Keep It in the Family

Although we only saw the first few seasons of this very funny series here in the Netherlands, I'm sure the rest was as nice to watch as well. After all those years I vividly remember those crazy situations caused by another desperate attempt by Robert Gillespie to stretch the deadline for his cartoon. The one with the answering machine is just great. I really do not understand why we saw this series only once, while other comedies almost are burned in in my TV screen. When I see the ratings here, I'm not the only one who loves this comedy. Why isn't there a complete DVD box available? Subtitled please! The same goes for 'Never the Twain' by the way.

This is one of my favourite comedy series of all time, featuring some great scripts and superb acting from all the leads. It possesses some admirably off-beat qualities which help to raise it above the average domestic sitcom, and is complemented by a memorable theme tune. All of the regular characters are skillfully crafted and likable. Their world is steadfastly anchored in the early 1980s and time's winged chariot has passed them by, but the love and harmony so evident within the Rush family is something we can all admire. There are some interesting supporting characters, and the guest cast boasts many fine actors and actresses. No doubt some of the jokes would not make it into the sitcoms of today, but one must bear in mind that what is politically incorrect now has not always been so. This delightful series richly deserves a DVD release and I hope it will not be too long coming.

Forces TV here in the UK is brilliant for showing sitcoms that havnt been shown for many years. Robert Gillespie could give Groucho Marx a run for his money with his perfect diction and funny one liners. Bank manager: " I'd love to stick this in every orifice you have". Dudley: " I dont have an orifice I work from home. ". I really had forgotten how funny this series was. I remember laughing the first time around. I think I have forgotten how to laugh at all the usual comedy repeats around. This is a breath of fresh air and has not dated. Catch it if you can.