Only Fools and Horses (TV Series) Big Brother (1981) User Reviews

Doesn't pull up any trees but a decent enough start

[co010c6650 · 7/10 · 3 October 2012]

There were a number of classic episodes in the opening series of arguably Britain's most popular ever sitcom but although this isn't one of them, things do get off to a fine start with the emphasis here as much on character-fleshing as laugh-out-loud comedy moments. Del Boy is soon established as a fast-talking eternal optimist with a penchant for diving into deals ( one-legged turkeys and reject briefcases ) without, and invariably with subsequent regret, asking too many questions first. No exotic cocktails yet, just halves of lager. Rodney's already doing plenty of whining and moaning and wastes no time in having a big fall-out with Del ( in which they both declared that the other had been an embarrassment to them ) before attempting to leave home ( albeit for 6 days ). Grandad is lazy, work-shy ( a lamplighters waiting for gas to make a comeback ), none-too-bright ( tries to play draughts on a computer chess game ), stubborn ( it's Sidney Potter ) but, most of all, lovable. Trigger's negotiations with Del about the briefcases leaves no-one in any doubt that he's not the sharpest tool in the box and don't blink or you'll miss an uncredited cameo by Tessa-Peake Jones who, of course, went on to play Raquel, though not in this episode.

No classic comedy moments to speak of but the Trotters saga was off and running.

Why they call him trigger he carry a gun

[paudieconnolly · 9/10 · 10 June 2021]

Grandad Rodney and finally Del Boy first appearance in the first episode in that order. Three guys in a flat watching tv. Within four minutes John Sullivan as explained through the characters the dynamics of there relationship. By the time del orders drinks in the nags head. There history as unfolded in front of your eyes. This surely is the magic that follows the show all the years magic stories told funny.

Sets the tone well for what is to come

[snoozejonc · 7/10 · 4 September 2020]

Del makes a dodgy deal with Trigger for some reject briefcases and Rodney thinks he deserves a more involved role in the family business.

This is a strong start for the Trotters as John Sullivan establishes the characters and tone of the series. The plot is pretty simple and the characters dominate the episode to such an extent we get to know exactly who everyone is and what behaviour we can expect from them from now on.

It contains some classic back and forth between Del, Rodney and Grandad which for me is what makes the series so great. Punchlines flow constantly and the actors deliver them with great comic timing. From this very first episode the chemistry seems to be exceptional.

The only downside is the short sequence filmed on locations around London that has aged pretty poorly.

It's definitely one worth watching to see where the series began and enjoy the banter.

Episode One

[carkicos · 17 October 2011]

This being the first episode of the show you can see that the characters and the premise are still fresh and undeveloped. Sadly so is the script. The story is rather sitcom-like. Del buys some hooky briefcases that can't be opened and Rodney runs away from home.

The story has an okay premise but the dialogs are rather edgy and seem forced. Fortunately Derek and Nicholas manage to lift the mediocre script.

Directed by: Martin Shardlow

Written by: John Sullivan

Produced by: Ray Butt

"He Ain't Heavy, But he is a Diptstick"

[ygwerin1 · 8/10 · 17 July 2020]

The Trotter Clan Grandad, Del Boy and Rodney, home Nelson Mandela House, Peckham, London.

Jack the lad wide boy Del, is settling up his business empire in his council penthouse office. Just how can he possibly fail, after all hasn't he got it all worked out?

Del has such an uneering gift for sniffing out a real bargain, with the perfect plan to launch his business aspirations. Flogging the luxurious products out of a suitcase, from a fly pitch in the market.

What does every aspiring entrepreneur need most to aid his meteoric rise ? A willing and eager partner and what better than your kid brother Rodney as the Corporate Finance Advisor?

As a wide awake kid from the council estates of Peckham Del Boy quickly learnt, to make hay while and where the sun may shine. His business motto is rather aptly "He who dares wins", in his case invariably meaning buying goods sight unseen.

What we see in this episode for the first of innumerable successive occasions, are some of Derek Trotters business contacts and competitors.

Trigger as an old school mate is also one of the many blokes from the same neighbourhood, simply trying to supplement his meagre income as a road sweeper.

Trigg comes apon and snaps up a "Right Bargain" in office goods, and Del hopes to cash in on it. But in this weeler dealer exchange Trigg proves, not to be the complete Div that everyone including Del takes him for.

not an uncredited cameo if you blink

[Gemini54 · 10/10 · 26 January 2021]

Tessa - Peake Jones did not play a cameo that myth was debunked by John Suilivan himself if your talking about the first episode where a woman says Hello Del that sounds like her but is not her you can check this out on only fools fanclub where it is discussed in episodes the Big Brother one !

Big Brother

[studioAT · 7/10 · 19 July 2020]

The episode that started it all, and it's actually one of the best from the 1st series.

With some lovely interactions between the leads and a decent story being told, the quality, while still a work in progress, is clear.

Decent Start

[jameswyattranks · 7/10 · 2 February 2024]

Interesting to go back and rewatch this. Establishes the brothers relationship well and gives you an idea of what their personalities will be like and how they'll handle potential situations. There's some real clever lines and a great set-up and the start that builds up an excellent scene at the end.

We get some backstory on Rodney and some hilarious scenes with Granddad. Learning that his cooking skills aren't the best, which is something we see a lot of in the show. The burger scene is one that stuck in my memory and I comes to mind quite randomly for me as well as the start scene with the actor on TV.

Worth Re-watching

[Lunerar · 5/10 · 10 June 2020]

Binge-watching the series over Covid-19 lock-down. Haven't seen this episode in years and years and was pleasantly surprised. Better than I remember.

There aren't a barrel of laughs but it's an enjoyable trip down memory lane. Can't imagine what it would be like for a younger person watching it for the first time though.

Good fun.