The One With The Good Life (in multiple senses)

I was brought up on a few random TV shows and bands including Donny Osmond, David Cassidy, Billy Ray Cyrus, Pink Floyd and Eric Clapton amongst others. Most of these fell by the wayside but there are some that still live on in my own choices like Layla by Eric Clapton (one of my favourite guitar solos *EVER*)

Anyhoo yesterday I was looking at the films and TV shows on iTunes – I’ve got 2 or 3 already and thought I’d have a look for some more. I was looking through the TV Shows and spotted The Good Life.

Now for those of you who don’t know, The Good Life was a sitcom started in the 1970s. It starred Richard Briers, Penelope Keith and Felicity Kendal. It follows Brier’s character as him and his wife (played by Kendal) as they become self sufficient.

Anyhoo my point is that – I’ve seen the first few episodes like 50 times each and yet they are still funny and they still make me laugh. I wasn’t even a twinkle when it started (in 1975 my Mum was at Upper School and my Dad was about to turn 20 so he was working).

It ran from 1975 to 1978. There were 4 series, making a total of 30 episodes (and now I have two series of it on my computer or iPod).

Are there any shows out there with that kind of longevity? In 30 years are we going to be re-watching House and commenting on how his bed side manner needs work or how McDreamy and Mer eventually get it together and at least semi-sorted in Grey’s. I sit around and talk to my Dad about The Good Life and Mash. Are my kids (when I get that far lol) going to sit around and talk to me about what was on TV when I was growing up (then again maybe I just inflict them to The Good Life and hope they appreciate it lol.)

And a shout out:

I often comment on Chris Evan’s Blog at Radio 2. There is a whole little community that’s formed all by itself and there are a lot of people who are good friends. Yesterday one of these friends passed away. A lovely lady who goes by the name of Mariella-Wolenski-Apparently wrote this little poem (to some it doesn’t make sense but it does to other and I wanted to share the love)

A woman full of laughter and fun,
And the biggest hugs for everyone,
Filled the blog with her fast wheels,
Sound advice and 5 inch heels.

Quick fag break then jump the queue,
First one in at the O2.
Bed by midnight, thats a giggle!
To meet your curfew, best get a wiggle.

Dishwasher loaded, Biggle’s tales,
Then off to bolthole down in Wales.
Yell your head off at Question Time,
Beez, you were a good friend of mine.

You will be missed by all on here,
And many of us will shed a tear,
But the pink fizz we’re stock piling,
And in your memory we’ll all Keep Smiling.

Sleep deep Beez.

So to the lovely Beez – we miss you bucketfuls. I didn’t get to meet you IRL but that’s not what it’s about is it – I know that you brought smiles to the faces of so many people via the blog and some in real life too (I just read a comment from Bond007 about a silly text you once sent!) We won’t forget you lovely!