Big Brother, the first ever Only Fools and Horses episode was aired on 8th September 1981 with a viewing audience of 9.2m. Ratings throughout the first series deteriorated with each episode and the show almost didn't warrant a second series. How different our lives would've been if that had been the case. This episode introduces the Trotter family and also the first appearance of Trigger, who even calls Rodney Dave back then! It is clear from this first episode that John Sullivan knew exactly where he wanted the show to go and what the family were all about as a lot of the acting and characteristics of each character predominately stayed the same through the years.

The episode starts in the now legendary Trotter house in Nelson Mandela House with Rodney and Grandad arguing over the TV, almost instantly you can see that this household is full of banter and arguments. Del then take Rodney down to the Nag's head where they meet Trigger. Whilst at the bar Del and Rodney set the tone by suggesting there is always something missing from their lives, they drive a 3 wheel van and they currently have a consignment of one legged turkeys! Del introces Rodney to Trigger and explains that Trigger acquired his nickname because he looks like a horse and not because he carried a gun. Trigger with a gun, my word can you imagine! Trigger than offers Del a load of hooky briefcases, but sh don't tell Rodney! This episode also shows Del's negotiating power and the fact he loves to wheel and deal.

Back at the flat Rodney goes to buy some dinner for Grandad and brings him back a cheese burger when Grandad wanted an Emporer Burger which he bought because he couldn't afford an Emporer burger! This episode also highlights the fact that Del often leaves his brother potless because he wants to be relied upon. Rodney is frustrated by constantly having nothing and promptly leaves that night leaving a note saying he had gone to Hong Kong to find an old girlfriend of his, Shanghai Lil as Del names her. After a few days of searching Rodney finally returns home claiming that he missed the beauty of the view from their flat and suggests he got as far an St Tropez where he met a family and dined with them on their luxury yacht, not knowing that Del has his passport in his back pocket! Del laughs off Rodney's claims and let's him tell his ellaborate story before confronting him. Rodney then admits he only got as far as the Shangri-La doss house in Stoke Newington. The episode then ends with the family all together vowing to stick with each other through anything.

This is episode as explained before, clearly shows that John Sullivan had big plans for the show and lays the foundations for the rest of the shows series'. Whilst this may not be the best episode ever, it is a great pilot. A big 5 out of 5 from me.