To Hull and Back

The Trotters get caught up in a diamond smuggling operation.

John Sullivan's script has the perfect mix of plot and character moments. I find it hard not to get caught up in their adventure as well as enjoy the humour.

Del, Rodney and Albert are the main focus and to me they are very funny and memorable. I never tire of hearing their banter about marine navigation. This is some of the funniest dialogue to me and is performed brilliantly (like all scenes) by David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst and Buster Merryfield.

Other recurring and guest characters are also used superbly, such as Roy Slater, Denzil, Boycie, Abdul, Hoskins, and Trigger, with all the associated actors on great form.

Ray Butt uses locations in London, Hull and Amsterdam very effectively to make it feel like a 'special' episode. I think it generally has a more cinematic tone and this is further enhanced by not having a laughter-track.

As always comedy is in the eye of the beholder, but I think it is possible to watch To Hull and Back without having seen any other episodes of Only Fools and Horses, and it still has the same effect. That final ironic scene on the balcony of the flat still makes me sick to my stomach!

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.

A 90mins xmas special episode which has some very amusing moments but is not consistently funny. Lots of plot twists and it's quite thriller like at times but the special drags in places. However, the scene on the ship at night has funny dialogue which compares to the best OFAH and its a decent episode overall. It gets two extra stars for me because of the night time ship scene which is just wonderful.

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.