Paul Evans This has to be the most underrated and forgotten about 'MASTERPIECE' that has ever come out of the BBC, writers Craig Cash and Phil Mealey crerated something absolutely wonderful here with this one. Why on Earth did this not get more coverage and no further series, Criminal, the characters were all thoroughly believable and lovable!!! Jean and Winnie's dailogues are just the most funny thing I have ever seen, incredible. But the line of Eddie and Tommy speaking about Joan's driving test, wot sign would you expect to see on a narrow country lane answer 'fresh farm eggs for sale' absolute genius. I can see the same fate happening to the current series 'The Visit' very similar and again wonderfully fantastic, why aren't these on bbc on prime spots instead of rubbish like 'after you've gone and green green grass!!! Please someone read this and take note. To the regiment!!! I wish i was there, a real gem of comedy, with a hint of heart warming drama running through it as well

he312 I watched both series on the BBC and now own the DVD's. A well crafted comedy with what I would consider instantly likable characters. To pick out one character, would be a dis-service, as all shine. I believe the key to good comedy is the relationship on and off camera between the actors and it's a delight to watch the out-takes on the DVD, must have been a joy to go to work everyday.Shame it's not too well known, people either shake their head or shrug their shoulders when I ask them if they've seen it. I prefer this to the Royle Family, probably cause I know what it's like to walk into a pub where the regulars are regular. Hoping for more.

lamps This show is just about as good as TV gets. To watch it and suddenly realize 30 minutes have elapsed invariably surprises me. It is just about the most relaxing TV I have ever seen.The Grapes is typical of the back street pub close to extinction in the north west of England. Especially one that serves cask conditioned beer. It's a celebration of it's gentle goings on and a sad obituary to their passing.The latest series has just started and Ken realises the men in suits from the PubCo are round the corner, waiting to do what men in suits are consistently good at. Close the pub.In the second episode, Ken soldiers on stoically, he has a cold, his bone idle fat arsed mother asks how the kettle works, the degenerate bobby's Phil and Nige are passing the dutchie in the back room and in the front room, the sparse customers expose their lives unashamedly because that's what you do in The Grapes.After an episode packed with one liners, Ken finds himself propositioned by his barmaid. I only hope we don't have a storyline coming on. God forbid it. Early Doors is The Grapes not The Rovers Return.

glen the lad I had the fortune of catching season one before I returned to the states. I told my friends about it "oh it's the uk version of cheers then?" well no, I don't remember sam talking a pee with the door open or norm and cliff talking about having bit on the side. Some might find it a bit boring but me I could have watched until closing time. 10/10 pure (working) class