Wordiezett So much average

Lumsdal Good , But It Is Overrated By Some

GazerRise Fantastic!

Aneesa Wardle The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

Dave This is a BBC romantic sitcom about a middle-class couple who lost contact in 1953 and are reunited by coincidence in the present day.This show is slow, dull and old-fashioned. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone under sixty years old. None of the characters are likable or interesting.There should have been a few episodes of the 1950s relationship to give the viewers better context - instead of merely briefly referring to it.

mlafontaine01 I can't remember exactly when I first became acquainted with Jean, Lionel, and the rest of their extended family. It doesn't matter. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with them whenever possible. As a matter of fact, I bought the entire DVD series, including the reunion specials, for myself as a personal Christmas present last year. So, whenever they're not on PBS, I have the option of popping in a DVD and catching up with old friends.As many posters have mentioned, it's easy to spot the chemistry between Jean (Judi Dench) and Lionel (Geoffrey Palmer), whether it be a shared sideways glance, or Lionel/Geoffrey squeezing Jean's/Judi's shoulders as they stand together. The warmth and mutual admiration these two share is evident in the manner with which they interact.Watching episodes of ATGB is, to me, like watching reruns of the M*A*S*H series. With each subsequent viewing I spot, or hear, something I hadn't noticed before. Yes, there are inconsistencies, or goofs, but I'm willing to overlook them in favor of the subtle comedy...Lionel's "Oh God" comment when Jean says something he dreads, the looks Jean gives Lionel when they spar with words, or their shared reaction to the 'townies' at the country barbecue.The supporting cast of Judith (Moira Brooker), Sandy (Jenny Funnell), Alistair (Philip Bretherton), Rocky (Frank Middlemas), Madge (Joan Sims), Mrs. Bale, Penny and Stephen add to the mix and make it all the more enjoyable. I found Mrs. Flack a bit of an irritant, but enjoyed watching how Lionel dealt with her. Don't we all have a 'Mrs. Flack' in our lives?By watching ATGB, I've developed a following for Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer. Thankfully, they appeared together in a couple of movies, most notably "Her Majesty, Mrs. Brown" and the James Bond movie "Tomorrow Never Dies"

tomhunter8 While my wife and I enjoy many British shows, this is by far our favorite. The characters are so likable, the dialogue so authentic and the ambiance so warm. The genuine care the characters share for each other is very refreshing. Not to mention the quality of the actors that bring it to life.This show does not resort to site gags or lame one liners to get its laughs. It's a sitcom in the truest sense because it derives its humor from the situations the characters find themselves in. However, I believe the thing that really sets this series apart from all the others is the love, respect and dedication each character shows for one another. This is a good show about good people and it just doesn't get any better than that.If there is such a thing as a perfect TV show, this is it.We own the complete set on DVD and watch them as we sit down for dinner. I mean after all, who wouldn't want to have dinner with Lionel and Jean? Pass the custard tarts please.

pawebster This series is OK. The amazing adulation it receives on IMDb from American viewers is mysterious, however. It think we must put it down to that famous American sentimentality (remember the Waltons, anyone?) and the roses-round-the-door England of their imaginations.Dench and Palmer are extremely good, and would be good even if you just told them to read out the phone book. Their characters are realistic and believable, and they act in a naturalistic fashion. They and the two girls are almost the only cast members who do this, however.Philip Bretherton seems miscast. Although he plays the part well, it always stands out a mile to me that he is very much acting against type. I think they needed someone just a little showier for the role. And let's face it, Alistair is not a realistic character.When we get to Rocky and Madge and their world in the so-called 'country', we are suddenly on a completely different planet. Total overacting is the order of the day. It's as if we were seeing a drawing-room comedy on the London stage of a long bygone era, complete with voices designed to reach the back of the auditorium. The plot equally loses all touch with reality as soon as they and their coterie appear.As for Aunt Penny, words fail me.