I caught up with this series late in the day, it was not promoted too heavily by the BBC, quite obviously. However, I have both DVDs and can honestly say this is one of the best situation comedies ever. I suppose the easiest way to describe it is to say, take The Royle Family and set it in a pub. But this show surpasses its predecessor by a mile. There are so many deft touches with the characters and the comedy. All of the players are superb (and many have now gone on to mainstream roles in other TV programmes presumably because of their performances here). And you would find it hard to find sharper writing anywhere else on TV. As with many shows, the formula is to have themes that develop over the series. There is the bitter-sweet story of Melanie finding her biological father. Ken's romancing of Tania. The two dodgy coppers, Phil and Nige. Duffy's marital problems. Whenever Eddie and Joan embark on one of their stories you know you are in for a treat. Some of the best TV comedies do not get the attention they deserve (Seinfeld, Larry Sanders) in the UK. Do yourself a favour and borrow, buy or rent the first series. You will be buying the second and giving them as gifts to your friends for Christmas!
Review of Early Doors
