I think this show set out to be what it was - an escape to the country - and did it perfectly.
In that great tradition of ITV dramas (think Inspector Morse and Midsomer Murders) you could watch this purely for the relaxation that the choice of scenes and photography brings. The actors aren't overbearing, all of them instantly likable and normal decent people. It's all a real antidote for our times when there is hardly a plot that isn't driven by people being at their worst, this is unashamed perfectly good natured life. It's a journey into a nicer world for a change, and one that still manages to avoid looking corny all these years later. In fact it's hardly aged at all, the scenery still looks the same of course and as they're either driving classic cars or the occasional Land Rover there is little to age it.
The theme tune is perfectly suited, by the end of it I'm tuned in to sit back for 60 minutes of pure relaxation.
John Alderton and Pauline Collins are just perfect for the roles and the roles really seem perfect for them, you can easily believe it's their real family. I thought the young Daisy Bates was also excellent in this, I wish we could see her more often these days.
Honestly for what it is, and I'm sure it was never meant to be anything else, I really can't fault this series. 10/10
In that great tradition of ITV dramas (think Inspector Morse and Midsomer Murders) you could watch this purely for the relaxation that the choice of scenes and photography brings. The actors aren't overbearing, all of them instantly likable and normal decent people. It's all a real antidote for our times when there is hardly a plot that isn't driven by people being at their worst, this is unashamed perfectly good natured life. It's a journey into a nicer world for a change, and one that still manages to avoid looking corny all these years later. In fact it's hardly aged at all, the scenery still looks the same of course and as they're either driving classic cars or the occasional Land Rover there is little to age it.
The theme tune is perfectly suited, by the end of it I'm tuned in to sit back for 60 minutes of pure relaxation.
John Alderton and Pauline Collins are just perfect for the roles and the roles really seem perfect for them, you can easily believe it's their real family. I thought the young Daisy Bates was also excellent in this, I wish we could see her more often these days.
Honestly for what it is, and I'm sure it was never meant to be anything else, I really can't fault this series. 10/10