Goodnight Sweet Ferret
Landmark Series 30 of Last of the Summer Wine has just finished with the episode Goodnight Sweet Ferret. Despite it being a landmark series it did not feature anything special, in fact it could be one of the worst series yet. It is still unknown if their will be a 31st series but despite ‘Hobbo’ being very annoying I hope their is. Why doesn’t ol’ Roy look back on the very first few series to figure out why the series gained a lot of respect by bringing normal back to the television. Since then more ’stunts’ and ’supporting’ characters have entered the programme, ruining the original concept of three old men wondering the town discussing life. Of course you cannot help the cast dying off but instead of letting the programme get into the state it is now they should have cancelled it while at it’s prime. To be honest Alan has injected too many ‘money’ shots into the programme, like Roy he should look at the earlier series with the tighter shots. Unfortunately it is too late now but the currently very long cast list should be trimmed down a lot if it is to survive the next possible series, get rid of ‘The Captain’, Morton, Nelly and all those that was not in the programme before 1992. I am happy that the Policemen are getting more scenes though as they are very welcome parts of the programme. Also please return to proper background music instead of cut and paste recordings of Hazlehursts soundtracks, I think it is best as when he made the soundtracks, all the music was perfectly timed to the characters footsteps and other situations but now just seems like interscene connecting music which is not what it is supposed to be.
Conclusion, look at your own mistakes. Less is more. So heres to making series 31 a good one!
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Well, I have enjoyed every Britcom I have seen, but this one takes the prize. I miss the early characters, most importantly Wally. The new characters each play an important part in the series. Each character is embed in my mind, even if not yet with us, will always be part of my family. If you never became a family member (one who appreciates the show) you may never miss it. I will! My wife, my mother in law, and my 8 year old niece look forward to the shows, and I have purchased, and downloaded the current ones. Great job cast, Fabulous job Roy Clark.
this latest series was very different to the previous one. there have been a couple of new characters; and some older characters given more to do. trevor bannister’s character first appeared many years ago, and has only now become a regular. some of these new episodes have adopted a soap opera style, with continuing themes lasting more than one programme. this series in my opinion has improved with each episode. the ferret episode was the most enjoyable, it was more like the show used to be. i noticed this show didn’t feature all of the supporting characters such as tom and aunty wainwright; so we didn’t have too many boring pointless sub-plots (which are nearly always the same). i generally like the russ abbot character. not well written but performed brilliantly with lots of energy. the new trio however does not cut the mustard like in the old days. that said, times do change. the programme can never be like it was. it’s 10 years too late for that. i regard the show since the death of bill owen as a different show, only loosely related. so i’ve reached the point now where i think maybe it doesn’t have to end. it could go on forever. the future of the show does look bleak though. maybe one last feature length special with a decent ending. and featuring ivy, truly and clegg in more central roles. i doubt it.