sungria Reviews

The Good Companions (1980– )

Excellent and very unusual musical comedy drama series

[10/10 · 14 February 2007]

A wonderful series from the early eighties. I videotaped it at the time, but my ancient videos are wearing out from constant playing. When will this be released on a DVD? I can't believe some of the rubbish that comes out on DVD, and this never has. Great songs, a brilliant plot (it was a good book), and the way they just break into dancing and singing! It also had some sad and serious moments, which were never overplayed and a very good cast,too. This series never got the exposure it deserved, being relegated to the daytime schedule after just one showing in prime-time. It was probably too "different" to catch on back in 1980, but I'm sure there must be others like me who loved it. One of my all time favourites. Bring out the DVD! Please!

The Adventure Game (1980–1986)

Here be dragons!

[9/10 · 14 February 2007]

A very clever and funny programme, this was aimed at children but much enjoyed by adults (especially this one). I hated to miss an episode. It was a great brain workout, with that great feeling of satisfaction when you got the answers right! I also always enjoyed the Vortex, when they stepped on the wrong square at the end of the game and were evaporated just before they reached their goal... I especially appreciated the use of anagrams of "dragon" for everything - character names, currency - the lot! Even now, whenever I see a word that looks similar to an anagram of dragon, I'm transported back to The Adventure Game. With its logic problems, so much better than any of the more recent "puzzle" type games seen on TV, and the guests who appeared had intelligence. So sad to see that some of the episodes are lost, but couldn't we have the rest on a DVD, please, BBC?

The Other One (1977–1979)

A brilliant series, inexplicably never mentioned.

[9/10 · 14 February 2007]

I was beginning to despair that there was anybody who remembered this series, let alone loved it! With the acting talent of both Richard Briers and Michael Gambon, and written by the brilliant Esmonde and Larbey - how could it have never re-surfaced? I have been hoping it would come out on DVD, as sadly I really can't remember it that well now. I just remember it being one of the very best sitcoms I ever saw. It was intelligent and witty - probably too much so for the audience at the time. I just hope they didn't wipe all the tapes, so there is still a chance we might see it again. I am amazed how well sthom-1 remembers the plot lines! Please, BBC, release the DVD, and make some people very happy. You might even find a new appreciative audience now.