User Reviews

Writer John Sullivan is best remembered for 'Only Fool's', but this tragi-comic sitcom was a masterpiece too.

Full of heart and pathos, it deserves more recognition.

This first episode may spend a fair bit of time naturally setting up the scenario and characters, but there are some classic Sullivan moments along the way.

John Lacey learns that his wife has been having an affair with his best mate, struggling with single life, he turns to support from the 1-2-1 club, in the hope of finding romance.

I always thought this show was seen as something of a classic, penned by John Sullivan, complete with a wonderful catchphrase.....were there any sexual problems, but it doesn't seem to be as popular as I had thought. I'm keen to revisit the show.

Great first episode, no wonder I loved this show as a kid, the appeal is still there, so many funny moments. Ralph Bates is excellent as John, but the laughs come thick and fast, Louise and Kirk were both terrific, Bell's sheer enjoyment over the sexual problems was a joy fest.

You wonder if Jean Challis is just going to sit there in total silence, but of course she delivers perhaps the funniest line.

8/10.

John Sullivan decided to do something different after Citizen Smith and Only Fools and Horses.

Dear John is a tragi-comedy of a man whose wife has left him for his best friend by writing a Dear John letter.

Now divorced, living in a bedsit and only seeing his son at weekends.

His friends think that he is having a swinging life as a single man. Nothing can be further from the truth. John is alone and drinking in the pub in the afternoons.

John Lacey (Ralph Bates) decides to rebuild his life by joining a singles club. On his first evening, he accidentally ends up in the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.

Despite the element of sadness underlying this comedy. John Sullivan created some memorable characters for this sitcom.

The 1-2-1 club had Louise the head of the club who was always interested in sexual problems. Ralph the nerdy type whose Polish wife ran off in their wedding day. The flamboyant and sexist Kirk St Moritz brilliantly played by Peter Blake.

The first episode quickly establishes the premise of the series and had some several funny moments such as people realising they were in the wrong meeting.

Sadly it is also apparent watching the first episode that several cast members left us rather too early. Ralph Bates died at the age of 51 in 1991.