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
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