Bob Larbey (1934–2014)

Wonderful, gentle humour, perfectly acted with Dame Judi Dench as Jean, and Geoffrey Palmer as Lionel. Produced in the 1990s it's not fast-paced or hiliarious, but the timing is exactly right and we found ourselves smiling many times.

We watched the episodes mostly in pairs over the course of four months, and will now be embarking on series three and four. Definitely recommended if you appreciate this kind of character-based low-key humour. Quite a few innuendoes, but nothing explicit, and show more all done with good taste.

Longer review here: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2023/07/as-time-goes-by-series-1-and-2.html show less

A thoroughly enjoyable 1970s BBC sit-com, featuring Tom and Barbara who have become completely self-sufficient, contrasted with their wealthy and slightly snooty neighbours Jerry and Tom.

We see progress, with ups and downs, over the course of a year. The friendship and chemistry between the four principals is excellent, and while Margo is somewhat caricatured, her moments of humanity are surprisingly moving. This show was ahead of its time, but has plenty to think about, much of which is show more all the more relevant today.

This set contains all 30 episodes from the four series that were broadcast, including a final Christmas special and a command performance finale. Highly recommended.

Longer review: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-good-life-series-1-4-complete.ht... show less

We thoroughly enjoyed this, continuing the romance between Lionel and Jean who were parted by the Korean War, reunited nearly thirty years later. It's best to have seen the first three seasons beforehand. Episodes in this involve continuations of previous storylines, and some new ones, though the same main characters are involved.

Gentle humour, some poignancy, and much that resonates - but then we're similar ages to the starring couple, and could appreciate their point of view. We smiled, show more even laughed in places, and found everyone, even the caricatures (Mrs Flack, and to some extent Alistair) likeable and believable.

Highly recommended - although we don't currently have any plans to acquire seasons 5-9 of this 1990s show. Season Four ended on a positive note, and we suspect that later ones would become a bit samey.

Longer review here: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2023/12/as-time-goes-by-series-4.html show less

A wonderful series of ten episodes, continuing the up-and-down rekindled romance of two people in their fifties who were lovers thirty years earlier. Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer are superb as Jean and Lionel, with excellent chemistry and impeccable timing. Well supported by a cast of great actors.

Produced in the 1990s, this has realism, poignancy, characterisation, and some moments of real humour. Very highly recommended, though it's best to have seen the first two series of this show more beforehand.

Longer review here: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2023/10/as-time-goes-by-series-3.html show less