Certainly as we move into series 6 coming up, the series follows Rodney’s relationship with Cassandra and Del does loosen the reigns a bit as Rodney eventually flies the nest. 

Tomorrow’s episode: The Frog’s Legacy

S5 E6 - Who Wants To Be A Millionaire

Rodney - I think the real opportunity lies right here! What happens when a country’s in a depression, eh? Money gets tight, don’t it! People can’t afford the inflated shop prices, so what do they do? They come to blokes like us, don’t they! I tell you, the harder up Britain gets, the richer we become eh?

There is an notion of finality to the episode. It’s the end of series 5, the last 30 minute long one, and the final episode featuring a more limited cast within a series - even though we have been getting Boycie, Trigger and Mike more frequently as the series have gone on - series 6 feels like it becomes fuller as the episodes are longer.

Del’s once in a lifetime move to Australia gives us all hope that he may go and make it, Del describes it as a chance to “fulfil my potential”. Del gets sucked into Jumbo’s sales pitch but immediately has his family ties to consider. When Jumbo agrees that they should come too (Rodney as an executive car cleaner), Del becomes fully swept away with the idea. So much so that by the time Rodney’s application falls through he then puts the family as secondary to his own success - for a brief moment at least.

It is Rodney’s quote above and a chat with Albert which seems to be the turning point, once again proving that families will “hold you back, drag you down, and break your bloody heart” as we heard so pertinently in ‘Strained Relations’. Del can’t go half way around the world chasing his dreams if Rodney’s not beside him.

We get a different perspective from Albert. Not only is he hostile about Australia, he’s resistant to leaving altogether.
Del - Australia, where the men are men eh?!
Albert - Yeah and so are the women!

Albert - I’ve spent three quarters of my life sailing round this world. Now, all I want is a place to sit down and stay there.

This episode also touches on themes around British and Australian rivalry and partnership. There are moments of real fret notably between Jumbo and Mike, but then there is real nostalgia between Jumbo and Del. We also get Del rubbishing and then immediately backtracking trying to sell Rod eh the opportunity in Britain and Trotters Independent Traders current situation (and a book of all his old birds).
Rodney - And this is my future? 24 computers that don’t compute, the only rug in the world with a sell by date and the script to 101 Dalmatians - thanks a lot!

The series ends with a heartfelt ending where the brothers acknowledge what they have done for each other, and Del’s sacrifice for Rodney. It goes unspoken but we know the feelings and love are there. They’re both in it together covering each other’s backs, and it sets up that they will continue to do so until they both make it big. Del’s sacrifices are set to continue, particularly as we head towards season 6.

As we close the book on series 5, it’s interesting to read the history of this episode. This was possibly going to be the last ever episode of Only Fools. David Jason was tired of the show and had wanted to focus on other projects, and so John Sullivan wrote the ending that the boys go off and become millionaires in Australia. As he then came around to the idea of more episodes in the future, the end was rewritten to the one which was broadcast. The show has an air of destiny about it, and when Del and Rodney make their fortune, there’s little story left to tell - but it seems that it became a matter of when and not if they would finally make it.