To my delight, "The Good Life," or "Good Neighbors" as it appears in syndication here in Minnesota, has just had another run on Twin Cities Public Television.
Never have I enjoyed a program with such simplistic beauty. The fact that many episodes contain only the four main characters is a testament to great writing, wonderful acting, and a life so simple and "Good" that it warms the heart with every episode.
I was sad to read in the monthly publication from our Public TV station that the series includes in its cast now "the late Paul Eddington." While all wonderful things and people do come to pass, my heart sank as I read it.
It's been years since we've had a run through the episodes here, and it's been nostalgic and lovely to have seen them again. "Anniversary" aired tonight (Thursday, 17 April 2008, 10:30 p.m.) and tears streamed down my face as it closed out. The plot itself coaxed the tears, although seeing the title, I also felt the sense of melancholy as I knew the series was closing out again.
The final scene is both heart-wrenching and uplifting at the same time. Particularly Barbara's line regarding their goat, Geraldine, requiring mating again in order to produce sufficient milk, when she explains, "I was just thinking about tomorrow, I guess." What a shining ray of hope and courage in the face of all they've encountered.
On a side note, I have come to appreciate many things about British comedies we get to see here, but in particular, I'm always impressed with the high billing received by the writers. American media is so starved for opportunities to highlight "stars" it scarcely seems to remember that without the words to say, the characters die with the actors.
Bravo, all involved with "The Good Life," you've truly made it so, even now, more than 30 years hence. Thanks so much!
Never have I enjoyed a program with such simplistic beauty. The fact that many episodes contain only the four main characters is a testament to great writing, wonderful acting, and a life so simple and "Good" that it warms the heart with every episode.
I was sad to read in the monthly publication from our Public TV station that the series includes in its cast now "the late Paul Eddington." While all wonderful things and people do come to pass, my heart sank as I read it.
It's been years since we've had a run through the episodes here, and it's been nostalgic and lovely to have seen them again. "Anniversary" aired tonight (Thursday, 17 April 2008, 10:30 p.m.) and tears streamed down my face as it closed out. The plot itself coaxed the tears, although seeing the title, I also felt the sense of melancholy as I knew the series was closing out again.
The final scene is both heart-wrenching and uplifting at the same time. Particularly Barbara's line regarding their goat, Geraldine, requiring mating again in order to produce sufficient milk, when she explains, "I was just thinking about tomorrow, I guess." What a shining ray of hope and courage in the face of all they've encountered.
On a side note, I have come to appreciate many things about British comedies we get to see here, but in particular, I'm always impressed with the high billing received by the writers. American media is so starved for opportunities to highlight "stars" it scarcely seems to remember that without the words to say, the characters die with the actors.
Bravo, all involved with "The Good Life," you've truly made it so, even now, more than 30 years hence. Thanks so much!
