Next of Kin

While I agree that the T.V. series was not really up to much, I seem to remember it being about three children who had been orphaned after their parents were killed in a horrific car accident. Yes the children may have been portrayed as a bit snotty and maybe even up themselves, I think that the story demanded that of them as they have lost the two main elements of their lives then to have to live with two grandparents who are "out of touch to say the least". I thought Penelope Keith was actually very good in the role of the Grandmother who had issues about showing love and adapting to the needs of three young children. I think it was quite moving on occasion for her character to be quite introspective and confronting her feelings.

So Nick, why not actually watch the show first before commenting on it?

Matt.

I remember viewing this show on a local PBS station. While I do have a taste for British comedy, the whole dramatic premise just kills it. It could be have been brilliant but the whole idea is flawed: why should we care about three whiny know-it-all brats being taken care of their until-now-unknown grandparents? It's not a show as much as it's being at the funeral of a stranger: you don't know where you fit in, but you rather just be somewhere else. That's how I felt, and felt better when I turned the channel.

This series is about a couple that give up their wealthy life to take care of their three parentless grandchildren. The sacrifice of their former rich life frustrates them, they can't enjoy life as they wanted to. Lack of money and the age-difference frustrates them but still they remain positive.

Different is the lack of laughing in the background. Popular american comedy shows use the laugh button too much. This is something to get used to, but definitely an asset.

Both the acting and scenario are excellent.

After To the Manor Born, this is Penelope Keith's best series. The balance between comedy, pathos and relationships between the grandparents and the grandchildren is excellent.

In particular, the growth of the relationships as the series progresses is very natural and at times achingly funny.

Some people cannot grasp the humor stemming from a serious subject, but the characters here are real. Most families are NOT like The Waltons!

Give it a shot if comes on PBS again. If only it had run longer and there were more episodes.

A very funny black comedy starring the one and only Penelope Keith. This series should be put onto a video. It is simply unique. Very Funny ! Unfortunately this series was axed in 1997 after the viewing figures were too low ! A PAL VIDEO SHOULD BE RELEASED ! I think it is a very good series.