A model of how we need to live today? (The Good Life)

Member Name: bruffyboy

Product:	The Good Life
Date:	12/02/09 (48 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: likeable characters

Disadvantages: none

WHAT IS IT ABOUT:
The Good Life is a BBC comedy from the 70s that focuses on Tom and Barbara Good, a disillusioned couple who give up the normal life and decide to live a sustainable life that includes turning their garden into an allotment, keeping pigs and chickens, and all manner of other green things. This horrifies their neighbours, Margo and Jerry, a nice enough but conventional couple.

WAS IT ANY GOOD:
This show could well do with a modern re-make, as the issues it raises are more relevant today than when it was created. The programme works on many levels: the comedy is well written, based on the conflict created between the two sets of neighbours from their radically different lifestyles.

What I particularly like is the way Tom and Barbara refuse to live the way society determines: they're an example of living outside the box, cutting back and enjoying it, and doing something for the environment whilst all the time keeping their sense of humour and good feelings towards others.

The show is a tonic when you're feeling low - Tom Good (Richard Briers) is a happy go lucky character who can't fail but to raise you up to his level of fun. Of course, this only annoys his neighbour Margo, whose uptight personality is made even worse when juxtaposed next to Tom.

Felicity Kendall is completely lovable as the tom-boy wife happy to go along with anything, and her laid back personality is again enjoyable to watch.

Of course, Margo is a 'love to hate' character, but even then she isn't malicious or nasty, just unable to lower herself to Tom and Barbara's level.

INTERESTING TRIVIA:
The only cast member who was a star before the show was Richard Briers. The Good Life propelled the other three into stardom in their own right, which is quite an achievement for one show.

IF YOU LIKED IT:
You can pick up the DVDs, and there are two novels based on the show too!

IN CONCLUSION:
A laid back, enjoyable comedy that is powered by likable and contrasting characters.

Summary: watch it