I would go for Arkwright, only because Del Boy was very similar to Del Boy due to David Jason sliglty copying Barker, whereas I can't think of a character in sitcom that is anything like Arkwright (I probably will do in a minute).
Fletcher or Arkwright? Page 2
Quote: Sebastian Orange-News @ August 21 2009, 9:59 PM BSTDel Boy was very similar to Del Boy due to David Jason
It's true! 
Yes there was no typing error, I just like pointing out the obvious.
Fletcher. Arkwright was a bit depressing and old-fashioned. You'd rather have a pint with Fletcher. 
Yeah and things might get a little rowdy and you'd end up getting arrested whereas Akrwright the northern gentleman might be a little letchy but he'd make sure you got home safely.
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ August 21 2009, 10:12 PM BSTFletcher. Arkwright was a bit depressing and old-fashioned. You'd rather have a pint with Fletcher.
Agreed.
I like both shows, but Porridge is definitely the stand out sitcom for me.
Quote: Sebastian Orange-News @ August 21 2009, 9:59 PM BSTI would go for arkwright only because Del Boy was very similar to Del Boy due to David Jason sliglty copying barker, whereas I can't think of a character in sitcom that is anything like Akwright (i probably will do in a minute)
I'll tell you who reminds me of Arkwright from Sitcomdom. Brian Potter from Phoenix Nights. They're both schemers to me.
However, Norman Stanley Fletcher for me.
Yeah you are bang on about the Potter/Arkwright. Also they both had afflictions - I guess in an attempt to make them sympathetic.
Clarence.
Suppose I'm obliged to say Fletch. But I always loved Arkwright's parsimonious charm too. But really, Fletch has to win, he had that subcutaneous warmth that Arkwright lacked. But there's not a lot between the two.
I was reading the Porridge book of scripts last night, and I read the surprising fact that there was a 5-year gap between the Open All Hours Pilot and the first full series.
Arkwright, Porridge is OK but preferred Ronnie in Open All Hours, amd Richard Beckinsale in Eising Damp
Rising Samp even
I know what I mean lol
Quote: catskillz @ August 22 2009, 8:41 AM BSTI was reading the Porridge book of scripts last night, and I read the surprising fact that there was a 5-year gap between the Open All Hours Pilot and the first full series.
Actually it was only 3 years. (Unless the information I have here is completely wrong.) Not too surprising when one considers that Porridge was being produced in the 2 years between.
What is perhaps most surprising is that Porridge came first, where Barker did not see any mileage in the character or setting. (Both Porridge and Open All Hours coming from the Seven Of One series.)
But then Galton & Simpson had to be more or less tricked into making Steptoe & Son, so it's not without precedent on some level.
Fletcher because he did have a darkness about him as well more levels better character.