Reviews

The canned laughter used throughout this series is especially irritating in this particular episode. It detracts from the enjoyment of the show because the laughter track intrudes so much into the dialogue.

In front of a live studio audience, actors will hold back on delivery of their next lines until the audience's laughter subsides so there can be no missing out on what the characters are saying. On shows of this kind, canned laughter is frequently regimented in its application so the lack of variance makes it even more noticeable and intrusive. And instead of listening out for the actors next lines, time is spent anticipating the fake laughter.

I realise that I'm in a minority here, but on a recent second viewing, I was more than a little disappointed with this series. First time round I was captivated and looked forward to each episode. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, I can see it's faults with its increasingly far fetched plot lines and insufferable canned laughter.

Unlike "Only Fools and Horses", there is very little by way of character development. All seem to be one dimensional and, in at least a couple of instances, poorly acted. I'm thinking here in particular of Daphne Warrender and Les Pinner.

But on a positive note, the early episodes of the first series still stand the test of time some 38 years later and can be enjoyed over and over again. Episode 4 of the third series, "Juanita", contains a very tender scene between Mr and Mrs Warrender when they finally loose their inhibitions and express their deep love for each other, possibly for the first time since their marriage vows.

A brilliant storyline and a clever dialogue which allows Acker Bilk, in the guise of The Band of Thieves, every opportunity to display their unique style of jazz which dominated at that time. As a consequence a very enjoyable and watchable film.