couldn't have said it better myself lad and *does anyone know of a working sky recharger for nowtv passes?* tired of using youtube as my main source of entertainment
@@barrymcguire7124 Godber aka Richard Beckinsale died in 1979 age 31 of a heart attack (his daughter is Underworld and Van Helsing star Kate Beckinsale)
Not bizarre at all. Mere coincidence, made more trivial if you happen to look up what has happened on that day throughout history. The same day as when William Wallace lead the Scots to victory against the English, for example. Twice as many deaths as the event to which you refer. Or, how about 9AD when Germanic Barbarians ambushed and crushed the Romans causing as many as 20,000 losses by destroying three entire legions, six auxiliary cohorts and three cavalry squadrons. Two amongst dozens of events that have happened on that day. 356 to 1 odds of something happening are not all that long in the general scheme of things.
Every generation has suffered cost of living... And as for the September 11th comment , it was his date of imprisonments.... No tinfoil hate or conspiracy@@IanGammer-vj9cb
It would not surprise me at all if a senior prison officer were to shake the hand of a departing prisoner and wish him luck. I’m sure it’s not commonplace, but even within that environment there has to be a degree of mutual respect by a percentage of prisoners and prison staff even if that percentage may be small. What Fletch said about there being relatively few prisoners aged over 35 was certainly true in those days, with the exception of long term prisoners sentenced when younger and still In prison, the likelihood of ending up in prison fell dramatically with age, the vast majority of all crime being committed by 15-26 year old men. Many criminals, even repeat offenders, do actually grow out of it and literally go straight.. however, and this is very important, in the 60s and 70s ex-prisoners could turn over a new leaf and find employment much easier than today because jobs were not vetted for criminal records as they are today. In real life a prisoner who served as long as fletch even in the 60s would still have his convictions held against him when applying for many jobs, as his record would remain until he reaches 99 years old even if his last sentence began in 1974.
Fletcher and Mackay actually did like each other, and although they were from opposite worlds, they had a mutual respect, It was a lovely touch and the only way to say goodbye to Porridge and hello to Going Straight , And the brilliant writing reversed roles for Fletcher and Mackay - And Gobder and Fletcher . Just watching this happen on the train was an evolution of fantastic writing and a wonderful conclusion. Words are hard to find and harder to justify.
Much of the character's respect for each other came from the episode where Mackay was replaced by a sadistic senior prison guard. When Mackay returned, Fletch led a tribute to Mackay by singing ''For he's a jolly good fellow''. Mackay was hard, by the books..but never cruel.
26p a pint of beer, retirement at 55. A lot can happen in forty years. I last brought a pint some years ago and it was over £5 then, I can't imagine how much it is now. As for retirement at 55, my dear old mother is 68 and still has to work every day with no hope of ever actually retiring.
I paid £7.50 for a pint at the Oval cricket ground a couple of years back. Didn't even enjoy it, although the taste was probably soured by how much lighter my wallet was.
@@Sundae_Times thanks that's sad because I thought if would have legs to on like porridge would, certainly shows its time with prices and the shocking 1970s in the u.k
The stoicism of being British summed up to perfection with the buffet car scene. Always having an answer for what lies ahead; Fletch & Mackay, all our yesterdays. Golden times.
40+ years later and I'd like a Pound for every time I've watched one of (sadly) only a handful of series starring Ronnie Barker. Of course he was not alone but the best shows. Thank you for oh so many outstanding comical moments! :0)
Love this T.V series proper old school really appreciate the people who put all these old fashioned T.V series on TH-cam for everyone to watch thank you very much from Mr Ben Golby
Brilliant episode and great acting, genuine shame only six were made. RIP those from this series who have passed away, they don't make quality television like this too often nowadays.
Fulton absolutely deserves his flowers. I remember when i was around 10, id often hear my Mum and Dad talk about Him. His 'drunken' acting is also pristine. Rest easy
I remember people going on and on about Morecambe and Wise and endless tributes to Les Dawson after he died. Yes they were great but Ronnie Barker was always my comedy hero. And I much preferred The Two Ronnies to Cannon and Ball, Morecambe and Wise, Little and Large and all the others.
I always loved the relationship between Fletch and Mr McKay in Porridge. This first episode of Going Straight is I’m my top 3 episodes across both series’. ‘No no you mustn’t point your little miniature at me now’
I remember being about ten years old and being almost unable to wait for this to come on TV after Porridge and watching it with my Dad. I recall being horrified that it wasn’t really Porridge. Thankfully all these years later YT has allowed me the privilege of appreciating what a superb performance this was by Barker and McKay. What is produced today can’t hold a candle to the comedy of the late 70s early 80s when we all had a sense of humour about ourselves and one another and we didn’t get professionally offended at having the piss taken out of ourselves. This and Rising Damp superb work.
That's true but I saw something recently, it was really lame and lacklustre 70s/80s style comedy the kind of mush we'd all forgotten about with dreadful punny jokes just flabby and stale. I couldn't place what it was... Then I found out it was the reboot of Open All Hours (or something like that)... That's the problem with all the forgettable stuff from that era. We really have forgotten about it. But the standout stuff was pure gold.
@@ZadenZane I definitely forget about specifics but I don’t think I can be that unusual in that i have a strong enough sense that most of the stuff broadcast was worthless. Stands to reason when the stand outs can be listed in a top twenty but there was decades of content.
Agree. Far and away the most under-rated sitcom of the 20th century in the UK. Far from being a 'Porridge spin-off', this is a great, great show. This episode, of course, has great two-hander scenes for Barker and McKay, two brilliant comic actors at the top of their game. Plus, always a joy to see the great Milton Johns, a stalwart of BBC comedy/drama.
@@peterowen9183 absolutely. The scene in episode one on the train where flectcher says there is no great organisation when you retire is genius . Puts them both on a level playing field . Very humbling .
My father's immortal words of advice: "It'll never win a third time; pick a different one." Oh, well! I saw him in the street once, in Ayr. I suppose they were taking him down to the beach or something for exercise before a meet. Unmistakable and a very handsome animal.
Although Going Straight was good, I feel that this episode was the only one which retained the magic of Porridge. The last scene between Mackay and Fletcher is a real lump in the throat moment.
I think it transitioned into it's own thing quite well. It's just unfortunate that Beckinsale passed away when he did. Going Straight was a roaring success, but they (quite commendably) didn't want to go on without him.
Exactly, if you look at the ratings, it was a perfect success, but it getting cut short due to Beckinsale's death is what makes people mistake it for failing.
Going Straight was reasonable. But I think Barker himself said that people preferred Fletcher as the big fish in a small pond, a bit of a winner in prison. In this show he was a little bit of a loser. I think it was a mistake to not introduce any of the new supporting cast in episode 1.
@@Muesliman467 Spot on. Fletcher was at his best winning little victories against the system. He didn't really thrive on the outside - which, when you think about it shows the extraordinary quality of the characterization. That is the reason why he kept getting caught and sent to prison in the first place - it was the only place where he could really be a success in his life.
The mutual respect between the both of them is just wonderful writing here even though both couldn't be more different & the final handshake says it all.....
Honestly, I think it ended perfectly, a second series would have perhaps ruined it. Fletcher HAD to really go through the trials and tribulations of living an honest life from scratch, without cheating his way, and the reflection of prison life from within the pet shop reminded him in the end that it always ends the same way and that he really had to commit this time.
I remember watching Porridge as a kid in the late 70's, but not Going Straight. The 2nd half of this episode when it's almost all Fletcher and MacKay is just amazing ..
Another MORON, who thinks it's cool to say "so and so (insert name of extremely famous and talented musician /actor etc) is underrated. Ronnie Barker is not in anyway underrated, he's considered one of the greatest comedy actors of all time. David Jason called him the guvenor. Not at all underrated
Sadly it never took off, mainly because while in prison Fletch was the wise one, helping out his mates, and keeping order, once he was released he was the one needing help from others, and so the whole dynamic changed, and it wasn't the same. I think it was also sad that his wife had left him in series, whereas when he was inside, she was totally devoted to him.
@@ashleyp.4932 Although it probably lost a little something from being cast in the shadow of the excellent Porridge series, Going Straight did pick up a couple of awards and there were plans to make a new series, but the tragic death of Richard Beckinsale effectively ended those plans once and for all. Looking back at it now, it was a very good series and certainly better than a lot of other comedy series that were on televions at that time in 1978-79.
Ronnie Barker wisely recognized that without Godber.. Fletcher would be without context. Wise wonderful man. May both their lovely souls rest in peace.
@@craiglancastermarr4016 That’s a great way of looking at it. It’s so sad that Richard Beckensale (spelling might be incorrect there) passed away so young as he was also great on ‘Rising Damp”.
After watching Porridge for 'Donkeys' just noticed the sign Slade Prison at the beginning is obviously a cheap banner rather than a proper entrance sign on the prison facade which was in Ireland somewhere.
The script and humour-timing is so excellent this episode works well as radio/audio as well as video. The Lord bless and keep your families Barker and McKay. Great talents made available for our entertainment. Thanks! And thanks for the uploading!
I think if they did a second series it would have been very similar to what would later become only fools and horses. With Fletcher being a proto Del Boy wheeling and dealing and having brushes with the law. Perhaps in hindsight its a good thing because the two shows would have been in competition with only fools starting just a few years after this
Mackay's character in Porridge and this is one of those strict but intrinsically honourable people. Such people are often far preferable to those who seek to be nice to your face but would knife you in the back without hesitation . When asked by the man on the buffet counter (who unknown to Mackay knows Fletch is just out of prison) if he knew Fletch he choses not to say it was as Officer and Inmate, but merely that they were from the same establishment.
Great stuff. Haven't seen this for 40 years since it was first broadcast. A pity one of the digital TV stations doesn't show it . They're always showing Porridge after all. Can't believe only 11000 views of this.
yet clearly implies he was edgy about Fletch being an ex con & said he would collect the money when they had finished (and duly asked for them to settle up at the end!!)
Tour de force acting - as Fletch and McKay gently deteriorate under the influence. The power of great comedy to raise profound questions and provoke deep emotion.
i never saw this on Tv at all, it was only by chance i came a cross it. I don't think it was as strong as porridge, but i know it was planned for a second series, with Richard dying just after the porridge film was competed, it was dropped.
@Qasim Hussain sir David is my fav of the two but Ronnie was a better comic actor than David, but David is a better actor overall because David went into serious acting, whereas Ronnie was purely comedy. But both are the two greatest British comedy legends
You can’t blame them for not wanting to continue after Richard passed. I wish La Frenais and Clement kept that thought on Auf Wiedersehen Pet after Gary Holton died. I liked this, but Fletch was truly at his best in prison, and it isn’t fair to compare this to Porridge coz of the circumstances surrounding it. The conversation between Fletch and Mackay was almost therapeutic. This was the hardest goodbye of all for both men. They were like Batman and Robin, they needed each other though they would never admit it. Fletch needed his “little victories” over Mr Mackay to get through his sentence, he couldn’t have had them over any other screw, it had to be Mr Mackay, and Mr Mackay needed Fletch for pretty much the same reason, he needed someone to make his days more interesting, and he enjoyed his head to heads with Fletch, he would’ve been extremely bored otherwise. Their goodbye was perfect. Shake of the hand and both gone their separate ways. There was always a respect between them both albeit begrudgingly.
When you see the pilot of porridge, and then you watch this, you really see how much respect, that grew over the years between them. Just a shame Mr Barrowclough never made an appearance in wishing him off, before fletcher went out.
A very good TV series old fashioned just like my generation I love ❤️ all of Ronnie Barker's TV comedy series he has made absolutely brilliant and entertaining 👌 👍
My favourite episode for obvious reasons. To be fair the spin off has grown on me over the years. Especially the hotel episode with the jewellery con, that's a classic that could have lifted straight from porridge
Yes indeed, the hotel episode with the great Nigel Hawthorn as Worm Wellings. Fletch thinking that Wellings is in league with the old lady with the supposedly expensive necklace as part of an insurance con when he steals it. Only to find out that it’s not actually worth anything
First time I ever saw this show (I have never watched Porridge either). I did not expect much - other than good acting. I was VERY surprised. This was rather funny and very entertaining. With a nice ending. Thank you for posting this. ☮
Reminded me of my dear old Dad - he was from Edinburgh and he used to deport himself like Fulton McKay in this role... he was with the Royal Artillery in Korea...
Fulton appeared in an episode of "Z Cars" called "Breakage" as an oddball drifter. A funny, poignant performance far removed from the martinet he played in "Porridge".
This is such a fantastic idea for a show, but I can totally see why it didn't work at the time. I can guarantee that it would do better if it came out now. I mean, jokes about the lack of privacy and warmth, and the cost of living. Very timely!
Incredible 1st episode of this series...so much crammed into it this should have been feature length ....and maybe....fletch and mcay should have been inadvertent neighbours getting in to scraps with godber etc .....best episode of all time this that brings a tear to the eye .... great cast and dialogue
fletch wiped the handles but forgot the candlestick lol, but great episode miss them both hard to believe they are not here anymore, being old and watching it all happen in time makes it a lot harder to believe.
@@interabang Wrong, it was recorded at BBC Television Centre in London. Canned laughter was not universally used by British broadcasters back in the 70s. Also, I would like to know your evidence
@@johnking5174 "In the UK all of the BBC’s comedies, such as Are You Being Served?, had laugh tracks " That's from a BBC web page. You can tell it's not natural laughter anyway just by listening to it.
@@interabang Sorry to say you are wrong. I know for a fact that Going Straight for recorded in Studio TC8 at BBC Television Centre in London in front of a studio audience of 250 people. Production of sitcoms back in the 60s, 70s and 80s were all recorded with a live studio audience. I remember Steve Coogan who played Alan Partridge had an argument with a fan who didn't believe that they filmed I'm Alan Partridge in a studio with an audience, and he had to explain to them that they did. They used Studio TC1, and used an "in the round set" with the audience sitting mostly outside of the main set. Now I do know a lot of Television Centre, I know that place well, and I have done my research, so sorry, it was recorded with an audience. Please can you send me the BBC link, as I want to report that link to the BBC as being a false statement. Thank you.
15:48 Ahead of its time, never a truer word spoken. You leave the service whether its police, fire or soldier, and then you realise you were just a number. Within years those association reunion letters stop, best mates become distant friends, and in my case, the regiment has no interest in veterans or veteran issues.
That is what I have finally learned at the age of 48. A lot of times in my life I have been sucked into some system or other just to make up the numbers and chewed up and then spat back out on the street homeless again. Was thinking of helping out in Ukraine, have no Military experience, just boxing, football and construction but have realised that I owe these people nothing. Sympathies for your situation sir.
Great writing and acting. I actually wept watching this. ‘Your loyalty isn’t rewarded … you’re just a number!’ How very true.
False
@@user-jt5vm3mi1w best you can do?
As so many homeless veterans can testify to.
Ronnie Barker . One of our greatest actors , comedians . RIP .
He sure was. Truly great actor.
And comedy writer 🖋
His style hasn't been replicated successfully since. Despite horrid attempts at trying. He is truly missed.
Fulton MacKay - another one - RIP
Different dynamic on the outside produces less laughs.
Two legends of comedy. It makes me smile just seeing Ronnie and Fulton play opposite one another. Sadly missed souls.
That handshake at the end was one of the greatest moments in TV history
i can't understand why fletcher didn't take the bag. They missed a trick.
@@minilymoClue is in the title of the show. He's going straight but you can see he was tempted
@@TheDjackso1 listen to the title song though, he's going straight back into crime.
@@minilymo No you've misheard it. The lyrics are 'and I don't think straight back to crime'
@@TheDjackso1 i guess i should have written all of the scripts for this.
THANKS LADS FOR SUCH A GREAT BRITISH SHOW, AND REST PEACEFULLY LADS, YOUR FOREVER MISSED. WILL AND ELAINA.
Learn the difference between your and you're. It'll prevent you looking a thick twat in future.
Nearly forty years old and still fresh as a daisy. Genius
43 years old, I think.
September 1974 was the first episode of porridge
Looks like he's ripping into a 440ml beer!??
@@andrewhyde3146Which makes me four! I spent my formative years during that decade, and am now 54.
'September 11th, that Fateful day.'
Yeah. Life mimics Art.
Fletch and Godber RIP. You did good lads, you did real good.
couldn't have said it better myself lad and *does anyone know of a working sky recharger for nowtv passes?* tired of using youtube as my main source of entertainment
jacob try freego sky recharger, best one for movie, tv and sports passes mate been using it months now and it ent cost me a penny
Modest Adventurers pp
@@jacob-nh7fv godber not dead
@@barrymcguire7124 Godber aka Richard Beckinsale died in 1979 age 31 of a heart attack (his daughter is Underworld and Van Helsing star Kate Beckinsale)
I feel so relaxed and laid back when watching this and porridge. I find it really comforting. Brilliant
agree
Agree ......It's great to chill out to on a Sunday afternoon
Porridge is my all time favorite British comedy.
Pure genius writing and dialogue. ❤
Fletcher looking at his diary:
"No entry after September 11th - that fateful day."
How bizarrely prescient!
Norman 'Nostradamus' Fletcher...
I thought that too, and then the "cost of living" statement too.
@@koen8185 very good :)
Not bizarre at all. Mere coincidence, made more trivial if you happen to look up what has happened on that day throughout history. The same day as when William Wallace lead the Scots to victory against the English, for example. Twice as many deaths as the event to which you refer. Or, how about 9AD when Germanic Barbarians ambushed and crushed the Romans causing as many as 20,000 losses by destroying three entire legions, six auxiliary cohorts and three cavalry squadrons. Two amongst dozens of events that have happened on that day.
356 to 1 odds of something happening are not all that long in the general scheme of things.
Every generation has suffered cost of living... And as for the September 11th comment , it was his date of imprisonments.... No tinfoil hate or conspiracy@@IanGammer-vj9cb
Ronnie is a true comic genius and a brilliant writer. RIP Gerald Wiley
I loved that in this episode Mackay and fletch parted ways with a hand shake and respect for each other
Thing is, even in Porridge I think they had respect for each other, or, at least, they understood each other.
Yep. Beautiful ending to a long antagonism.
It would not surprise me at all if a senior prison officer were to shake the hand of a departing prisoner and wish him luck. I’m sure it’s not commonplace, but even within that environment there has to be a degree of mutual respect by a percentage of prisoners and prison staff even if that percentage may be small. What Fletch said about there being relatively few prisoners aged over 35 was certainly true in those days, with the exception of long term prisoners sentenced when younger and still In prison, the likelihood of ending up in prison fell dramatically with age, the vast majority of all crime being committed by 15-26 year old men. Many criminals, even repeat offenders, do actually grow out of it and literally go straight.. however, and this is very important, in the 60s and 70s ex-prisoners could turn over a new leaf and find employment much easier than today because jobs were not vetted for criminal records as they are today. In real life a prisoner who served as long as fletch even in the 60s would still have his convictions held against him when applying for many jobs, as his record would remain until he reaches 99 years old even if his last sentence began in 1974.
U all now its not real its called TV acting lol
@@BillCompo He was going straight ...remember...as an arrow apparently.
I remember this at the time. In most respects, stood the test of time. ❤
The old comedies are always more fun than the modern ones.
A lot of lines and comments would be now forbidden . Alf Garnett ?
We don't live in a world which would accept this kind of writing anymore. It's now as watered down as a Witherspoons Pint
Nothing wrong with this kind of comedy, it's just the world went out and got WOKE ! Such a shame 😞
@@unclefranko2452 since it became apparently important to be offended, everything went to shit
Fletcher and Mackay actually did like each other, and although they were from opposite worlds, they had a mutual respect,
It was a lovely touch and the only way to say goodbye to Porridge and hello to Going Straight ,
And the brilliant writing reversed roles for Fletcher and Mackay -
And Gobder and Fletcher .
Just watching this happen on the train was an evolution of fantastic writing and a wonderful conclusion.
Words are hard to find and harder to justify.
Is often the case in real life a lot of criminals have more morals than most give them credit for
@@SimonHarvey-i4z completely agree with that
There's an honesty about certain criminal elements
Much of the character's respect for each other came from the episode where Mackay was replaced by a sadistic senior prison guard. When Mackay returned, Fletch led a tribute to Mackay by singing ''For he's a jolly good fellow''. Mackay was hard, by the books..but never cruel.
@philcollinson328 he also understood the equilibrium if the line too
He was tolerant to an extent
Nah.. He didn't like him.
26p a pint of beer, retirement at 55. A lot can happen in forty years. I last brought a pint some years ago and it was over £5 then, I can't imagine how much it is now. As for retirement at 55, my dear old mother is 68 and still has to work every day with no hope of ever actually retiring.
Cost me mate £5.30 for a pint on Tuesday. I was on a dry.
That's London prices.... I still get pints for £3 maximum.
And no final salary pension
@@taffytop what
I paid £7.50 for a pint at the Oval cricket ground a couple of years back. Didn't even enjoy it, although the taste was probably soured by how much lighter my wallet was.
poor Richard Beckinsdale he left us too young
Poor Richard Beckinsale having his name misspelt!
@@SpeccyMan that aside he was incredibly unlucky to drop dead from a heart attack at the age of 33 with almost no warning.
He was 31 Marvin.
@@Marvin-dg8vj its a common occurance these days.... 💉
@@peterfitzpatrick7032 one in ten thousand
Watched this with me dad in the 70s and 80s,wish he was here,now I'm 54 and CA see how time and memories work.
It started and ended in 1978.
@@Sundae_Times thanks that's sad because I thought if would have legs to on like porridge would, certainly shows its time with prices and the shocking 1970s in the u.k
Comedy doesn't get much better than this!
even after all these years and hundreds of re watching still adore it
A brilliant two hander, seemless acting and a perfect script. One of the best ever
Exactly what I was thinking, classic two hander.
The stoicism of being British summed up to perfection with the buffet car scene.
Always having an answer for what lies ahead; Fletch & Mackay, all our yesterdays. Golden times.
Don't worry. With high inflation and rising energy costs, those happy days will be here again.
They made sandwiches for you no packet ones you get now 🚜🚜🔵⚪️⚫️
Stoicism? Ha, no one panics and goes to pieces in a mild crisis like a Brit.
@janeybundybird I think he's talking primarily about the 70s British attitude. But yeah it's certainly changed for the worse
And a can of beer 16 pence !!!!😊
40+ years later and I'd like a Pound for every time I've watched one of (sadly) only a handful of series starring Ronnie Barker.
Of course he was not alone but the best shows.
Thank you for oh so many outstanding comical moments! :0)
Love this T.V series proper old school really appreciate the people who put all these old fashioned T.V series on TH-cam for everyone to watch thank you very much from Mr Ben Golby
Brilliant episode and great acting, genuine shame only six were made.
RIP those from this series who have passed away, they don't make quality television like this too often nowadays.
Agree the old comedy shows are still funny. But your right they would not get made nowadays.
Shame this series was never as good as Porridge
@@CricketEnglandoaksey was in porridge film....
Yep. Ronnie was genuinely gutted at the low number of viewers. He put alot of heart into it
Love this episode, how these two acted together was brilliant.
Fulton absolutely deserves his flowers. I remember when i was around 10, id often hear my Mum and Dad talk about Him. His 'drunken' acting is also pristine. Rest easy
Anyone else notice at the beginning when he is leaving the prison he says, "September 11th, that fateful day"...
I was thinking the same thing
Ah you’re one of those numerology weirdos
@@NoContextRDHIt was a reference to the disaster, you impudent cur.
Fulton Mackay was such a brilliant convincing drunk I did wonder whether he was really drinking mini' Johnnie Walkers....class!!
I’ve seen this episode many times because when Fletcher speaks of “ loyalty “ to the establishment it is still today so painfully true
Ronnie wrote material for others too, even under a pseudonym.
He was an acting and writing genius!
RIP a true funny man.
I remember people going on and on about Morecambe and Wise and endless tributes to Les Dawson after he died. Yes they were great but Ronnie Barker was always my comedy hero. And I much preferred The Two Ronnies to Cannon and Ball, Morecambe and Wise, Little and Large and all the others.
This wasn't written by Ronnie Barker.
@@SpeccyMan I didn't say it was, just stating that Ronnie wrote 'other' stuff using another name.
@Geoff.
Yes. For himself and Ronnie Corbett. Not for others.
Gerald Wiley
Two absolute greats of British comedy, both very fine actors whether in comedies or not!
Absolutely magic. Wonderful writing, terrific comic acting. Fultons portrayal of ex sergeant major,hilarious!
I always loved the relationship between Fletch and Mr McKay in Porridge. This first episode of Going Straight is I’m my top 3 episodes across both series’.
‘No no you mustn’t point your little miniature at me now’
Ronnie Barker was the king of British sitcoms.
Pretty good at sketch comedy too. Plus he wrote a large chunk of material as Gerald Wylie.
Taught David Jason all he knows...
Another king of Comedy..
Yeah, I never felt Ronnie got the credit he deserved. I cannot think of anything he was in that wasn't good.
Nurse Gladys Emmanuel 😊
I remember being about ten years old and being almost unable to wait for this to come on TV after Porridge and watching it with my Dad. I recall being horrified that it wasn’t really Porridge. Thankfully all these years later YT has allowed me the privilege of appreciating what a superb performance this was by Barker and McKay. What is produced today can’t hold a candle to the comedy of the late 70s early 80s when we all had a sense of humour about ourselves and one another and we didn’t get professionally offended at having the piss taken out of ourselves. This and Rising Damp superb work.
@@bolshevikproductions You must be his teacher.
Well said.
@@gaskellr44 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
That's true but I saw something recently, it was really lame and lacklustre 70s/80s style comedy the kind of mush we'd all forgotten about with dreadful punny jokes just flabby and stale. I couldn't place what it was... Then I found out it was the reboot of Open All Hours (or something like that)... That's the problem with all the forgettable stuff from that era. We really have forgotten about it. But the standout stuff was pure gold.
@@ZadenZane I definitely forget about specifics but I don’t think I can be that unusual in that i have a strong enough sense that most of the stuff broadcast was worthless.
Stands to reason when the stand outs can be listed in a top twenty but there was decades of content.
One of the best series ever . Vastly underrated and overshadowed by the genius of porridge
Agree. Far and away the most under-rated sitcom of the 20th century in the UK. Far from being a 'Porridge spin-off', this is a great, great show. This episode, of course, has great two-hander scenes for Barker and McKay, two brilliant comic actors at the top of their game. Plus, always a joy to see the great Milton Johns, a stalwart of BBC comedy/drama.
@@peterowen9183 absolutely.
The scene in episode one on the train where flectcher says there is no great organisation when you retire is genius . Puts them both on a level playing field . Very humbling .
McKay drunk on the train was class acting. Love this episode it even mentions my favourite ever horse Red Rum.
He really gave Fletch a hard time in the pilot, now he is getting pissed with him on the way home, how funny is that
My favorite horse ever was Laughing Boy|!
And Red Rum from the Shining
My father's immortal words of advice: "It'll never win a third time; pick a different one." Oh, well!
I saw him in the street once, in Ayr. I suppose they were taking him down to the beach or something for exercise before a meet. Unmistakable and a very handsome animal.
@@nagoranerides3150 How baseless people are to whip a horse to near death for a punt. How would you like it if I did that to you!
Ronnie Barker a true comedy legend. RIP. Spoilt for choice, porridge? Open all hours? All gold.
Always porridge 👍
This wasn't gold at all. This was an ok comedy, nothing like Open All Hours and Porridge.
Although Going Straight was good, I feel that this episode was the only one which retained the magic of Porridge. The last scene between Mackay and Fletcher is a real lump in the throat moment.
I think it transitioned into it's own thing quite well. It's just unfortunate that Beckinsale passed away when he did. Going Straight was a roaring success, but they (quite commendably) didn't want to go on without him.
Exactly, if you look at the ratings, it was a perfect success, but it getting cut short due to Beckinsale's death is what makes people mistake it for failing.
Going Straight was reasonable. But I think Barker himself said that people preferred Fletcher as the big fish in a small pond, a bit of a winner in prison. In this show he was a little bit of a loser.
I think it was a mistake to not introduce any of the new supporting cast in episode 1.
I love that Mr Mackay made one last appearance. He and Fletcher put aside their animosity, had a drink and shook hands and went their separate ways.
@@Muesliman467 Spot on. Fletcher was at his best winning little victories against the system. He didn't really thrive on the outside - which, when you think about it shows the extraordinary quality of the characterization. That is the reason why he kept getting caught and sent to prison in the first place - it was the only place where he could really be a success in his life.
The mutual respect between the both of them is just wonderful writing here even though both couldn't be more different & the final handshake says it all.....
Drunk Mackay is hilarious haha he was a fantastic actor, shame this spin off only lasted 6 episodes it was pretty decent.
It was watching this that I really appreciated how good he was as n actor.
poor richard beckinsale died before anything could be sorted regarding 2nd series
@Qasim Hussain It had very good viewing numbers and won a BAFTA, I think it definitely would have come back.
Fantastic actor and playwright. Talented man.
Honestly, I think it ended perfectly, a second series would have perhaps ruined it. Fletcher HAD to really go through the trials and tribulations of living an honest life from scratch, without cheating his way, and the reflection of prison life from within the pet shop reminded him in the end that it always ends the same way and that he really had to commit this time.
I remember watching Porridge as a kid in the late 70's, but not Going Straight. The 2nd half of this episode when it's almost all Fletcher and MacKay is just amazing ..
My parents used to watch porridge but this series I've never seen nor heard of. Really enjoyed it.
The portrayal of Fletcher by Ronnie Barker is a superb performance.
A extremely talented man.💕🇬🇧
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David Jason and Ronnie Barker taught each other so much 💜❤️💜
Fulton McKay and Ronnie Barker play the slightly oiled part brilliantly
Superb follow to Porridge. Rarely can a follow up series produce the same, as said RIP lads.
Porridge and Rising Damp. Both starred 2 comedy greats ❤
Fletch and Mr Mackay parting with a handshake. Brilliant.
Ronnie Barker's timing on the Sun joke - perfect!
This is a totally fantastic episode!!!!! What a programme!!!
Why have I never heard of or seen this programme before? Thanks for the share.
Ronnie Barker was a very underrated actor, fletch and Arkwright, what a talent! R.I.P
Porridge was an absolute gem ,have the box set never get tired of watching it .
Under rated ??? By who, hes considered by nearly everyone that he is the finest comedy actor the UK has ever produced
11 bafta nominations, 4 awards, two lifetime achievement awards, and an OBE.
you must know he wasn't underrated at all
Another MORON, who thinks it's cool to say "so and so (insert name of extremely famous and talented musician /actor etc) is underrated.
Ronnie Barker is not in anyway underrated, he's considered one of the greatest comedy actors of all time. David Jason called him the guvenor. Not at all underrated
This was a great series and follow up to Porridge. I wish it had ran more than six episodes. Ronnie Barker was pure genius 👍
Sadly it never took off, mainly because while in prison Fletch was the wise one, helping out his mates, and keeping order, once he was released he was the one needing help from others, and so the whole dynamic changed, and it wasn't the same. I think it was also sad that his wife had left him in series, whereas when he was inside, she was totally devoted to him.
@@ashleyp.4932 Although it probably lost a little something from being cast in the shadow of the excellent Porridge series, Going Straight did pick up a couple of awards and there were plans to make a new series, but the tragic death of Richard Beckinsale effectively ended those plans once and for all. Looking back at it now, it was a very good series and certainly better than a lot of other comedy series that were on televions at that time in 1978-79.
Ronnie Barker wisely recognized that without Godber.. Fletcher would be without context. Wise wonderful man.
May both their lovely souls rest in peace.
I regard it as the 4th series of Porridge rather than a less successful spinoff.
@@craiglancastermarr4016 That’s a great way of looking at it. It’s so sad that Richard Beckensale (spelling might be incorrect there) passed away so young as he was also great on ‘Rising Damp”.
After watching Porridge for 'Donkeys' just noticed the sign Slade Prison at the beginning is obviously a cheap banner rather than a proper entrance sign on the prison facade which was in Ireland somewhere.
The script and humour-timing is so excellent this episode works well as radio/audio as well as video. The Lord bless and keep your families Barker and McKay. Great talents made available for our entertainment. Thanks! And thanks for the uploading!
We're you indoctrinated as a nipper. 🤔
Omg. A young Arkwright, I can't believe I've never seen these before. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏👏👏👏👏
You say "young", but the first series of Open All Hours was before this!
Fulton McKay was brilliant in this episode 😊😅😂
I think if they did a second series it would have been very similar to what would later become only fools and horses. With Fletcher being a proto Del Boy wheeling and dealing and having brushes with the law. Perhaps in hindsight its a good thing because the two shows would have been in competition with only fools starting just a few years after this
Absolute magic. Ronnie Barker bless u for breathing. Fank u for the laughs. Xx
"No entry after September the 11th, that fateful day". How those words have a very different meaning today.
The world is a stage
I always loved Mr Mackay!
Mackay's character in Porridge and this is one of those strict but intrinsically honourable people. Such people are often far preferable to those who seek to be nice to your face but would knife you in the back without hesitation . When asked by the man on the buffet counter (who unknown to Mackay knows Fletch is just out of prison) if he knew Fletch he choses not to say it was as Officer and Inmate, but merely that they were from the same establishment.
Great stuff. Haven't seen this for 40 years since it was first broadcast. A pity one of the digital TV stations doesn't show it . They're always showing Porridge after all. Can't believe only 11000 views of this.
I loved Porridge, but when this was released it’s seemed a bit lame compared to Porridge and I never watched it at the time.. love in now though.
1.2 million views now
Mackay can't half knock em back 😅. The guy in the red coat is the getaway driver from the porridge movie! 😊
You've gotta love the golden oldies!!!
Great stuff, I like how the barman keeps serving them with no mention of money!
yet clearly implies he was edgy about Fletch being an ex con & said he would collect the money when they had finished (and duly asked for them to settle up at the end!!)
Having a drink with Mackay on the train just after being released was such a good scene lol
Tour de force acting - as Fletch and McKay gently deteriorate under the influence. The power of great comedy to raise profound questions and provoke deep emotion.
This was pretty good, after finishing the original, I am enjoying seeing Fletch on the outside.
2:14 no entry after September 11th that fateful day.. eerie stuff lol
What a duo, the best.
Would have been a belter to see Fletchers face if Mackay got a job as his parole officer.
😂😂
Now I want to see that...Damn.
I never even knew there was a sequel. How did that pass me by? Pretty decent to.
i never saw this on Tv at all, it was only by chance i came a cross it. I don't think it was as strong as porridge, but i know it was planned for a second series, with Richard dying just after the porridge film was competed, it was dropped.
What a great first episode. So well written.
His acting as a drunk was on point .
on pint :)
Watching in 2021.... brilliant series. Ronnie Barker was an absolutely amazing actor ❤️❤️❤️❤️
This man is the best actor in comedy in Europe ever
@Qasim Hussain Comic actors not comedians. . .
@Qasim Hussain Comic actors . . .
@Qasim Hussain Ronnie Barker was a better actor than David Jason is...
@Qasim Hussain sir David is my fav of the two but Ronnie was a better comic actor than David, but David is a better actor overall because David went into serious acting, whereas Ronnie was purely comedy. But both are the two greatest British comedy legends
You can’t blame them for not wanting to continue after Richard passed. I wish La Frenais and Clement kept that thought on Auf Wiedersehen Pet after Gary Holton died. I liked this, but Fletch was truly at his best in prison, and it isn’t fair to compare this to Porridge coz of the circumstances surrounding it.
The conversation between Fletch and Mackay was almost therapeutic. This was the hardest goodbye of all for both men. They were like Batman and Robin, they needed each other though they would never admit it. Fletch needed his “little victories” over Mr Mackay to get through his sentence, he couldn’t have had them over any other screw, it had to be Mr Mackay, and Mr Mackay needed Fletch for pretty much the same reason, he needed someone to make his days more interesting, and he enjoyed his head to heads with Fletch, he would’ve been extremely bored otherwise.
Their goodbye was perfect. Shake of the hand and both gone their separate ways. There was always a respect between them both albeit begrudgingly.
When you see the pilot of porridge, and then you watch this, you really see how much respect, that grew over the years between them. Just a shame Mr Barrowclough never made an appearance in wishing him off, before fletcher went out.
@@procta2343 Brian Wilde would have been to busy filming LOSTW up in Yorkshire when this was made.
I think you mean Batman and the Joker but I totally agree
His last diary entry on Sept 11th was like Neo's passport expiration date in The Matrix.
A very good TV series old fashioned just like my generation I love ❤️ all of Ronnie Barker's TV comedy series he has made absolutely brilliant and entertaining 👌 👍
My favourite episode for obvious reasons. To be fair the spin off has grown on me over the years. Especially the hotel episode with the jewellery con, that's a classic that could have lifted straight from porridge
Yes indeed, the hotel episode with the great Nigel Hawthorn as Worm Wellings. Fletch thinking that Wellings is in league with the old lady with the supposedly expensive necklace as part of an insurance con when he steals it. Only to find out that it’s not actually worth anything
RIP you two Legends
First time I ever saw this show (I have never watched Porridge either).
I did not expect much - other than good acting.
I was VERY surprised.
This was rather funny and very entertaining.
With a nice ending.
Thank you for posting this.
☮
I've stayed in that hotel in London, which is still called the Dolphin.
Fantastic double act. Fulton Mackay was a great drunk !
We need more TV like this it ain't the same these days
You know...
I've never seen this before now.
I'll have to add that to my list.
Porridge was one of the greats, as was Open all Hours.
Just watched all of them. Great British classics 💯🇯🇲🇬🇧👍
Fulton McKay is excellent at playing drunk
David Parsons What will you do man, what will you do?
Reminded me of my dear old Dad - he was from Edinburgh and he used to deport himself like Fulton McKay in this role... he was with the Royal Artillery in Korea...
Fulton Mckay, great actor.
He's a Scotsman, that's his natural voice! It's the rest of time he was playing sober! :D
Fulton appeared in an episode of "Z Cars" called "Breakage" as an oddball drifter. A funny, poignant performance far removed from the martinet he played in "Porridge".
Such a talanted group of actors.
This is such a fantastic idea for a show, but I can totally see why it didn't work at the time. I can guarantee that it would do better if it came out now.
I mean, jokes about the lack of privacy and warmth, and the cost of living. Very timely!
It did do well but Richard Died didn't he.
It did work, but sadly one of the key actors Richard Beckinsale passed away.
I'm thinking, he's probably with them, in spirit 🗽
Incredible 1st episode of this series...so much crammed into it this should have been feature length ....and maybe....fletch and mcay should have been inadvertent neighbours getting in to scraps with godber etc .....best episode of all time this that brings a tear to the eye .... great cast and dialogue
fletch wiped the handles but forgot the candlestick lol, but great episode miss them both hard to believe they are not here anymore, being old and watching it all happen in time makes it a lot harder to believe.
I love that Fletcher was like I'm not talking about black ..I'm talking about Scotch 😂😂😂😂
The studio audience reaction to seeing Mr Mackay at 9:16 was just great. They were not expecting him to appear.
⁸3⁵⁵⁵⁵
There was no audience, it's canned laughter.
@@interabang Wrong, it was recorded at BBC Television Centre in London. Canned laughter was not universally used by British broadcasters back in the 70s. Also, I would like to know your evidence
@@johnking5174 "In the UK all of the BBC’s comedies, such as Are You Being Served?, had laugh tracks " That's from a BBC web page.
You can tell it's not natural laughter anyway just by listening to it.
@@interabang Sorry to say you are wrong. I know for a fact that Going Straight for recorded in Studio TC8 at BBC Television Centre in London in front of a studio audience of 250 people. Production of sitcoms back in the 60s, 70s and 80s were all recorded with a live studio audience. I remember Steve Coogan who played Alan Partridge had an argument with a fan who didn't believe that they filmed I'm Alan Partridge in a studio with an audience, and he had to explain to them that they did. They used Studio TC1, and used an "in the round set" with the audience sitting mostly outside of the main set. Now I do know a lot of Television Centre, I know that place well, and I have done my research, so sorry, it was recorded with an audience. Please can you send me the BBC link, as I want to report that link to the BBC as being a false statement. Thank you.
Richard Beckinsale was Great in that Series ! Along with All the Great Cast .
Kit was So sad when he Passed !
15:48 Ahead of its time, never a truer word spoken. You leave the service whether its police, fire or soldier, and then you realise you were just a number. Within years those association reunion letters stop, best mates become distant friends, and in my case, the regiment has no interest in veterans or veteran issues.
Same working for a corporation
That is what I have finally learned at the age of 48.
A lot of times in my life I have been sucked into some system or other just to make up the numbers and chewed up and then spat back out on the street homeless again.
Was thinking of helping out in Ukraine, have no Military experience, just boxing, football and construction but have realised that I owe these people nothing.
Sympathies for your situation sir.