A brief history of Peckham's finest

But here's the one that's driving me berserk: Why do only fools and horses work?

This article will explore the best episodes of Only Fools and Horses

Author - Amy W

Reliant Regal Supervan III

To Hull and Back

This legendary episode from 1985 sees Boycie and his business buddy convince Del Boy to visit The Netherlands to smuggle diamonds. It's also an episode where Uncle Albert gets on a boat and doesn't sink. My own opinion is that this is the best episode of the lot. There is a fantastic story behind the key comedic elements here.

One review on IMDB said: "John Sullivan's script has the perfect mix of plot and character moments. I find it hard not to get caught up in their adventure as well as enjoy the humour."

Heroes and Villains

The Trotter brothers dress up as Batman and Robin to attend the fancy dress party of Harry Malcolm. However, people forgot to mention that Harry died the day before and the party is now a wake. 

Sleepy Man on YouTube said: "The background theme tune to batman combined with the expression of utter bewilderment on Councillor Murray’s face makes for one of the most funniest pieces in comedy."

Danny added: "What an episode this. Makes me cry with laughter every time I watch it."

Yuppy Love

An episode that contains arguably the finest scene from Only Fools and Horses history. It's also an episode Rodney meets his future wife Cassandra for the first time.

Reader Pam is also a huge fan of this episode: "The best moment in the best episode. There are so many other hilarious scenes in addition to the one in the bar."

Jolly Boys Outing

Peckham's finest head out of London fora day trip to Margate. Despite some initial promise, the trip turns into something of a disaster. The coach explodes, Rodney gets arrested and Trigger loses his dolphin. This is a favourite episode for so many Only Fools fans. 

Jamie P said: "I must rewatch this episode once every six months. It's also the first time we say Del and Raquel back on screen together. This was the first part of such a nice storyline."

Who's that girl? Exploring the best of New Girl

The best of Peep Show

Time on Our Hands

Although this didn't turn out to be the final episode, it was, for many people, the perfect ending as the Trotter brothers finally achieved their dreams and became millionaires. When it was originally broadcast, it brought in an audience of over 24 million people and became one of the most watched episodes of all time. The video below from BBC Comedy Greats - YouTube contains one of the final scenes from the episode.

YuTevon commented on YouTube: "What was really sweet and touching about this scene, was seeing Del Boy not letting the money get to his head and change him as a person.It didn't matter if he was working class or a millionaire, Del Boy just wanted to Del Boy. Absolute masterclass acting."

Spin-offs and prequels

In addition to the main series, there has also been a spin-off (Green Green Grass) and a prequel (Rock and Chips). There was also a musical.

Green Green Grass

The series follows three supporting characters from Only Fools and Horses; Boycie, his wife Marlene and their teenage son Tyler. In the first episode, they are forced to flee from Peckham to escape the wrath of the evil and nasty Driscoll brothers. As a result, they decide to set up home on a farm in Shropshire. 

This wasn't perfect but definitely retained some of the Only Fools and Horses charm and brought in some wonderful characters that reminded us of Boycie's friends from South London.

Rock and Chips

The show is set in 1960s Peckham, focusing primarily on the lives of Del Trotter, Freddie Robdal and Joan and Reg Trotter. It shows how their lives were twenty years before the events of Only Fools and Horses. Numerous iconic characters from OFAH are featured. This was an interesting way to develop the origins of the Trotters family.

The Musical

For us, this musical does a decent job of replicating the TV series. There are classic routines featured like Rodney explaining to Trigger that is name is Rodney and not Dave.

Comments