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
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