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Only Fools and Horses
S1.E1
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IMDbPro

Big Brother

  • Episode aired Sep 8, 1981
  • TV-14
  • 30m
IMDb RATING
7.6/10
967
YOUR RATING
David Jason in Only Fools and Horses (1981)
Comedy

Del employs younger brother Rodney as a member of Trotters' Independent Traders, despite warnings from his business colleagues. When Rodney decides to become the Trotters' financial adviser ... Read allDel employs younger brother Rodney as a member of Trotters' Independent Traders, despite warnings from his business colleagues. When Rodney decides to become the Trotters' financial adviser - monitoring the accounts and keeping Del's dodgy dealings in check - Del has second thoug... Read allDel employs younger brother Rodney as a member of Trotters' Independent Traders, despite warnings from his business colleagues. When Rodney decides to become the Trotters' financial adviser - monitoring the accounts and keeping Del's dodgy dealings in check - Del has second thoughts about their partnership. Cracks show in the partnership when Rodney inadvertently bung... Read all

  • Director
    • Martin Shardlow
  • Writer
    • John Sullivan
  • Stars
    • David Jason
    • Nicholas Lyndhurst
    • Lennard Pearce
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.6/10
    967
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Martin Shardlow
    • Writer
      • John Sullivan
    • Stars
      • David Jason
      • Nicholas Lyndhurst
      • Lennard Pearce
    • 10User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos8

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    Top cast5

    Edit
    David Jason
    David Jason
    • Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter
    Nicholas Lyndhurst
    Nicholas Lyndhurst
    • Rodney Trotter
    Lennard Pearce
    Lennard Pearce
    • Grandad
    Peta Bernard
    • Joyce the Barmaid
    Roger Lloyd Pack
    Roger Lloyd Pack
    • Trigger
    • Director
      • Martin Shardlow
    • Writer
      • John Sullivan
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews10

    7.6967
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    Featured reviews

    10Gemini54

    not an uncredited cameo if you blink

    Tessa - Peake Jones did not play a cameo that myth was debunked by John Suilivan himself if your talking about the first episode where a woman says Hello Del that sounds like her but is not her you can check this out on only fools fanclub where it is discussed in episodes the Big Brother one !
    5Lunerar

    Worth Re-watching

    Binge-watching the series over Covid-19 lock-down. Haven't seen this episode in years and years and was pleasantly surprised. Better than I remember.

    There aren't a barrel of laughs but it's an enjoyable trip down memory lane. Can't imagine what it would be like for a younger person watching it for the first time though.

    Good fun.
    9paudieconnolly

    Why they call him trigger he carry a gun

    Grandad Rodney and finally Del Boy first appearance in the first episode in that order. Three guys in a flat watching tv. Within four minutes John Sullivan as explained through the characters the dynamics of there relationship. By the time del orders drinks in the nags head. There history as unfolded in front of your eyes. This surely is the magic that follows the show all the years magic stories told funny.
    7snoozejonc

    Sets the tone well for what is to come

    Del makes a dodgy deal with Trigger for some reject briefcases and Rodney thinks he deserves a more involved role in the family business.

    This is a strong start for the Trotters as John Sullivan establishes the characters and tone of the series. The plot is pretty simple and the characters dominate the episode to such an extent we get to know exactly who everyone is and what behaviour we can expect from them from now on.

    It contains some classic back and forth between Del, Rodney and Grandad which for me is what makes the series so great. Punchlines flow constantly and the actors deliver them with great comic timing. From this very first episode the chemistry seems to be exceptional.

    The only downside is the short sequence filmed on locations around London that has aged pretty poorly.

    It's definitely one worth watching to see where the series began and enjoy the banter.
    7jameswyattranks

    Decent Start

    Interesting to go back and rewatch this. Establishes the brothers relationship well and gives you an idea of what their personalities will be like and how they'll handle potential situations. There's some real clever lines and a great set-up and the start that builds up an excellent scene at the end.

    We get some backstory on Rodney and some hilarious scenes with Granddad. Learning that his cooking skills aren't the best, which is something we see a lot of in the show. The burger scene is one that stuck in my memory and I comes to mind quite randomly for me as well as the start scene with the actor on TV.

    Related interests

    Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Trigger appears for the first time in this episode, making him the only character apart from Del and Rodney to appear in both the first episode and the last episode Sleepless in Peckham...! (2003).
    • Goofs
      When Grandad is trying to play draughts on the talking chess game, the voice on the game talks before he presses the button.
    • Quotes

      [first lines]

      Grandad: [watching TV] That Sydney Potter's a good actor, ain't he, Rodney?

    • Connections
      References Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)
    • Soundtracks
      Only Fools And Horses
      (uncredited)

      Written by John Sullivan

      Performed by John Sullivan

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 8, 1981 (United Kingdom)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Official site
      • Instagram
    • Language
      • English
    • Production companies
      • British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
      • British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 30m
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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