Still Game - Series 1 (DVD)

...as a programme idea yet Still Game is actually a well produced, well written, clever series that captivates the audience.

Set in Craiglang, a fictional, rough scottish town Jack (Ford Kiernan) and Victor (Greg Hemphill) are the shows main two characters but they are supported by the tight fisted Tam (Mark Cox), witty Winston (Paul Riley), gossip queen Isa (Jane McCarry), shop keeper Navid (Sanjeev Kohli) and many other characters.
...that are sometimes predictable but still funny even though you know what is going to happen on occasions. There is a good mix of visual and verbal gags, something to please everyone.

I always think for any show the strength of the characters is of key importance, no matter who plays them. Each character in still game is well thought out and has their own little stories that are running alongside the main story that Jack and Victor ... more

Unless you are either: -
1.) scottish
2.) have scottish relatives
3.) know someone scottish
4.) accidentally flicked onto bbc scotland

then you could have missed 'Still Game', a scottish comedy centred around the life and times of scottish pensioners. This review should make sure you find it by whatever means.

On the surface a comedy about scottish comedies doesnt sound that engaging as a programme idea yet Still Game is actually a well produced, well written, clever series that captivates the audience.

Set in Craiglang, a fictional, rough scottish town Jack (Ford Kiernan) and Victor (Greg Hemphill) are the shows main two characters but they are supported by the tight fisted Tam (Mark Cox), witty Winston (Paul Riley), gossip queen Isa (Jane McCarry), shop keeper Navid (Sanjeev Kohli) and many other characters.

This is my review of each of the first series DVD episodes, with a general description of the episode followed by my summary and mark out of ten: -

"Flittin" - Jack is fed up in his digs and see's victors neighbour dying as the best opportunity to move near his best pal though probably not best to measure the room and analyse its suitability whilst the dead guys wake is taking place. Elsewhere Winstons weak grandson is preparing for his boxing bout.

- Good first episode to introduce the main characters with some funny moments but steady humour rather than laugh out loud 8/10

"Faimly" - Victor is waiting on his son John (who lives in South Africa) to come over but a jumbled answer phone message leaves Victor unsure on what is going on. Winston is at war with Peggy over meat at the butchers

- Not the best episode of the series by a long way but watchable 7/10

"Cauld" - Sneaky Winston has a remedy for the coldest winters in scottish history but although most pensioners are keen to get a piece of the warm action (to reduce their odds on the death sweep stake) Jack and Victor refuse due to legal and moral reasons.

- Strong episode with visual as well as verbal gags of the highest quality. First series really steps up in this episode 9/10

"Courtin" - Victor and Jack get lucky with a double date, or so they think! Enter Barbara and her unique looking sister Edith. Winston gets himself barred from the clansman (pensioners local).

- Very funny episode, the series best, with the double date a classic scene. 10/10

"Waddin" - The whole town goes nuts about the wedding of the year, courtesy of Navids daughter's big day. Wullie MacIntosh's death leads everyone to reveal that he had owed something to the pensioners such as pictures, money etc. Winston has the key to his house

- Good episode with some funny moments 8/10

"Scones" - Tam keeps winning competitions due to his knack at writing catchy slogans and it irritates the rest of the pensioners which leads Jack and Victor to try steal his crown though have less of a natural flair!

- A good end to the series and a good storyline 8/10

**GOOD FEATURES

The stories are first class, with some excellent gags that are sometimes predictable but still funny even though you know what is going to happen on occasions. There is a good mix of visual and verbal gags, something to please everyone.

I always think for any show the strength of the characters is of key importance, no matter who plays them. Each character in still game is well thought out and has their own little stories that are running alongside the main story that Jack and Victor play out. The comedy also sees you warm to each character. Although Isa is an annoying gossip queen and Tam is one of those tight fisted people that you would ordinarily annoy in real life you feel compelled to like them. Navid could have a review for his brilliance just on his own.

The characters are important but the acting is also brilliant. Sanjeev Kohli is mesmeric as Navid, Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill are just perfect in the lead roles. Paul Riley is extremely convincing as the character of Winston.

One of the great things about Still Game is that you can now pick the DVDs up individually for as little as £5, or even £20 for the ultimate six series and specials box set. A bargain for the hours of entertainment and laughs on offer. Very much value for money.

**BAD FEATURES

For a DVD not to have extras in this day and age is a bit criminal in my humble opinion so that is my main gripe. Also I guess there is a tad too much swearing on occasions and some humour that goes a bit OTT. Series one has a 12 rating but there is a scene of Isa with an adult toy which I would cringe if I was watching with someone that age. Although the humour doesnt offend me, far from it but the programme could have mass appeal if it did cut down slightly on those things mentioned above.

**OVERALL

Overall, you can probably tell that I have a strong affinity for this programme I think anyone with a sense of humour this should suit you. The scottish accent is pretty strong throughout but the humour should be universally understandable and I would recommend this series, especially at a cheap price, as a starting point for still game.

Alternatively for those tighter than the old ducks...just type in still game to youtube and you will be amongst masses of classic clips from the series.

also on dooyoo but as dtait09 

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