I liked this much more the first time I watched it than I did on subsequent viewings. Maybe it was more to do with the way my own life had changed but as I got older, whilst I still found it funny, I found the Leadbetters played by Penelope Keith and Paul Eddington far more sympathetic that the Goods. They now come across to me as incredibly self- satisfied and self-focused. Richard Briers is a brilliant comedy actor but I preferred his other collaboration with Esmonde and Larbey, Ever Decreasing Circles. I think The Good Life was a product of it's time and though it still rates quite highly the Good's smugness grates. They and the series is saved by the generosity of spirit of their richer neighbours Jerry and Margot.
Review of The Good Life
