[TheBaronSpell]

Recently read 'Only Fools - The Official Inside Story' which reminded me that I had never seen 'Dear John' one of John Sullivan's other sitcoms.

Remembered that I had brought the boxset as a Christmas present for my Mum two years ago and dug it out last night through boredom as much as being enticed by the Only Fools book.

Shame it's not repeated on TV, I'm 22 and think it's very underrated. Haven't laughed so much in ages. I've seen Citizen Smith etc so I really can't believe I hadn't got round to seeing Dear John starring Ralph Bates and Belinda Lang before.

[hardeep]

Originally Posted by TheBaronSpell

Recently read 'Only Fools - The Official Inside Story' which reminded me that I had never seen 'Dear John' one of John Sullivan's other sitcoms.

Remembered that I had brought the boxset as a Christmas present for my Mum two years ago and dug it out last night through boredom as much as being enticed by the Only Fools book.

Shame it's not repeated on TV, I'm 22 and think it's very underrated. Haven't laughed so much in ages. I've seen Citizen Smith etc so I really can't believe I hadn't got round to seeing Dear John starring Ralph Bates and Belinda Lang before.

It was a fun little show - "any sexual problems?" still makes me smile

However I would say the funniest bit from the entire series - for me - was from the very first episode when John is walking across a school field as some pupils are jogging past and is greeted with a casual "Morning Sir" from the girl he was chatting up the previous night - priceless

[Trappedin80's]

I used to watch it in the 80's, loved it.

Great show.

[Tangledweb7]

Ah found memories of Kirk and his medalion

[philman1975]

It was a great show - I'd love to see it again. Are they repeating it again soon as I missed the last run on Gold.

[Glawster2002]

I did read that Ralph Bates never forgave the BBC for cancelling Dear John, especially as they then started to show the American version instead!

[ilovecorrie2]

Originally Posted by Tangledweb7

Ah found memories of Kirk and his medalion

Yeah but that episode where it was discovered he lived with his mum was really sad as was his wish to get a date with Kate that never materialised. The episode where John spent Christmas with his neighbour Mrs Lemenski was also sad as was the one where the failed rock star came back to do a show. I remember it as more sad than funny. I'm all for a bit of pathos in a sitcom but comedy really shouldn't be that sad.

[Styker]

I love it. I bought the DVD last year and I wish it lasted more than 2 series. Ralph Bates's daughter Daisy was that very pretty actress who played John Thaw's daughter in Kavanagh QC. It would be good to see her on TV again and often!

[Styker]

Originally Posted by ilovecorrie2

Yeah but that episode where it was discovered he lived with his mum was really sad as was his wish to get a date with Kate that never materialised. The episode where John spent Christmas with his neighbour Mrs Lemenski was also sad as was the one where the failed rock star came back to do a show. I remember it as more sad than funny. I'm all for a bit of pathos in a sitcom but comedy really shouldn't be that sad.

Didn't Kirk get with Kate in the episode, an Xmas special i think when he beat up the thugs/Hell's Angells in the pub? Didn't he get to walk with his arm around her and she seemed quite happy with him?

[Phyllis Stein]

Originally Posted by ilovecorrie2

Yeah but that episode where it was discovered he lived with his mum was really sad as was his wish to get a date with Kate that never materialised. The episode where John spent Christmas with his neighbour Mrs Lemenski was also sad as was the one where the failed rock star came back to do a show. I remember it as more sad than funny. I'm all for a bit of pathos in a sitcom but comedy really shouldn't be that sad.

That's how I remember it as well, pretty bleak stuff, more bitter than sweet. Wonder what are take on it would be now, all these years later.

[Styker]

Originally Posted by Phyllis Stein

That's how I remember it as well, pretty bleak stuff, more bitter than sweet. Wonder what are take on it would be now, all these years later.

If it was shown now even as a repeat let alone as a brand new show it would be/have been massive.

The Green Green Grass which wasn't that good imo went down well and that was mainly out of loyalty i reckon. I loved Boycie so I didn't mind it at all and would like to see more.

They should maybe resurect this programme (Dear John) for todays age. They remake films, why not programmes?

[Westy2]

Originally Posted by ilovecorrie2

Yeah but that episode where it was discovered he lived with his mum was really sad as was his wish to get a date with Kate that never materialised. The episode where John spent Christmas with his neighbour Mrs Lemenski was also sad as was the one where the failed rock star came back to do a show. I remember it as more sad than funny. I'm all for a bit of pathos in a sitcom but comedy really shouldn't be that sad.

The failed rock star was played by Kevin Lloyd ISTR.

[steven1977]

I never saw the appeal to it. I remember watching it years ago on Sky but didnt really entertain me.

Then again ive always hated that geoff Palmer sitcom Butterflies.

[steveh31]

Originally Posted by TheBaronSpell

Shame it's not repeated on TV, I'm 22 and think it's very underrated. Haven't laughed so much in ages. I've seen Citizen Smith etc so I really can't believe I hadn't got round to seeing Dear John starring Ralph Bates and Belinda Lang before.

It's been repeated umpteen times on GOLD in the last year.

[goldlistener]

Dear John was repeated on Sky's Comedy Channel donkeys years ago then enjoyed many repeats on the old UK Gold. It wasnt shown for years then low and behold in the last 12 months or so it has been shown loads of timeson GOLD.

I actually found it quite funny watching it all over again, Ralph Bates was a great actor, sadly died far too young.

[Glengavel]

Originally Posted by steven1977

I never saw the appeal to it. I remember watching it years ago on Sky but didnt really entertain me.

Then again ive always hated that geoff Palmer sitcom Butterflies.

Well, it wasn't "his" sitcom, but he was the best thing in it.

[EML]

I've used the "And were there any (pause) sexual problems?" often with my friends!

[steveh31]

Only issue is GOLD won't show the final Christmas special episode just the two series.

[StressMonkey]

The episode where John goes to Ralph's and they talk about an awful holiday Ralph had had where some thugs had tipped over his caravan, the Kirk comes round and Kirk tells about a great holiday where they tipped over someones caravan......

What made me nearly wet myself was when John borrows Raph's electric shaver then drops it in the terrapin tank

There was a lot more to it - but it was all in the build up

Haven't seen that episode since it's original air date but have seen most of the other episodes on Gold.

[StressMonkey]

Originally Posted by steven1977

I never saw the appeal to it. I remember watching it years ago on Sky but didnt really entertain me.

Then again ive always hated that geoff Palmer sitcom Butterflies.

So did I, but I loved Dear John. Very different humour.

[revans9]

in an act of absolutely shameless self-promotion, can i just say i am currently selling my video boxset of the show. and it includes the christmas special! vhs videos eh, remember them?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dear-John-...item20ca869559

[zackai48]

Originally Posted by Styker

If it was shown now even as a repeat let alone as a brand new show it would be/have been massive.

The Green Green Grass which wasn't that good imo went down well and that was mainly out of loyalty i reckon. I loved Boycie so I didn't mind it at all and would like to see more.

They should maybe resurect this programme (Dear John) for todays age. They remake films, why not programmes?

Only thing against this idea is that the genius who created the show (John Sullivan) is no longer with us.

[Tangledweb7]

Originally Posted by ilovecorrie2

Yeah but that episode where it was discovered he lived with his mum was really sad as was his wish to get a date with Kate that never materialised. The episode where John spent Christmas with his neighbour Mrs Lemenski was also sad as was the one where the failed rock star came back to do a show. I remember it as more sad than funny. I'm all for a bit of pathos in a sitcom but comedy really shouldn't be that sad.

I remember that one. There were times when it could be depressing but then you think of the classic line "Any sexual problems" and it makes you smile. (Well me anyway).

[steven1977]

Originally Posted by Glengavel

Well, it wasn't "his" sitcom, but he was the best thing in it.

How is a woman going astray supposed to be funny?

[Styker]

Originally Posted by EML

I've used the "And were there any (pause) sexual problems?" often with my friends!

How many times do they say yes? I love the phrase from The Rise and Fall Of Reginald Perrin...." I didn't get where I am today".........brilliant one that one is!

I so should use it more!

Originally Posted by zackai48

Only thing against this idea is that the genius who created the show (John Sullivan) is no longer with us.

Yes it would need a new writer but having said that, John Sullivan gave up on writing episodes for The Green Green Grass and they where often written by other writers including his own son. There must be some quality sitcome writers out there still. Sitcoms have been the biggest victim of reality TV shows it seems and they so have to come back. TV people, make it happen!!!!!