Big Brother

There were a number of classic episodes in the opening series of arguably Britain's most popular ever sitcom but although this isn't one of them, things do get off to a fine start with the emphasis here as much on character-fleshing as laugh-out-loud comedy moments. Del Boy is soon established as a fast-talking eternal optimist with a penchant for diving into deals ( one-legged turkeys and reject briefcases ) without, and invariably with subsequent regret, asking too many questions first. No exotic cocktails yet, just halves of lager. Rodney's already doing plenty of whining and moaning and wastes no time in having a big fall-out with Del ( in which they both declared that the other had been an embarrassment to them ) before attempting to leave home ( albeit for 6 days ). Grandad is lazy, work-shy ( a lamplighters waiting for gas to make a comeback ), none-too-bright ( tries to play draughts on a computer chess game ), stubborn ( it's Sidney Potter ) but, most of all, lovable. Trigger's negotiations with Del about the briefcases leaves no-one in any doubt that he's not the sharpest tool in the box and don't blink or you'll miss an uncredited cameo by Tessa-Peake Jones who, of course, went on to play Raquel, though not in this episode.

No classic comedy moments to speak of but the Trotters saga was off and running.

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.

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.

The episode that started it all, and it's actually one of the best from the 1st series.

With some lovely interactions between the leads and a decent story being told, the quality, while still a work in progress, is clear.

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 !