I was surprised that there was a second series made of Marion & Geoff as the first instalment was as close to perfection as could be and the story was came to a satisfactory and heart-warming close. So I was cynically expecting this to be a disappointment.
It wasn't.
However, it is noticeably different.
Due to the extended length of each episode, the stress is firmly placed in telling the story, as opposed to try to slot in jokes in Keith's monologue. And the story is one well worth telling. Keith can no longer be described as simply 'unlucky' as in this series, he represents an oasis of decency surrounded by those who are selfish, self-centred and shallow. It is fair to say that the hardships on display here are graver than before, and yet the severity of these set-backs seems to be always lessened by Keith's unswerving optimism in the 'best in people'. Only towards the very end of this series do we see his rosy view on the world fade.
My only criticisms are that the entire story is some 3 1/2 hours in length, and whilst it is more engaging if the episodes are watched back to back this can be somewhat of a large mouthful to swallow whole. There are also some elements of the story that I feel are superflous and redundant to the narrative e.g. Mr Trapaulin becoming an insurance salesman.
However, forgetting these small imperfections, this is a moving tale, told with great sensitivity and a fine acuity of human emotions. If you are interested in laughing at rubber chickens or the word 'cock' I wouldn't recommend this. However for anyone else this is a must-purchase. This restores my faith in TV programming and the future of comedy.
Buy it and you will not be disappointed.
P.S. I challenge anyone to not shed a tear at the end.
