Only Fools... where to stop?

OK, I'm ready to give the programme another go. I tried watching it to years ago and wasn't too pleased (not least by the fact that I couldn't understand a good part of what they were saying). Some water has passed under the bridge since then, and I thought I'd try again.

The problem isn't where to start - the problem is, where to stop. I remember reading that the first five series are considered true classics, and the other two were clearly a cash-in. But, according to episode guide, there are also a horde of specials, many of them released after the seventh series in 1990s, at least some of them are available on a separate DVD; (still few "lost" episodes, never released on a DVD, are floating around on the internet). I also remember reading that the quality of these specials varies - some are great, some are plainly idiotic.

My question would be - what would you recommend to watch first from OFAH to a potential fan?

I think series 6 is generally considered to be the best, but you'll need to start from the beginning, especially if you're having trouble understanding. (Don't bother trying to get your head around Del. Basic character outline is that he thinks he's sophisticated and clever and dropping bits of French into conversations, but really he doesn't have the first clue.)

I think that the most "idiotic" of the specials is the Miami Twice two-parter. It was only vaguely amusing, and all a bit too far-fetched. Definitely watch To Hull and Back, and The Jolly Boys' Outing. They are pretty much globally accepted as THE best episodes.

As for the rest... Well, it's up to you. If you manage to get on with the rest, then yeah, the other specials are worth watching (generally, I would just advise to go chronologically until you can't stand any more), but do remember that many consider the standard to drop significantly after the 1996 three-parter.

Miami Twice is awesome.

Stop after 1996, the real end of the journey.

I disagree about the first 5 series. 6 & 7 are great series, after it went to 50 minutes, along with the Xmas specials in between.

With hindsight, I find the first series to be the poorest, while 2 and 6 are probably the best.

bumping

It was exceptional and sublime from 1981-1996. Watch all those then decide if you want to watch the 2001-3 specials.

thanks to all about the answers. I now struggle to remember where I read the series 5 being the shark-jumping point.

It's also good to know that series 1 are considered to be the worst, because that timwe two years ago I watched the first few episodes from them and just wasn't hooked.

What I had trouble understanding was not characters, their development or environment. I just couldn't understand Cockney

Start at the beginning and don’t stop until you get to the end, even at it worst it’s still better than most.

Once you get to know the characters it’s one you can watch over and over again, your in for a real treat, you lucky thing.

It’s unlikely ever to be anything as good ever again.

Quote: Britcom Barry @ April 17, 2007, 9:30 PM

Start
It’s unlikely even to be anything as good even again.

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I second that.

Quote: Dave @ April 17, 2007, 10:31 PM

I second that.

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And if it wasn’t for my typos it would have made sense. Replace even with ever

It finished nicely in '96.

As far as I'm concerned there are two endings to OFAH. They ended it on a high and when the public said they wanted more they should have ignored them, but they didn't and they spoilt what has to be one of the best sitcoms of all time.

One of the most worn DVDs from OFAH that I have is "To Hull and Back" where they end up Diamond Smuggling "Hull? What the bloody hell am I doing in Hull?" lol

Quote: wii-man76 @ June 9, 2007, 6:51 PM

As far as I'm concerned there are two endings to OFAH. They ended it on a high and when the public said they wanted more they should have ignored them, but they didn't and they spoilt what has to be one of the best sitcoms of all time.

One of the most worn DVDs from OFAH that I have is "To Hull and Back" where they end up Diamond Smuggling "Hull? What the bloody hell am I doing in Hull?" lol

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Yeah, that's a great one! And if that was made in the seventies, it would have been a film.

Quote: wii-man76 @ June 9, 2007, 6:51 PM

As far as I'm concerned there are two endings to OFAH. They ended it on a high and when the public said they wanted more they should have ignored them, but they didn't and they spoilt what has to be one of the best sitcoms of all time.

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Could not agree more. Less is more.

I'd stop before you begin.
But I'm clearly in the minority.

Quote: wii-man76 @ June 9, 2007, 6:51 PM

As far as I'm concerned there are two endings to OFAH. They ended it on a high and when the public said they wanted more they should have ignored them, but they didn't and they spoilt what has to be one of the best sitcoms of all time.

One of the most worn DVDs from OFAH that I have is "To Hull and Back" where they end up Diamond Smuggling "Hull? What the bloody hell am I doing in Hull?" lol

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You're right. They shouldn't have come back and spolit it so badly. When we and the rest of the nation said we wanted it to come back, we pretty much took it as red that we thought it would be funny. We should have final script approval and vetoed it!