Radio Times

Review by:

Jack Seale

The season finale is as warm, cheesy, simple and satisfying as the previous seven episodes. A bereavement puts the Starlings in the mood to change their lives, grab opportunities, seize the day and refresh their characters in advance of a possible second run.

Meanwhile, Terry and Charlie are rewiring a derelict stately home, sharing the job with a boorish, fly-by-night spark (Phil Cornwell) who’s funny and yet another reminder that Terry is a gentle saint. But then, so’s everyone in the family: this show quite boldly insists on doling out bittersweet goodness all the time. You know the final funeral scene will be affecting without being too devastating, and that’s fine.

There’s a montage of happy clips from the series to close. It’s a shameless device but, yes, they’re very pleasant memories.

About this programme

8/8. The death of an old friend visiting from Australia hits Grandad hard, causing the rest of the shocked family to make some big decisions. Terry tries to get Belle and Reuben back together, but Reuben has a new girlfriend, Lou Lou. Fergie drops a bombshell on Loz, announcing he's going on his travels again.

Cast and crew

Cast

Terry

Brendan Coyle

Jan

Lesley Sharp

Uncle Loz

Matt King

Fergie

Steve Edge

Grandad

Alan Williams

Gravy

John Dagleish

Belle

Rebecca Night

Charlie

Finn Atkins

Reuben

Ukweli Roach

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