I suppose it comes as no real surprise that Mann's best friends lasted only the one series. Reading the reviews online, you get the impression there's not a lot of love for the show, but as always I'll give it a go, and form an unbiased opinion.
Episode one.
Always great to see Fulton in a show, although I'm not totally sure he ever landed a role as well suited as that in Porridge, still a fine comedy actor. A few minor laughs in the opening scenes, a horrific amount of canned laughter. Some awkward attempts at humour throughout, and a few cringeworthy moments including the Chinese house guests. Bernard Bresslaw wasn't particularly well written for here I think it's fair to say, Duncan Disorderly? Really??
Fulton McKay was very much the best thing about the episode, although there were nice moments from Liz Smith (as always) and a funny moment from Barbara Hicks, as the ghost of Man''s dead mother.
I wouldn't say it was terrible, but it wasn't good. No wonder it's buried in sitcom obscurity,
Part 1 - 4/10
Episode one.
Always great to see Fulton in a show, although I'm not totally sure he ever landed a role as well suited as that in Porridge, still a fine comedy actor. A few minor laughs in the opening scenes, a horrific amount of canned laughter. Some awkward attempts at humour throughout, and a few cringeworthy moments including the Chinese house guests. Bernard Bresslaw wasn't particularly well written for here I think it's fair to say, Duncan Disorderly? Really??
Fulton McKay was very much the best thing about the episode, although there were nice moments from Liz Smith (as always) and a funny moment from Barbara Hicks, as the ghost of Man''s dead mother.
I wouldn't say it was terrible, but it wasn't good. No wonder it's buried in sitcom obscurity,
Part 1 - 4/10