An introduction to ‘Only Fools and Horses’

This British sitcom, created and authored by John Sullivan, was set in working-class Peckham. It had seven series broadcasted on BBC One in the UK from 1981 to 1991 and sixteen Christmas specials.

The series starred David Jason as Derek Del Boy Trotter, a market trader, and Nicholas Lyndhurst, who featured as his younger half-brother. Only Fools and Horses highlights Trotter’s successful and low moments of life and how he attempts to get rich.

Iconic episodes

The series was full of unforgettable episodes like A Losing Streak, where Del Boy played high-stakes poker games with Boycie. Amongst rumours of a remake or reboot, it’s clear that the show would have to adapt to modern times, but how could they remake such an iconic episode? Well, firstly, the proliferation of online casinos could be a great ground for inspiration. Alongside current offerings of online casinos, there are expert reviews, which have reduced the hassle of finding a reputable platform. Consider, for example, a review about real money casinos by bonus.ca highlighting crucial information like bonuses offered by different online casinos, which is important when engaging in such games and other casino products. A modern retelling of A Losing Streak could go in any number of directions considering the way people access gambling today.

Besides achieving individual honours for Sullivan and Jason, the series was successful, garnering praise from critics and audiences alike. It was honoured with multiple prizes, including those from the Royal Television Society, the National Television Prizes and the BAFTA. According to westminstercollection.com, the series was named Britain’s Best Sitcom in a BBC poll in 2004.

Main Characters

Only Fools and Horses series has six main characters. David Jason, who plays Del, showcases confidence and responsibility by caring for Rodney, his younger brother, and Edward (Granddad), an elderly character. Del started accomplishing these responsibilities when he was 16. When he is of age, he settles down with Raquel and gives birth to their first son, Damien. Nicholas Lyndhurst, playing Rodney, has a larger academic muscle than Del, although he is less charismatic. Their relationship becomes fractious due to their different opinions of life, especially when Rodney unsuccessfully attempts to set up his businesses.

Sullivan introduced an elderly character of Granddad that brought the tone of someone with advanced experience in life. Granddad’s role was inspired by Wilfrid Brambell’s role of Albert Steptoe in Steptoe and Son.

Merryfield played Albert, an uncle’s role after Lennard Peace, who featured as Granddad, passed on in 1984, as expressed by lostmedia.com. Despite his minimal skills then, he distinctively fit the role due to his Captain Birdseye beard. Tessa Peake-Jones was introduced as Raquel Turner due to the need for more females in the plot. Gwyneth Strong featured as Cassandra Trotter, who later got married to Rodney by the end of the sixth series.

Supporting Characters

Roger Lloyd-Pack, featuring as Trigger, initially played the role of a small-time thief and later played as a village idiot. John Challis appeared as Boycie, an untrustworthy car dealer and cultural elitist. Paul Barber played the generous Liverpudlian truck driver, Denzil Tulser. The series also featured rare appearances of Sid, who owned a dirty local café, a role that Roy Heather played. Other roles included Mickey Pearce, played by Patrick Murray, Marlene Boyce by Sue Holderness, Mike Fisher by Kenneth MacDonald, and Damien Trotter, played by several cast.

In summary, the cast’s strong performance could be why Only Fools and Horses still appeals to many audiences. The show’s legacy is not just in its impressive viewer numbers but in the enduring nostalgia it generates.