Soap Research.

Part way through a bit of research. Thought I had better record my 1/2 way thoughts.

The plan is to watch 4 sitcoms a night.... (or at least all 4 back-to-back when time permits).

From the beginning episode.
Steptoe & Son
Only Fools & Horses
One Foot in the Grave
Bottom.

The purpose was to decide, at least in my little head, which of these monumental landmark sitcoms is "best".

I am not sure on my final thoughts... though Bottom is near then end of the episodes (with only three series), the others have a long way to go... but here are some thoughts (as if anyone is interested).

Steptoe & Son.
Wow! These are old :) The actors could be either comedians or Shakespearian actors. These, the oldest, like the others with the exception of Only Fools and Horses, are happy to womble along with just two (or three) people in the whole of the episode. No need for a cast of hundreds. What is really refreshing, even 4 series in, is that there is no catch phrases..... said "dirty old man" once, but that was 10 episodes again. No big setup... no laughter just 'because'.

Only Fools & Horses.
Wonderful, with the classic lines hitting you like a train from the very first episode... "Why do they call him Trigger, does he carry a gun?" --- "no, he looks like a horse". More on Only Fools in a future post. But.. class act.

One Foot in th Grave
I didn't realise how the main characters were introduced so early on... the chap with the mother next door, Mrs Borboise... and even Angus in series 2. These, like Steptoe, are as sad as they are funny.

Bottom
I wanted a modern classic, and Bottom sprung to mind. I like to think of it as simply a continutation of the Comic Strip Presents..... Mr Jolly Lives Next Door. Every episode a classic, but as with all but Steptoe & Son ( and even that sitcom to a point ), it is driven by catchphrases and catch-situation. That said, that is what makes a sitcom so comfortable to watch.

More ramblings as I progress through the project :)

S.o.O.

20 pounds in 4 weeks!

I am not the man I once was :)


S.o.O.