Goodbye Summer Wine, 1973-2010

Sorry to see it go, but it's time. I'd rather see it end before anyone else dies. How old were the two surviving originals when the show started? I agree a special episode would be an appropriate way to end it. Nothing too final though. I know its not that common in the UK, but a reunion special would be nice. It's amazing how a show with such a simple premise, about people who are old and not sex symbols, lasted so long, remaining rich in stories and characterization. I doubt the USA could make a success of it. It plays here on public television, and I have always found it to be an entertaining program. How lucky we are that unlike the North America and the Continent, Britain is not obsessed with youth and good looks.

Here! Here!

[deleted]

I thought Tom was all right. It wasn't the most original thing bringing in the deceased's son, and I do think he worked better as a supporting character than one of the main three, but his family of sorts, Mrs. Avery and Babs, who appeared in the first series or two to feature Tom, made for an interesting subplot. I've heard they were unpopular with the audience but I thought it was a bit of a pity to lose them as they were at least something different and helped to flesh out Tom. Alvin has his moments, but perhaps emulated Compo a little too closely. Billy Hardcastle, the direct descendant of Robin Hood, was funny while he lasted, if you didn't expect him to replace Compo. I actually like Entwhistle out of all the newer characters, along with the librarian played by Josephine Tewson. As a Keeping up Appearances fan, it was nice to see her again and having since gone back and watched the earlier episodes, which I think a very good in a whole different way, it was cool to revive the library setting. To be honest, I haven't seen most of the really recent episodes (any less then five to seven years old), because I lost track following how many episodes there were when they broadcast them on TV where I live in America, but I think Edie, Wesley, and Eli were particularly missed, along with Como of course. I haven't seen many Nora-less episodes, so I can't comment on how they work but I imagine her absence was felt as well.

Having Howard, Marin, and Pearl still around helped to anchor things a little bit. They'd been on the show so long that I think they really had almost the same status as Clegg or Nora.

'Irregardless' is not a word

Exactly it has been ruined now. Who-ever has seen Tonight's episode has myy sympathy's. It was average but real poor in general.

Russ Abbott does'nt seem good acting-wise I think, he was way better as a comedian! What happend to Ivy having only 1 scene is terrible too, but though many characters have passed away in real-life, it just shows how weak it has become "storyline-wise"

In saying this the Librarian (Elizibeth of Keeping Up Appearances fame) is generaly good but not Tonight - who could of had potiental but par her, Cleggy, Pearl (at times), Howard (at times) and Ivy of course and Barry/Glenda (at times) that say's it all I think character-wise (unless is Smiler and Auntie Wainwright still in it?!!?)

To make it great they should've brought back Ivy's nephew ('ve forgot his name) if the actor is still acting - but I seem to think i'd heard the actor had died, is this correct?, as he was really really good and still would be- taking over Ivy's Cafe as thought (for if ever LOTSW) was resurrected.