Post by rhort on Sept 14, 2012 3:26:34 GMT -5
This episode begins with a further example of Gary’s moneymaking exploits, however on this occasion, we are given a much more in-depth look at the mechanics of the situation. In the first instance, Ron’s appraisal of Gary’s tactics brings their morality into question, forcing Gary to justify his actions, where he touches on the issue of needing to make a profit with the shop, in order to keep Yvonne off his back, which is something we’ve seen in the past, but not in so much detail. As the shop has become a location where much of the action takes place, we see here that its existence is justified for far more than simply having somewhere that Gary and Ron can talk in private.
I found it most interesting to note on this latest viewing that two of the topics used as subjects for jokes here are generally not considered laughing matters any more; namely the Princess Of Wales, and Rupert Murdoch, both of whom are now famous for different reasons, this episode being about a year or so before the death of Diana, and fifteen years before a similar fate met Murdoch, if only in political terms.
The Murdoch mention subtly leads into the next (albeit brief) scene, as Gary visits the wartime newsagent in order to collect more of the stock for his contemporary shop, and we are introduced to the main plot of this episode. I always enjoy Gary’s reaction to the ‘Page 3’ comment by the shop keeper, again, giving some insight to Gary’s perception of changing tastes and principles over the decades.
As we’ve seen so often in the past, the emerging crisis Gary is facing leads him to seek advice from the usual place, and he’s back to Ron’s side as fast as possible. Ron here is shown in many respects to be the voice reason, perhaps on a certain level merely playing Devil’s Advocate, but this then prompts Gary to begin a much more critical analysis of his relationship with Phoebe, such as it is now that Donald has returned. Gary shows here that he relies on Ron at least as much for advice as he does for counterfeit fivers, which is a connection between the two men that doesn’t often appear to be as strong when the roles are reversed; this is something I’ve always seen as being quite telling.
Back to Cricklewood, and Yvonne is clearly on the offensive with Gary as she pushes him towards the job interview at Sim Yung, apparently whether he wants it or not, and another spotlight shines on the cracks in their marriage as she fails, yet again, to take into account the direction Gary sees his life moving in, which admittedly is a trait that is not unique to her. Yvonne indicates quite firmly here that she, like Phoebe, is looking towards the future, and making plans to that effect, however, the impression I get is that she views Gary as simply something that will be swept along with those plans. Another line here in a similar vein to the last episode, when Yvonne tells Gary that he “can’t just pop back in time and get some more” stock, giving the viewer a feeling of being able to see the overall picture of the whole situation.
The first major scene in the 40s next, and we’re brought up to speed with the main plot as Donald has arrived at The Royal Oak. I’m always glad to see the inclusion of the excellent Ralph Ineson here, who, like many of the bit part players throughout this series, it an outstanding character actor. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in something I haven’t enjoyed, simply because he’s in it, even when he’s been playing characters that are nowhere near as likeable as Donald is. I think he’s such a versatile actor, which is probably why he’s been in more than eighty different productions despite the fact he’s only really been acting for 20 years or so.
The general despondent feeling of the scene is broken by the ‘showers’ comment on “backward countries”, but then we’re moved onto the inevitable issue as Gary and Phoebe talk about the thorny issue of Donald’s return. As Phoebe attempts to find something positive for Gary, it seems that he has already made his mind up about what is going to happen, and he acts accordingly.
Returning to the 90s, and Yvonne breezes in and out of the front room, talking at Gary and failing to notice that he’s not paying any attention, which is probably something she’s used to by now, however, after a moment, she realises that al is not well and comes back in to talk to him. Gary’s mind is clearly wandering, as he mentally sifts through the events of the day and we are brought down to the issue of “just you and me” between him and Yvonne, which causes a momentary confusion for Yvonne that she seems to immediately ignore.
Lightening the mood with a comedy moment, Ron recounts his ‘spaceship’ plan to Gary, almost as if trying to bewilder him into submission. Reversing the recent trend, Gary is the one who’s depressed here, however, Ron is far more supportive than Gary has been at times, which has been something of a theme all along, and tells us a lot about their friendship, particularly from Ron’s perspective.
Back to the pub, and Reg’s hero worship for Donald is coming across, even in his chat with Gary, who naturally has nothing on his mind other than the impending break-up with Phoebe, even as Phoebe goes to great lengths to explain many of the details about how she and Donald first came together. The confrontation with Donald certainly comes as no surprise, given his and Gary’s previous encounter, however, there we see a very different side to a man who has clearly gone through some changes. Donald is very frank and honest with Gary, who shows him the same consideration in return, and as Donald tells of his plans from back in the day, and the death of his close friend, Gary is given an insight another issue he hadn’t thought of, which is something that comes across in his subsequent talk with Phoebe, where his perceptive “If ever he loved a woman” line hints at the main reason Donald seems to be relatively unconcerned with the turn of events. For the second time, we return to a “just the two of us” moment, this time on the other side of the time portal.
Briefly to the 90s, where Gary is late, and Yvonne is clearly not impressed. We are left awaiting the fallout of that.
I’d give this episode a 65% rating. I found it kind of depressing in places, as there seems to be a general pessimistic feeling to most of the scenes. Some of the acting makes up for it, and Reg and Ron seem to do their usual job of keeping the jovial side of things afloat.
I found it most interesting to note on this latest viewing that two of the topics used as subjects for jokes here are generally not considered laughing matters any more; namely the Princess Of Wales, and Rupert Murdoch, both of whom are now famous for different reasons, this episode being about a year or so before the death of Diana, and fifteen years before a similar fate met Murdoch, if only in political terms.
The Murdoch mention subtly leads into the next (albeit brief) scene, as Gary visits the wartime newsagent in order to collect more of the stock for his contemporary shop, and we are introduced to the main plot of this episode. I always enjoy Gary’s reaction to the ‘Page 3’ comment by the shop keeper, again, giving some insight to Gary’s perception of changing tastes and principles over the decades.
As we’ve seen so often in the past, the emerging crisis Gary is facing leads him to seek advice from the usual place, and he’s back to Ron’s side as fast as possible. Ron here is shown in many respects to be the voice reason, perhaps on a certain level merely playing Devil’s Advocate, but this then prompts Gary to begin a much more critical analysis of his relationship with Phoebe, such as it is now that Donald has returned. Gary shows here that he relies on Ron at least as much for advice as he does for counterfeit fivers, which is a connection between the two men that doesn’t often appear to be as strong when the roles are reversed; this is something I’ve always seen as being quite telling.
Back to Cricklewood, and Yvonne is clearly on the offensive with Gary as she pushes him towards the job interview at Sim Yung, apparently whether he wants it or not, and another spotlight shines on the cracks in their marriage as she fails, yet again, to take into account the direction Gary sees his life moving in, which admittedly is a trait that is not unique to her. Yvonne indicates quite firmly here that she, like Phoebe, is looking towards the future, and making plans to that effect, however, the impression I get is that she views Gary as simply something that will be swept along with those plans. Another line here in a similar vein to the last episode, when Yvonne tells Gary that he “can’t just pop back in time and get some more” stock, giving the viewer a feeling of being able to see the overall picture of the whole situation.
The first major scene in the 40s next, and we’re brought up to speed with the main plot as Donald has arrived at The Royal Oak. I’m always glad to see the inclusion of the excellent Ralph Ineson here, who, like many of the bit part players throughout this series, it an outstanding character actor. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in something I haven’t enjoyed, simply because he’s in it, even when he’s been playing characters that are nowhere near as likeable as Donald is. I think he’s such a versatile actor, which is probably why he’s been in more than eighty different productions despite the fact he’s only really been acting for 20 years or so.
The general despondent feeling of the scene is broken by the ‘showers’ comment on “backward countries”, but then we’re moved onto the inevitable issue as Gary and Phoebe talk about the thorny issue of Donald’s return. As Phoebe attempts to find something positive for Gary, it seems that he has already made his mind up about what is going to happen, and he acts accordingly.
Returning to the 90s, and Yvonne breezes in and out of the front room, talking at Gary and failing to notice that he’s not paying any attention, which is probably something she’s used to by now, however, after a moment, she realises that al is not well and comes back in to talk to him. Gary’s mind is clearly wandering, as he mentally sifts through the events of the day and we are brought down to the issue of “just you and me” between him and Yvonne, which causes a momentary confusion for Yvonne that she seems to immediately ignore.
Lightening the mood with a comedy moment, Ron recounts his ‘spaceship’ plan to Gary, almost as if trying to bewilder him into submission. Reversing the recent trend, Gary is the one who’s depressed here, however, Ron is far more supportive than Gary has been at times, which has been something of a theme all along, and tells us a lot about their friendship, particularly from Ron’s perspective.
Back to the pub, and Reg’s hero worship for Donald is coming across, even in his chat with Gary, who naturally has nothing on his mind other than the impending break-up with Phoebe, even as Phoebe goes to great lengths to explain many of the details about how she and Donald first came together. The confrontation with Donald certainly comes as no surprise, given his and Gary’s previous encounter, however, there we see a very different side to a man who has clearly gone through some changes. Donald is very frank and honest with Gary, who shows him the same consideration in return, and as Donald tells of his plans from back in the day, and the death of his close friend, Gary is given an insight another issue he hadn’t thought of, which is something that comes across in his subsequent talk with Phoebe, where his perceptive “If ever he loved a woman” line hints at the main reason Donald seems to be relatively unconcerned with the turn of events. For the second time, we return to a “just the two of us” moment, this time on the other side of the time portal.
Briefly to the 90s, where Gary is late, and Yvonne is clearly not impressed. We are left awaiting the fallout of that.
I’d give this episode a 65% rating. I found it kind of depressing in places, as there seems to be a general pessimistic feeling to most of the scenes. Some of the acting makes up for it, and Reg and Ron seem to do their usual job of keeping the jovial side of things afloat.