Thursday 26 January 2012

One Foot in the Grave

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Transmitted:October 1989 - November 2000
Country of origin:UK
Genre:British eccentricity, Life's frustrations, Grumpy old man
Starring:Richard Wilson, Annette Crosbie, Doreen Mantle, Owen Brenman, Angus Deayton, Janine Duvitski
Rating:5/5
No. of seasons:6, plus 6 specials

Victor Meldrew is forced into retirement from his job as a security guard by an electronic box that you can tap a PIN number into.
Clearly, this annoys him considerably.
The life of leisure does not at all suit his demeanour, as he finds himself embroiled in problem after self made problem, as the whole world seems to conspire against him.
A marvellous study of boredom and the futility of our existences, though Meldrew is the star, this is far from a one man show. Annette Crosbie as his tormented wife is in fine form, and Mrs Warboys has a special place in my heart, as does Mr. Swainey, the bumbling next door neighbour. Angus Deayton pretty much plays himself, and this is no criticism as he is perfectly cast as the cynical, frustrated next door neighbour trying all in his power to escape the insanity from next door.
A brilliant TV show, quintessentially British, with just a dash of the surreal to keep things interesting towards the end.
Recommended.

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