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
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