Hold The Sunset, 2018
Seems topical with the news just last week that John Cleese was bringing back Fawlty Towers.
Hold The Sunset, heavily trailed as John Cleese’s return to sitcom after 43 years. Even John Cleese himself got on the promotion trail.
Screened in a prime time Sunday night slot and featuring an all star cast it ran for six episodes. Despite it’s pedigree critics largely disliked it. Whilst this writer enjoyed it, I did feel as with many sitcoms of today, a laughter track might have given it an edge.
However, despite it’s critical reviews, Hold the Sunset was commissioned for a second series and even popped up with a Christmas Special in the 2018 Christmas TV schedules. The series finished up running for 13 episodes, 2x series of 6 episodes and a Christmas Special. Then John Cleese marched off into the sitcom sunset or did he?
Summary
The story centres around two retired neighbours, Phil and Edith.
Both widowed, they plan to start a new life together in Gozo.
However their romantic plans are scuppered when Edith’s 49-year-old son Roger, moves back into his Mother’s house after walking out on his wife and their two teenage children.
Clips
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Cast
Alison Steadman – Edith
John Cleese – Phil
Jason Watkins -Roger
Rosie Cavaliero – Wendy (Roger’s Wife)
Joanna Scanlan – Sandra (Edith’s Daughter)
Anne Reid – Mrs Gale (Edith’s cleaner)
James Cosmo – Bob (Edith’s ex boyfriend)
Peter Egan – Mr Dugdale, neighbour
Details
Channel : BBC1
Written By: Charles McKeown
Original Transmission Dates: 18th February, 2018 – 6th September 2019