Going Straight

'Going Straight' is often thought of as a failed sequel to 'Porridge.' However, it would help to think of the show as an epilogue to 'Porridge.' If both shows were called 'Fletcher' then I very much doubt that any distinction would be made between the two.

By the time the show was written Ian La Frenais, Dick Clement and Ronnie Barker had the mind of Fletcher down to a tee. This in itself made the series superb - with some of the finest writing and acting to adorn our T.V. screens. But there is a more important point to 'Going Straight.' Although 'Porridge' tried to relate the daily grind of prison life it was, by it's very nature, a comedy programme. Fletcher's spirit, intelligence, humour and status inside 'Slade' almost made you want to commit a felony and go and join him. However, once outside he became a 'nobody.' The writers cleverly showed that outside a prison Fletcher was on life's bottom rung - on course for a life of menial work, low status and even lower pay. Fletcher finds himself very frustrated at the lack of opportunities for ex-cons, especially at his age, and this comes through in the series quite strongly. Personally, I admired him in 'Porridge' and pitied him in 'Going Straight.' In 'Porridge' it was often referred to that the system can't be beaten. 'Going Straight' showed that even after having served time for crimes the system still controls your destiny. A lesson for us all.

Well, I got the DVD of Going Straight the other week, and put it with my DVDs for Porridge. I've read all that stuff that says GS wasn't received as fondly as Porridge - and I've also read that Ronnie Barker thinks it's just as good. I am in full agreement with Mr Barker here.

First off - yes, Going Straight dispensed with the "less is more" approach that made Porridge (and almost all the greatest sitcoms bar Fawlty Towers) so brilliant. But that's the only problem I have with it.

I suspect that the people who dismiss this show were disappointed because it wasn't just more Porridge. Well, the whole point is that he's been released on parole. Alternately, for the people who miss Warren, Lukewarm and Grouty - remember that they were all sent down from different parts of the country, and so when released, all went home to different parts of the country. To have them all on the outside together would not be realistic. The only fellow ex-con to be kept in the series was, of course, Lennie Godber. Plus Fletch's daughter Ingrid has a much bigger part in this series - again, to be expected.

Certainly, the series still has the same emotional resonance - Porridge dealt with the pressures of being in prison, and Going Straight deals with life on the outside for ex-prisoners, and the prejudices they are up against. Much like the prejudices that sequels tend to be up against . . .

Overall, I like this series. Not quite as much as Porridge, I'll admit. But certainly enough to recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Porridge. Who said that sequels aren't as good?!

Couldn't agree more with another review on here, if both shows we're called "Fletcher" no-one would have spotted the join between this and Porridge. Ronnie Barker just as great as ever. And what a tragedy we lost Richard Beckinsale so early, truly talented young actor. Along with a supporting cast of Fulton Mackay (even though only 1 episode) and Patricia Brake as Fletch's daughter. Even a very young Nicholas Lyndhurst as his son. Maybe the support hasn't got as many purely comical characters as Porridge (Warren, Maclaren, Ives, Barrowclough etc) which probably just takes the slight edge off if you wanted to compare the series seperately. Still worth a revisit, or getting acquainted with if you liked Porridge and didn't catch this. And a catchy theme tune just to add the finishing touch. Great memories

I thoroughly endorse Liam's well expressed review. Going Straight deals with the same person in very different circumstances and one that has to have non-humorous aspects. The episodes are clever, and funny where they need to be, very funny, with Fletch's repartee as sharp as ever. And his delivery is flawless. I found myself chuckling all the time I wasn't feeling sorry for him or worried about him. It's an excellent supplement to the wonderful Porridge. And Godber was as perfect in his new circumstances as he ever was. Interesting to see some supporting actors who went on to considerable acclaim themselves. If I have any reservations they are only about Ingrid's London accent - though nothing could ever be as bad as Dick Van Dyke's chimney sweep.

Until I bought the DVD, I'd never even heard of this sequel nevermind seen it. I was too young to see this when it originally aired and although I had seen Porridge on tv numerous times, i don't recall this ever being repeated. It's a real shame, because it's right up there with Porridge for me. I always put Porridge in my top 2 or 3 sitcoms of all time. When doing so, I forget that this series isn't actually Porridge. To me, it still is Porridge.

The first episode is absolutely essential and it's a crime in itself that many people have never even seen it. It's great to see McKay and Fletch on an even footing and it bookends the series with the pilot perfectly.

The other episodes aren't quite up to that standard, but they still have Fletch, Godber and plenty of jokes and philosophy that made the original series so great et cetera et cetera. Also, it has one of the best theme tunes ever! Once you hear it, you'll be singing it in the shower and making your neighbours think you're an ex-con! Such a shame that most people probably don't even know this series exists. It's easily the second best thing Ronnie B ever did.