Only Fools and Brotherly Forces

This episode we discuss the long running and immensely popular family comedy first released in the year 2000, "My Family". This was our first proper family comedy show and lead to a really unique and interesting discussion, full of tangents, random anecdotes and early 21st century nostalgia.  The show features a great cast of actors and interesting characters that was dismissed by the critics while being a huge hit with audiences. Although it did perhaps overstay its welcome with a whopping 120 Episodes...

This Episode we discuss the 2012 series Bad Education, written by and staring Jack Whitehall. The show finds itself landing dangerously close to the likes of "The Inbetweeners" and another show staring Jack Whitehall, "Fresh Meat", and its fair to say the comparisons do not do this show any favours.The fact this show managed three seasons and a movie is a surprise only surpassed in magnitude by its recent relaunch, maybe we've missed something here? Safe to say it wasn't exactly our cup of tea but as always we had fun discussing it.

Another year rolls past which means another chance for us to step outside our usual format and look at a UK Comedy film. This year we watch the funniest UK Comedy Film EVER! (As per a decade old channel 4's poll). Monty Pythons 'The Life of Brian' was as controversial at the time as it was funny. The film experienced issued getting the green light from production studios and even after it was made would be banned in multiple countries for a long, long time. Listen to our episode to find out the good, the bad, the ugly and the great of this absolute classic. Oh, and MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

In this episode we tackle the incredibly joke heavy 'Not Going Out'. Written by Lee Mack and surprisingly the second-longest-running British sitcom (number of series), the word play, one liners and consistent punch lines make it one of the easiest watching shows around. But with so many jokes, is there much story and character intrigue to keep us engaged? All will be revealed in this weeks brotherly forces rewatch.

In this episode we watch the long running and 129 episode deep Birds of a Feather. Another female led comedy showcasing the acting prowess of Pauline Quirke along side childhood friend Linda Robson and larger than life Lesley Joseph. This series certainly looked to exceed expectations with similarities to some of our best loved shows, but will it be able to keep up the pace through its many series? Listen to our take on this classic to find out  

In this episode we discuss the seminal 2001 comedy " The Office", created by the now world renowned Ricky Gervais and Steven Merchant. The Office while not universally loved, was an instant classic and ubiquitous almost to a fault from its inception. The commitment to detail and insistence of its creators to have full control, lead to a show that appeared as instantly fully formed as anything we've previously discussed. The blend of reality, relatability and comedy seems perfectly woven into the sometimes unbelievable characters and their often despicable actions.The shows popularity and impact on comedy are often very highly stated, we try to pull this back down to earth and provide context into the world that The Office entered, discussing some of its predecessors and hopefully heaping deserved praise and fair judgement in our usual fashion. 

Its what so many of us have been waiting for, a brand new comedy written by and staring the legendary Dylan Moran. When we both found out this was to be released last year we were of course overjoyed and quickly decided to break our randomator format to tackle this fresh series. Coupled with another of our favourite female comedy actors, Morgana Robinson, it has all the ingredients to be an instant hit. At only 15 minutes a piece, the episodes are very short and there is only 5 of them in total, so will this long awaited return to the screen give us what we've been craving for 2 decades?? or does disappointment loom. Listen to our breakdown of this very uniquely formatted series to find out. 

Another Brotherly Forces ambitiously named Christmas Extravaganza. We catch up a little about our year and the different circumstances we find ourselves in compared to last years special when we covered the same dickens story performed by the muppets.In this episode we follow the classic story with one of our favorites Rowan Atkinson as Ebenezer Blackadder and visit his ancestors from past and future.

In this episode we discuss a piece of English comedy history with French and Saunders first regular sitcom roles. They both write and star along with Ruby wax and Tracey Ullman in the classic comedy format of unlikely housemates. While parallels to Young Ones are abound, it's very much its own show with some new ideas and welcome new voices. A fascinating origin story for this collection of now much loved female comedians .

In this episode we discuss a 90s favourite; One Foot in the Grave. Far from just another geriatric comedy, we questioned how we'd missed it the first time around! Join us as we discuss the brilliant portrayed Victor and Margaret Meldrew, with a mixed bag of supporting roles as the they work their way through life thats a mixture of mundane retirement and surprising/shocking moments, brilliantly woven together with outstanding writing.   

In this weeks episode we watch the first series of the entirely whacky Toast of London. It is as mad as you might expect coming from the weird and wonderful mind of Matt Berry. Sometimes out and out surreal, sometimes seemingly very much in the real world, this was quite a unique series for us to break down. Listen to hear our verdict on this fairly modern UK Sitcom. 

As far as British comedy goes, it doesn't get much more juvenile than the 90's slapstick comedy, Bottom. Two of our favourites, Rick Mayall and Adrian Edmundson team up together one last time to continue their legacy of mindless violence and knob gags - what more could you want? somewhat of a right of passage for many in our age group but its unlikely that everyone was unboard. In this episode we talk about Rick and Ade through the years, the many little subtleties that really gave prestige to the series and the many lubricous highlights of this lighthearted show. 

A random but inarguably very British comedy this time with the 2010, very of its time show - PhoneShop. We join the quote unquote 'Rude Boyz' Jerwayne and Ashley who are paired up with the much more quiet, straight-laced Chris aka ‘New-man' as they try and teach him how to survive and thrive in life on the high street. It's a bit more niche but there is undoubtably some very clever writing and great laughs from the cast and crew. Definitely earns its place on our list and was fun to talk about the show and all its madness. 

On this episode we journey through the decades with one of the most sarcastic and devious characters in British comedy, Edmund Blackadder. Dipping into a couple episodes of each series, we discuss the shows evolution, its highs and its lows. We resist the temptation to go down too many history rabbit holes and talk about the production, the cast and what it is that makes this one of the most loved UK comedy classics. 

Task Master Greg Davies writes and stars in this semi autobiographical slapstick comedy full of larger than life characters, all perfect cast.This week we discuss how this group of likeable comedians come together to create this often silly, occasionally witty but ultimately sadly underwhelming sitcom. 

After life combines laugh out loud comedy with incredibly poignant emotion in a magically unique way. Ricky Gervais, writes, directs and stars in this ground breaking show as a man who believes he's lost everything.  This week we discuss how Gervais expertly brings his acting entourage together to fill our screens with a diverse and brilliantly portrayed set of meaningful, interesting and occasionally insane characters. We focus as always on season one, however we do share our thoughts on the series as a whole following the recent release of the third and final season. 

Fawlty Towers is unquestionably one of Britains most famous and beloved sitcoms. Nearly 50 years later this short lived treasure about a chaotic Torquay hotel is still lightning quick and unrelenting in its ability to induce laughter.This week we discuss the unforgettable and unique characters and the fabulous talents that brought them to life. 

Leave your Humbugs behind and join us for a very Merry Christmas special as we talk about the brilliant "The Muppet Christmas Carol". A perfect mix of the immortal Charles Dickens, national treasure Sir Micheal Cane and the amazing comedy family that is The Muppets.This week we enjoy a glass of mulled wine and break down this family favourite in our usual way; combining strong opinions, with moderately interesting facts and a few laughs a long the way. 

The Brittas Empire was a hugely popular and long running 90s comedy that seems to have fallen away from public consciousness. It stars the brilliant Chris Barrie and fits neatly into the English comedy timeline of styles and ideas and is described by many as a televised farce.This week we discussed why the show, despite being so popular at the time seems to have such a limited legacy and reveal whether this is a show many have maybe missed out on, or if it should be given a miss.

Spaced is the epitome of a cult classic, with an incredibly passionate fan base. The show drew much material from pop culture (a novel concept in British tv at the time) and launched the career of “King of the geeks” Simon Pegg.This week we discuss how the show has aged and our feelings towards this weird and wonderful cast of characters.

On the surface it's almost a traditional studio sitcom, however this often surreal whirlwind of insanity was unlike anything before, or arguably since. The Young Ones defined a generation of young people when released, and while very topical and of its time, is somehow also timeless, and made its stars household names. None more so than writer and actor Rik Mayall, one of the highest praised Gods in the brotherly forces pantheon.This week we pay homage to one of our all time favourite shows. We revel in its originality, wit, outstanding performances and its stupidity. They set out to create four deeply unlikable characters, in that task they failed. In every other way they succeeded. 

Saddened to hear that John Challis, lost his battle with cancer this week we decided to recored a short tribute to talk about what made him particularly special. We discuss the unique way in which he embraced the much loved character of Boycie, his services to Only Fools and Horses throughout his life as well as some of our favourite moments. Thanks for the memories Mr. Challis, it was a pleasure. 

This week we're traveling north to experience the chaotic lives of the Gallagher family in this critically acclaimed Comedy/Drama. The arguably irredeemable Frank seems equally loved and loathed by the entire estate, while his brilliant oldest daughter Fiona raises his large and highly dysfunctional family.We shouldn't really be here, the show is nothing like anything we've done before and doesn't really fit our format. Yet here we are giving the brotherly forces treatment to this unique and long running show. Join us to hear our take on this cast of unique and eccentric characters, as well as hearing what we have in store for our next episode . . .

A beautiful balance between mainstream studio comedy and insane surreal antics are brought together in this hilarious cult classic early 00's series. A brilliant cast take us through the life of a mad man running a bookshop, despite him despising everything about people and business.This week we discuss just how insane Dylan Moran really is and lament the fact this is the only time that he revealed his genius to the mainstream.  We also touch base on the legacy of Goodnight Sweetheart in our previous episode and roll the dice to see which show we will tackle next.

Love, War and Time Travel. Now thats a recipe for us to get our teeth into. For the first time we leave the works of John Sullivan and branch out into our new format and other great UK Comedies. This week we talk about how interesting this show is historically and the huge contrast in Nicholas Lydhurst's character, Gary. We also reveal how we will choose what we takle on the the pod in the coming shows. 

In our first trip away from the lives of Delboy and Rodney we follow the Boyce family as they go on the run to rural Shropshire to evade the Driscol Brothers. This week we discuss our differing opinions on this notably different toned Only Fools Spin off and how the podcast will be evolving going forward. 

Its the premature conclusion of the fantastically underrated Only Fools prequal, Rock and Chips. Joan is dreaming of disappearing into the sunset with Freddy, but its unclear if he can put his passed behind him. Meanwhile Del finds another finger willing to carry one of his five glass engagement rings.This week we discuss how Rock and Chips has found its feet, and style and become a brilliantly entertaining show, only to be cut short by the tragic passing of the legend John Sullivan.

It's Christmas 1960 with the trotter family. Reg and Grandad are still useless while Joan works hard to bring up Rodney and bring home the bacon. Del is well and truly into his trading life and we also discover some of the origin behind his outlook on relationships. Meanwhile Freddie is out on bail and is not going to give up easily on connecting with Joan and his Son.This week we discus how the show and its characters are truly taking shape in this delicately but well balanced, Drama/comedy.

We've been catapulted into Early 60's London for the Only Fools Prequel to learn more about the Trotters. We see Del start his career in wheeler dealing while his fascinating and fantastically portrayed mother Joan laments her useless husband and becomes entangled with gentleman villain, Freddy the Frog. This time we discuss the very new feel of this extended Only Fools and Horses canon that has us well drawn in. 

This week we take a look back at the series as a whole and answer some of the classic Only Fools questions. We discuss what we consider some of the strongest and weakest episodes and hand out a couple of token awards to our favourite bit part characters.

Its the final ever episode of Only Fools and Horses. In classic fashion the Trotters are in desperate need of money and try to avoid eviction from Nelson Mandela House. Cassandras due date is drawing ever closer and Marlene has mysteriously disappeared. This week we discuss the many ingredients that make Only Fools so unique and brilliant. We are also left genuinely surprised by this fantastic and appropriate finale to an incredible journey.

The Trotters are off to France to pay homage to Albert and Del decides to turn it into an earner by roping Denzil into a booze cruise. All goes pare shaped however when it turns out they have a stowaway on board. This week we talk for a surprisingly long time about another divisive episode and how Roger Lloyd Pack as Trigger steals the show. 

Five years after becoming millionaires, the Trotters find themselves back  at Nelson Mandela House potless. Rodney and Cassandra are trying to spice up their marriage while Del is trying to restore the families wealth. This week we discuss the first of the controversial "reprise" episodes with as open minds as we can manage. Listen to discover whether we were pleasantly surprised, or sadly disappointed.

Dubbed as our 'False Finale', we do a special - extended and uncut episode of the podcast. We all know the storyline, so this week line up the drinks and celebrate this absolute pleasure of a journey and all those that have joined us for the ride. Expect some unnecessary tangents, tears of joy and tears of laughter. Its an episode for all the feels, its of course, Time on our Hands. 

Del has decided he's going to become a "Modern Man" and is planing a vasectomy. Meanwhile Rodney is on the search for a new job with the expectation of parenthood looming. This week we discuss how this episode provides tears of laughter and sadness in a way few other shows would ever even consider. 

Muggers are back on the estate causing trouble but Del is more concerned with his council grant application being refused. Meanwhile Rodney is dealing with being dubbed "Rooney" thanks to Del's dyslexic engraver. Fortunately the Publicans fancy dress ball is coming up to offer some well needed relief. This week we talk about how this 'trilogy' may have come in a different format and how it sets up the grand finale

Del has gotten himself a date with a lady of questionable mental fortitude and also treats us to a unique sing along that may or may not have incited a riot. This week we discuss where this episode ranks in relation to previous specials and why it could be considered one of the greats

Del is currently down the casino every night until the early hours. This results in Raquel and the omen rocking up at Cassandra and Rodneys flat to ruin the mood while they are attempting to start a family. This week we discuss the seemingly never ending Christmas we've fallen into and ponder the unanswerable question. . . .Why ask?

Rodney's lost his Mojo while Trotters Independent traders is suffering some serious cashflow issues. Perhaps Grandads old allotment-come-dumping ground will bring some aid, or possibly just more problems. This week we discuss how the inclusion of a toddler has changed Del's life, along with all the good, bad and the ugly of this extravagant episode. 

The trip of a lifetime for the Trotters is going from bad to worse, with Delboy distressing even his hardest supports by finding himself on the news in Peckham as US Public enemy number one. While in actuality, he's fighting for his life, even if he hasn't worked it out yet. This week we discuss all the action, drama and assassination attempts and finally give all our closing thoughts on this unique Only Fools experience.

After much pleading Rodders has agreed to let Del be his +1 To Miami. Unfortunately Del handled all the details and they've ended up in a dodgy camper-van. That becomes the least of the trotters worries when someone relieves the van of its contents including all their belongings. This week we talk about what filming on location in Miami means for the show and how it feels to have double portions of David Jason on screen.

Rodney is left moping once again when Casandra cant join him for his surprise romantic getaway to Miami, but after celebrating his sons christening del is more than happy to take one for the team. This week we discuss what should have certainly been The Only Fools and Horses feature length film, but is instead a unique two parter for the 1991 Christmas special.

The next generation of the Trotter clan is imminent and Del can hardly keep his hair on with the excitement. Meanwhile, Rodney is convinced all this could be a bad 'omen'. This week we bring a touch of festive cheers along with some of our own individual perspectives on fatherhood/unclehood. 

Theres a gang of muggers on the loose in Peckham, will Alberts navy boxing skills be enough to keep him safe? Meanwhile Rodney is desperate to rejoin Trotters Independent Traders while also maintain his pride as a former executive. This week we discuss how fantastically Buster Merryfield takes center stage throughout this episode and tell the story of our own failed acting careers. 

Its an old school reunion and all our favourite characters are back, however, there is a mystery of who arranged this little get together. The lads might have preferred it was their old headmaster after they find out who has put it together. This week we talk about the long build up and for-shadowing to this episode and how the avid fan is rewarded with the return of Only Fools greatest Villain. 

Del once again tries his hand at music management assembling a unique duo of the pregnant Raquel, and part time dustman, full time enigma Tony Angelino. This week we discuss this hilariously simple but beautifully constructed fan favourite, and the many hat tips to previous episodes.

Del is again sticking his oar into Rodney's relationship with Cassandra  but this time he's got a cunning plan. Is it enough to steer them back in the right direction, or is it 1 step forward, 3 steps back? This week we talk the progression of (or lack of) the story arc and draw quite a few similarities to other recent episodes.

Raquel has moved into the flat and Rodneys still in the flat but out on the lash most nights. Del hatches a 'romanic night' plan for Rodney in the hope of getting him back into his own flat with Cassandra. This week we talk about a special milestone for the podcast and discuss our good and bad points of the current storylines evolution.

 Rodney may have some home troubles, but Del being the caring brother he is decides to lend him a hand. Unfortunately it may be more of a hinderance than a help. This week we conclude the Xmas special and discuss the plots serious nature and the direction it will start to take the show. 

It's true love for Del and Raquel as they set up home at Nelson Mandela House. Sadly, the same cannot be said for Rodders, whose marriage has developed a few teething problems. This week we tackle what feels like a more serious plot for the show and talk about how it will set the way for series 7.