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