To Hull and Back

The first of two (I think) episodes with no laugh track and as a result some scenes are shown for what they really are (like the opening scene in the pub): okay scenes but with pretty out of date jokes. There are a couple of pretty racist-sounding moments as well which might offend some people but I prefer to judge things by the period they were made and not by today's standards and so this doesn't put me off in the slightest.

This is by no means the funniest episode but there's much more to it than that. At 90 minutes it's the longest episode so far (and I think of all of them, perhaps only the Jolly Boy's Outing is of equal length) but it doesn't struggle to fill the time once it gets going.

Almost all of it is filmed out of the flat (on the road, on a boat and in various outdoor and indoor locations) and even when they are in the flat for the final scene it is filmed from unique angles and it feels different. The second of three episodes to feature Slater. His story his quite tragic in many ways but he gets what he asks for in this one.

So, a few laughs, a longer than usual episode, loads of new locations, and just a pretty damn good time to be honest.

When Albert is in the pub watching t..v saying that he was in the war but doesn't know which war it was so how does he know he was in it

The first feature length Trotters Christmas episode, and it's a good one.

While perhaps a little slow, and it takes a while to get used to the show not having a laugh track, this remains a very strong episode, and one with several memorable moments.

John Sullivan manages to pen something that feels epic and like a mini movie, while not losing what makes 'Only Fools' great.

I hadn't seen it in a while, but was glad to revisit it.

I really like this episode of Only Fools And Horses. my best bit is when Del Boy sees Denzil in his truck,and Denzil says "NO" To him. I also like Slater when he says,"I'm Chief (Spits it)Inspector!" Del boy gets trapped in Denzil's truck, and ends up in Hull (Whatsit'sname) I also like it when Rodney drives the van over our Humber bridge, in the days when it was £1 to cross it.(£2.50) now!, and the toll attendant says that will be a pound, and Rodney says, I've got 75P and the attendant says that's not a pound, Rodney says, I've only got 3 wheels, and the attendant says, Pointing to the sign, that's got 2 wheels, but it's still a pound. That van misfires all the time, I find that highly amusing, and when it will not start, Rodney says, I'll clean you! I also like it when Del Boy and Rodney hire a fishing Schooner to Holland. Denzil says that he is haunted by Del Boy and he is convinced that he is seeing things, so imagine his horror when he sees him on that boat.. I also like it when they get lost and ask the man on the gas rig, "Excuse me, where is Holland?" I am going to rate this 10/10

Del Boy is convinced by Boycie and Abdul to take part in a diamond smuggling scheme in Amsterdam, his task is made difficult, when he learns that Roy Slater is on the case.

An outstanding episode, and something of a game changer, this took the Christmas special to a whole new level, not just for OFAH, but shows in general, this must have inspired the likes of One foot in the Grave and Birds of a Feather to push for more.

This has a truly big feel to it, great filming, terrific location work. It is quite something, getting to see Del, Rodney and Uncle Albert running along the streets of Amsterdam is a joy.

Plenty of wonderful moments throughout, Albert finally doing his Captain Birdseye cobblers, Slater's return, and best of all, Denzil seeing Del everywhere.

It's so interesting watching this, and noticing that there isn't a single bit of canned laughter, it makes a huge difference.

How about a Blu-ray release or this one, shot entirely on film, this would look amazing if it were upscaled.

Great to see Jim Broadband back as Slater, and he is wonderful, superb in the part.

Rachel Bell appears as the waitress in the transport café, she would become very well known a year later in another John Sullivan comedy, Dear John, asking 'were there any sexual problems?'

Ajax!!!

10/10.