“Ahhhh” really does say it all. More than 200 people
attended Richard Brier’s recent funeral and last night more than ten million
watched The Good Life’s 1977 Christmas special in tribute.
Back in the day it was ‘silly but fun’ and yesterday the
show proved it’s still no different as the BBC aired one of the series’ most
loved episodes. Following the lives of Tom and Barbara Good, self-sufficient
loons, and their middle class neighbours, the Leadbetters, the show is laced
with gentle humour that is still relatable today.
With many families today pinching the pennies during the
country’s economic struggle, it’s warming to see a family so content and
charming as they pull together a budget Christmas, all home made or ‘acquired’
of course.
So cheeky and warm is the Good’s relationship it still
leaves audience’s today wanting to throw away their material goods and adopt a
cow. Felicity Kendal works superbly with Briers to bring consistent gentle
humour that all ages and classes can still enjoy.
In a stark contrast, the social climbing Leadbetter’s would
rather buy their Christmas, neatly wrapped and delivered. However all goes
wrong with the delivery and the Leadbetter’s are left miserable when ‘Christmas
is cancelled’, because of a Christmas tree five inches too short. As the Good’s
save the day and the two households get together to celebrate, the message is
clear: the good things in life are free.
With morals still valued today and down to earth wit ‘The
Good Life’ really does provide a good watch for the whole family to enjoy, and
hopefully will for many more years to come.
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