It seems as if everybody here loves Diana and think that Stephanie Colé carries the show.
I must say i like Tom (Graham Crowden) , and do really think that together they are the pillars of the show.
But for me Tom is the reason i really love this show.
I ADORE Tom, as Diana says in the final episode. I love his gentlemanly, old-fashioned style, & he's so sweet & kind. Of course, Stephanie Cole's brilliant as Diana, but Graham Crowden was equally good as Tom. They carried the show together - while both were great individual characters, the best scenes were when they were together. Which was quite a lot, I know, but you know what I mean.
Catriona x
"...a babe with a bob cut & a magnificent bosom" - Geraldine, "The Vicar of Dibley"
Diana's caustic curmudgeon was the center of the show but she needed Tom's simple gentleness for a counterbalance. They were complements of each other.
What ho!
Are you going to pull those pistols or whistle "Dixie"?
I liked Dianna better, but I agree that she would be nothing without Tom. He is very important to the dynamic of the show.
* * * *
If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
As cynic and cantankerous as Diana's character is, it seems like she has been that way all her life (she certainly would want us to believe that)
I have a problem with Tom's character, though. I will try to explain.
I love his ludic approach to life and the freedom with which he embraces his fantasies (he is a Cronopio, quoting one of my favorite authors, who had to live like a Fama, and those who might know the work of Julio Cortázar might understand what I am talking about). At the same time, I cannot but feel that this is the result of a frustrated life, a boring life and a sad present situation having to live with the idiots that are his son, daughter in-law, and grandkids.
I feel that as much as Tom's character can be fascinating, it also makes us feel sorry for him, for a life wasted in the prosaic side of things that has nothing but the fantasies to keep it interesting.
I never felt sorry for Diana in that sense. Her choices were truly hers and if she has any regrets (which are hinted all along in the show)she assumes them as the consequences of her choices. In Tom's case this is not so true.
No need to feel sorry for Tom. True, he was "a humble accountant," as he acknowledged in the first episode, but he kept himself enthused and youthful through his fantasies and memories.
At his age, just having a working memory is a plus. (This, said by a 73-year-old geezer.)
[deleted]
I love Tom! I think he's adorable! And, like everyone else who seems to like him too, I'm smitten by his sweet, warm, gentlemanly ways. But, I also adored Diana! And I must admit that I'm attracted to her! Yes, yes... I'm a girl. But I'd say that my personality is more like Tom's -- I'm dreamy, and get carried away with my imagination. And a lot of times, I'm of the childlike. And I'm attracted to Diana, because she is exactly the opposite -- exactly the kind of partner I would look for to be my rock -- to be my comfort zone. So I think they make the perfect couple! And Diana actually looks like a white headed version of someone who I already have a crush on! So, I've got to admit, I'm addicted to the show because of her -- like Tom, I eventually decided I was in love! And I think to some degree, we all are! And that's why we love Tom toO -- because we can identify with his heart -- and his affection for Diana.
Children's book writer and poet:
http://www.twitter.com/storybellz
I know what you mean about being attracted to Diana, Storybellz - I'm a girl too, I'm dreamy & romantic like Tom, & I'd love someone like Diana as my partner, like you said.
Btw does your signature mean you're a writer? I'm not on Twitter - what do you write?
What Glasgow says today, the rest of the world tries to pronounce tomorrow
Hi catrionalowe84,
I have changed my signature since posting my first reply to this thread. But, in answer to your question, I am a writer. I occasionally write poetry, and have been published in some literature magazines. I also have a tendency toward writing children's short stories once-in-a-while, and have written one that I plan to have published soon. I also write some opinion pieces, and have been published in Young Quaker Magazine. In addition to that, I am the editor of my college newspaper, and write for it as-well. So, I use Twitter to post little updates about my writings. If you ever decide to join, feel free to add me, by clicking "Follow" ^_^
PS.
I am about to PM you a link as-well.
PPS.
So, I am not alone in my feelings for Diana...Uh oh! I've got competition! ^_~
I'm Tom Ballard & Diana is my woman!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiA3MWn_hMs
Wow, that's great. I'm a keen writer too, but I've never published, unless you count here on IMDb. I write fanfic for one of my favourite period dramas, "North & South", nothing big but it keeps me happy & occupied. Will check out your link!
What Glasgow says today, the rest of the world tries to pronounce tomorrow