Waiting For God - Series 1 (DVD)

What a brilliant programme this was - five series in all. The setting of a retirement home might not be everyone's idea of a comedy scenario, but the dialogue and twists in the plots are little short of brilliant. From the pompous rhetorical Harvey Bains - the home manager, to Dianne Trent - the retired journalist with the acid tongue, the character acting is a delight, and the 'stories' are real encouragement to those of us over 60 who may be nearer to the embrace of retirement homes than other generations.

The only irritant is the absurd fantasy 'journeys' of Tom. These are not necessary to the theme; it would have been far better to have Tom as a retired management guru - overlooked by his family and the staff - who could have countered and frustrate every scheming argument put forward by the ever slimy Harvey.

The supporting roles - especially that of Jane - the frustrated but simple supporter of Harvey, and of Tom's well oiled daughter in law add character variety to a series that was eagerly watched 20 years ago, and which is just as refreshing now.

In comparison to the course and slapstick type humour of today's TV comedy programmes, this series is a breath of fresh, if subtle, air. So much so that having been re-acquainted with series 1, I went on and bought series 2, 3, 4, and 5.