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"The Chance of a Lunchtime" 16th January 1991
Raquel is auditioning for a play [trying to get back into acting] bringing Shakespeare to city schools, but realises she is pregnant shortly after getting the part. The fact her ex-husband used to be a policeman is mentioned, setting up a massive revelation for later in the series… Del used to be engaged to Trudy when he was "very young". Trigger is 44, and his sister is 39 (though she lies about her age and claims to be 42!). Del reads the Daily Star, but swaps it for the Financial Times when he wants to impress someone. Alan’s firm is called Parry Graphics and Printing. A young Del Boy played the Landlord in his school nativity – and tried to charge Joseph for using his stables! Joannie Trotter was the first woman in Trotter to smoke menthol cigarettes (an odd fact is revealed).
The first moment between Del and Trudy is wonderfully played. "I wouldn’t be seen dead with that, let alone knowing it!" "Deeeeeeeeeel!!" (as Del stands frozen in shock, mid-bite of his frankfurter!)
Del’s musical doorbells – which play 36 national anthems. Everyone seems to have one (except Mike, who says they are tacky!).
Del’s amazing mismatching bedroom, complete with vile purple headboard, leapoard skin duvet and yukky carpet. He also wears an awful floral patterned braces and tie. Marlene is decked out in bright mauve at one point – the single brightest dress to hit colour television.
"Aida at the Met – I mean, I couldn’t see you playing a policewoman!" "Would you call her a cab?" "I saw your face when that Adrian asked me what I thought of Hamlet… and I said I preferred Castella!" "Will you get it into your thick skull Del, I’m not trying to meet intelligent, sensitive people, I’m happy with you." (all the better for being played utterly straight). "Don’t become like all the others Del… putting down every little dream I have."
Paul Opacic, who plays Jules the Camp Hairdresser, would go on to play Steve Merchant, beau of Kim Tate, in "Emmerdale" for three years, as well as Mark Waddle in "Bad Girls" series 3 and 4. Ian Redford, playing Adrian, played Keith, uncle of dish Richard Fleeshman, both formerly of "Coronation Street".
Helen Blizard, playing Trudy, later went on to write episodes of "Heartbeat" and "Eastenders".
Another great episode, full of lovely character moments. There are a few complaints however – aside from the musical doorbells, this isn’t as memorable as even the worst of last seasons episodes, and is very "soapy" in nature, being full of Rodney’s endless feud with Cassandra (and she’s awful in the restaurant scene). It’s a bit silly that Alan wouldn’t question Rodney’s resignation (didn’t he think he’d have mentioned it amid his enthusiasm for the new premises?) and Jules the Costume Designer is a stereotypical poof, ordering "vitamin C!" at the bar and calling Elizabeth Taylor a "gorgeous creature". But it’s still a very good episode, and the final scene is lovely.
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Del's early morning cigar doesn't go quite according to plan |
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Lovely decor |
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Rodney's impressed with the new doorbell |
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Delboy has to choose between a hot dog and an old dog |
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The only gay in the village |
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Classic Lyndhurst |
