Our take
A Christmas episode with a proper festive backdrop and a darker edge, as bad behaviour finally costs the hero dearly. The estate riot is one of the show's most ambitious set pieces. The stalker subplot borrows, as the title suggests, from the thrillers of the day, and the reconciliation is touching. It runs long, and the tone wobbles between farce and family drama. It is still a strong Christmas Day special.
What happens
Christmas is coming and Del has slipped back into old habits: drinking, gambling and staying out late. Raquel worries that Santa will be too busy at the 121 Club to get Damien any presents. Rodney raises it with Del, who says he is busy brokering a deal for a load of ex-Russian army camcorders to see the family through Christmas. Rodney and Cassandra, meanwhile, are so keen to start a family that she rings him at work whenever the timing is right. On the eve of Christmas Raquel leaves Del, taking Damien to stay with Rodney and Cassandra. Del does what he thinks any man would and arranges a date with Beverly, the receptionist at his dentist's, then calls it off as soon as he comes to his senses. A changed man, he asks Raquel back. After a drunken night that sparks a riot on the estate, he sells the camcorders to the police and the rioters alike. All seems calm, until it becomes clear that Beverly will not take no for an answer.
Can the kids watch it?
Best from about 10: drinking, a couple splitting up, a riot played for laughs and a woman who stalks a man.
Cast and crew
Starring
- David Jason as Del
- Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney
- Buster Merryfield as Uncle Albert
- Roger Lloyd-Pack as Trigger
- Paul Barber as Denzil
- John Challis as Boycie
- Tessa Peake-Jones as Raquel
- Gwyneth Strong as Cassandra
Guest stars
- Kenneth MacDonald as Mike
- Roy Heather as Sid
Writer
- John Sullivan
Director
- Tony Dow