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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Spells &amp; Karma" data-source="post: 364549" data-attributes="member: 23">Episodes 9 - 18 30 November - 29 December 1982I’ve been watching at something like ten times the original pace, but it’s working fine. I’d say this is a testament to the character-driven nature. There’s the occasional dramatic peak - this run of episodes has included the stabbing of Barry Grant, the death of Bobby’s friend and the entire residential close being burgled  - it’s the small stuff that really drives things: Karen not wanting to go to midnight mass. Paul’s fears that Sheila may want to get an identical house sign to his. Roger’s irritation with Gavin’s eyesore of a shed. Even Damon’s VHF (very heavy fart). At the moment, it doesn’t matter whether I watch one episode or four episodes of an evening. It satisfies either way. Yikes! While fending off overtures from Roger’s colleague, Heather mentioned that she only met Roger a couple of years ago. It must have been a very short honeymoon period indeed since they’re now like a bitter old couple. The last 1982 episode featured the Grants’ New Year’s Eve party. On paper it’s an exciting concept because it's the first time almost the entire extended cast has assembled (only Gavin and Petra were absent, but everyone else right down to Ducksie, Gizzmo and Matty attended). It is exciting in its own way, but because it’s also organic there was something almost low key about it. There was nothing that felt shoehorned or forced, and with half the people being there out of social propriety rather than genuinely wanting to be there was an enjoyably awkward energy. Of course, this is the first time everyone’s been together, and it’s endlessly fascinating to see the interactions on this level. There are factions and cliques, but with most making a bit of an effort, so it feels very truthful. It also felt like one of the more accurate representations of this kind of get-together. You’ve got the laddy types having a banter-ish laugh (probably a slightly nasty one at the expense of the posh neighbours). Roger and Annabelle’s more highbrow discussion putting the world to rights. Then you have the schoolboys mucking about and fantasising about Heather while complaining they’re not drinking anything stronger than coke. And Paul trying to friendship match Lucy and Karen. I think what made it stand apart from many other soapy get togethers is that there’s no real agenda. It’s not building to anything, nor is there an undercurrent relating to anything other than the neighbours working out how to interact with (and in some cases simply tolerate) one another.It’s neither overly polished nor smaltzy and gushing, though it does have a warmth. Much of it feels ad hoc and improvised (for both characters and actors). Even Bobby and Matty’s musical number fitted in well. I had no idea Ricky Tomlinson could play the banjo.</blockquote>

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