Open All Hours still stands as one of my favourite TV comedy shows.
I had never really been interested in even checking out the rerun series.
And I can't believe that its actually run now for 5 series.
Curiosity however finally got the better of me, and I have now seen a couple of episodes.
I can't believe that David Jason is trying to emulate Ronnie Barker, in his portrayal of the mature Granville.
But it's like a rerun of their original dynamic, with Granville acting towards the young assistant, as Arkwright had towards him. I hope this is not the case, as with the best will in the world, David Jason is no Ronnie Barker.
In the rerun we have some of the same characters from the original series. Granville of course, with Wavy Mavis, as uncertain as ever. And the Black Widow as predatory as ever, now with a glint in her eye for Granville.
I can't really speak that much of the rerun as I have not watched that many episodes. But here goes anyway, it seems to have become something of a Mecca for comedy actors. With a range from the older through to the younger, that I can't help but recognise. It always makes for an entertaining view for someone my age, in remembering actors, and what they have appeared in.
But this hardly compensates for what should be there anyway, and its not to my mind as funny as the original.
Even the peerless Roy Clark has his work cut out, to hope to emulate his previous success.
Review of Still Open All Hours
