Post by rhort on Jul 20, 2012 3:34:36 GMT -5
Unusual opening scene, set in the 40s, which whilst efficiently establishing the main plot is also used, quite cleverly I feel, to subtly introduce the issue of the 90s redevelopment of Duckett’s Passage, which is something that has fairly obvious ramifications for Gary. With the weight of the brewery problem on his mind, Gary’s first journey through the new environment is dealt with quickly, as if to show this element of the plot only in passing, without making an issue of it specifically at this point, and leaving only those viewers who think about such things to wonder just what is going to happen.
Moving on to Cricklewood, and we see that Yvonne seems to have fallen into a habit of routinely deriding Gary’s activities, however, there is still a certain amount of closeness evident between them. Gary faintly demonstrating here, that he puts a good deal more effort into his relationship with Phoebe than he does with Yvonne, who is of course oblivious to the reasons behind his labours.
Back to the 40s, and a couple of really good lines in the pub (‘the Force’ and ‘George Harrison’) really ramping up the comedy in this particular episode. The brewery’s slimy Area Manager played excellently by Michael Troughton is something I always enjoy; he’s been in many things that I like, including, as I’m sure some of you will know, ‘The New Statesman’, also by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran. Gary is show visibly down at the thought of being unable to do much about him.
Meanwhile, in the 90s, Yvonne seems to be showing a real interest in the East End ‘Ghost’ story that’s made the local news, which I see as something new in her character, as she never seems to my mind to show much interest in anything, apart from having a go at Gary and Ron. As the scene develops, we see Yvonne then becomes instrumental in the resolution of Gary and Phoebe’s issue with the brewery manager, which in other episodes was something that might have been handled by Ron instead.
The time-travel tennis continues as Gary returns to the east end to help Phoebe deal with her problem. Another excellent line about Reg’s mouth carrying on the trend in this episode. I particularly like Michael Troughton’s reaction to the tape player, as he genuinely seems to be trying to work out just what it is, as it dawns on him what a mess he’s got himself into. One thing that always surprised me about this scene is that Gary doesn’t know when Phoebe’s birthday is, although, I guess that would be a detail that could easily have been missed during his duality shenanigans.
Back home once again, and Gary is shown demonstrating where his basic priorities lie. As things move on, we see Ron trying to be the voice of reason when Gary is interviewed by the journalist about the ‘Ghost’ story, but Gary soldiers on, looking like a bit of a loon. We are then given a very telling insight into Gary and Ron’s relationship, as Ron asks openly for the first time “Why ask my opinion if you’re only going to ignore it?”, which has definitely become something of theme through this series. Gary once again drags Ron into his scheme, despite his protests.
On then to the final scene which brings this episode back to the 40s where it started, and we are given one last brief touching moment between Gary and Phoebe, who’s relationship has developed significantly during this series, due to a variety of factors, not least of all the downturn of Gary and Yvonne’s marriage, and the absence of Eric.
I’d give this episode an 80% rating. Pretty good ending to the series, with just enough issues left unresolved to keep the viewer wanting more, and for those who didn’t notice, the episode title is quite clever too.
Moving on to Cricklewood, and we see that Yvonne seems to have fallen into a habit of routinely deriding Gary’s activities, however, there is still a certain amount of closeness evident between them. Gary faintly demonstrating here, that he puts a good deal more effort into his relationship with Phoebe than he does with Yvonne, who is of course oblivious to the reasons behind his labours.
Back to the 40s, and a couple of really good lines in the pub (‘the Force’ and ‘George Harrison’) really ramping up the comedy in this particular episode. The brewery’s slimy Area Manager played excellently by Michael Troughton is something I always enjoy; he’s been in many things that I like, including, as I’m sure some of you will know, ‘The New Statesman’, also by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran. Gary is show visibly down at the thought of being unable to do much about him.
Meanwhile, in the 90s, Yvonne seems to be showing a real interest in the East End ‘Ghost’ story that’s made the local news, which I see as something new in her character, as she never seems to my mind to show much interest in anything, apart from having a go at Gary and Ron. As the scene develops, we see Yvonne then becomes instrumental in the resolution of Gary and Phoebe’s issue with the brewery manager, which in other episodes was something that might have been handled by Ron instead.
The time-travel tennis continues as Gary returns to the east end to help Phoebe deal with her problem. Another excellent line about Reg’s mouth carrying on the trend in this episode. I particularly like Michael Troughton’s reaction to the tape player, as he genuinely seems to be trying to work out just what it is, as it dawns on him what a mess he’s got himself into. One thing that always surprised me about this scene is that Gary doesn’t know when Phoebe’s birthday is, although, I guess that would be a detail that could easily have been missed during his duality shenanigans.
Back home once again, and Gary is shown demonstrating where his basic priorities lie. As things move on, we see Ron trying to be the voice of reason when Gary is interviewed by the journalist about the ‘Ghost’ story, but Gary soldiers on, looking like a bit of a loon. We are then given a very telling insight into Gary and Ron’s relationship, as Ron asks openly for the first time “Why ask my opinion if you’re only going to ignore it?”, which has definitely become something of theme through this series. Gary once again drags Ron into his scheme, despite his protests.
On then to the final scene which brings this episode back to the 40s where it started, and we are given one last brief touching moment between Gary and Phoebe, who’s relationship has developed significantly during this series, due to a variety of factors, not least of all the downturn of Gary and Yvonne’s marriage, and the absence of Eric.
I’d give this episode an 80% rating. Pretty good ending to the series, with just enough issues left unresolved to keep the viewer wanting more, and for those who didn’t notice, the episode title is quite clever too.