My late parents had been ardent fans of this show from the very beginning, when it was centred around 3 characters; Compo (Bill Owen), Clegg (Peter Sallis), Blamire (Michael Bates). I also watched and enjoyed it, and saw how the show developed over the years.
I've always enjoyed the light-hearted escapism the show offered; and for 30 minutes, be transported to another dimension, far removed from the troubles in the Real World.
The great Bill Owen was central to the show, so this episode was uncomfortable viewing for me. I couldn't watch it when it was first broadcast, and only 20 years on, tonight I decided I would, as it was broadcast on the Drama Channel in the UK.
The passing of Bill was incorporated into the script in a rather daft manner, befitting the irreverent nature of the series; seeing Nora Batty in tights prove too much for Compo, leading to his demise.
The performance of Peter Sallis throughout the episode deserves a ten star rating, closely followed by that of Kathy Staff. At times, it was clear to see beyond the script and acting, their genuine sadness at the loss of their friend and colleague.
Sadly, despite their solid and moving performances, the episode was blighted by the need to keep in the audience laughter which, I feel, would have been better left out on this occasion. The music (except at the very end) was similarly inappropriate and should have been more subdued, particularly the harmonica soloist. Likewise, I think it was one episode that would have been better without the Howard and Marina dalliance, and Aunty Wainwright section seemed superfluous. It is with these reasons, I could only, with heavy heart, only award five stars. There was some really beautiful moments, paricularly as the episode closed but, these aside, it could have been handled a lot better.
I will say that, without Compo, the following episodes were never the same. Unfortunately, great writer he is, Roy Clarke simply does not know when to call it a day on a series, as aptly proved by him resurrecting Open All Hours as Still Open All Hours, following the same formula as Last of the Summer Wine.
Really, this episode should have been the Last of Last of the Summer Wine.
I've always enjoyed the light-hearted escapism the show offered; and for 30 minutes, be transported to another dimension, far removed from the troubles in the Real World.
The great Bill Owen was central to the show, so this episode was uncomfortable viewing for me. I couldn't watch it when it was first broadcast, and only 20 years on, tonight I decided I would, as it was broadcast on the Drama Channel in the UK.
The passing of Bill was incorporated into the script in a rather daft manner, befitting the irreverent nature of the series; seeing Nora Batty in tights prove too much for Compo, leading to his demise.
The performance of Peter Sallis throughout the episode deserves a ten star rating, closely followed by that of Kathy Staff. At times, it was clear to see beyond the script and acting, their genuine sadness at the loss of their friend and colleague.
Sadly, despite their solid and moving performances, the episode was blighted by the need to keep in the audience laughter which, I feel, would have been better left out on this occasion. The music (except at the very end) was similarly inappropriate and should have been more subdued, particularly the harmonica soloist. Likewise, I think it was one episode that would have been better without the Howard and Marina dalliance, and Aunty Wainwright section seemed superfluous. It is with these reasons, I could only, with heavy heart, only award five stars. There was some really beautiful moments, paricularly as the episode closed but, these aside, it could have been handled a lot better.
I will say that, without Compo, the following episodes were never the same. Unfortunately, great writer he is, Roy Clarke simply does not know when to call it a day on a series, as aptly proved by him resurrecting Open All Hours as Still Open All Hours, following the same formula as Last of the Summer Wine.
Really, this episode should have been the Last of Last of the Summer Wine.