Steptoe and Son: A Series Review

Steptoe and Son

Writers: Ray Galton and Alan Simpson

Stars: Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H. Corbett

Length: Series 1 – 8 (1962-1974)

Some of you may of heard of this sitcom about the rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and his son Harold Steptoe who resided at Mews Cottage, Oil Drum Lane in Shepard's Bush, London. I've decided to write a review of the series as a whole as the series has had a compelling effect on me. It's so much more than a sitcom, it has pathos and a tragic element to it and tackles issues that still remain today like sex, class, politics, poverty, war, masculinity, family, aspirations etc. Over the years the humour became more broad but it remained the same at heart and in my opinion there's only a few weak episodes in the 58 that were made. It was certainly ahead of it's time.
 

I'm very happy that it became a full length series after the pilot “The Offer” that was a Galton and Simpson one off production for their comedy playhouse series. As it's given me hours or laughter and sheer joy and at times it's made me cry. 

I absolutely adore this series and has made me see some sitcoms in a much different light.

It would be far too long for me to write about every series and episode so i've decided to condense it into one review discussing the absolutely outstanding acting by Brambell and Corbett and some selected actors that you may one to look out for and highlighting some of the best episodes of the series and finally the themes to the sitcom. Enjoy.

Harry H. Corbett plays Harold Steptoe a man who's gullible, cultured, good hearted, a socialist, intelligent, political, a dreamer and a man who blames his father for holding him back all these years. Never letting him go and living his own life when in fact he himself is partially to blame. This does not make him a complete fool mind you as he means well but is held back by his own shortcomings, misunderstandings and some times his father's schemes. 
 

The root of Harold's tragedy comes from his childhood when his mother died when he was younger and his father took him out of school at the age of 12 and never sent him to another school but put him on the horse and cart and put him to work. He only got away from his father when he fought in the second world war and was put on the cart again. There's other things of which I don't want to spoil for you.

He's always trying to better himself be it to impress a woman or open doors socially to give him a better social standing. With him it's about what others think about him. Harold hates being a rag and bone man because of the way people look down on him and how women react to hearing he's profession they instantly think the worst of him and Harold does his best to correct it.

Despite having to leave school early he has bettered himself with learning about artistic periods from across the globe, a love of classical music, a fine taste of wine and food and a love of theatre and literature. He also speaks a little latin and French. 
 

Women are a big part of Harold, he is always after them though it's not so prominent in some episodes. He has no problem at all with attracting their attention. The problem is when he takes them home and they meet his father. When he gets turned down by a women he sometimes goes into fits of anger and frustration which is made light of when in fact you should not be laughing at all. This is where the them of masculinity comes into play as Harold sees having a woman on his arm will make him a man and to stop his father treating him like a child. 

Harold does not like how Albert views women, in he's rather disgusted by it. In the later series he becomes much more sexually expressive.

Harold is a fiercely passionate Labour supporter throughout the whole series as he see's there ideals match his own. He see's himself a socialist and strives for equality for all. He is also very liberal in his views for the period that it was made. He wants to distance himself from the common people as he finds he cannot have intellectual conversations with them and they are tasteless. He also takes swipes at the upperclass too which does not happen often though are brilliant. I wonder what he would of made of If... ?.

Harold is always having blazing rows with his father as they have very different view points of which I don't want to spoil for you in case you have not seen a episode. They are brilliant scenes. You can clearly see that Albert really does get on his nerves and never ceases to cause him frustration. He also see's his father holding him back with emotional blackmail of which i'll go into later. This causes Harold to contemplate snuffing out his old man which is made light of too but makes some really great scenes in the series i'll just mention the shower and that would be it !.

He's also a rather depressed too as he contemplates ending his own life to end the drudgery and the misery of his surroundings it's very dark but really rather funny.

What really impresses me about Harold is his vast knowledge on antiques of which he's often seen to be better at than his father which is one of his small little victories against him. At some points in the series he gets little victories against his father which cause no end of amusement for me personally. There's time when he outsmarts his father too.

He has a strong love hate relationship with his father, most of the time it's hate. Though they do have their moments. Also what I love about Harold his how he fiercely defends his father whenever he thinks his father is in trouble he rushes to his aid. He also defends his mother's honour very strongly and mostly from Albert. He does not like anyone picking on or taking an advantage of his old man aside himself of course. Deep down he does not want to upset his father as he feels he has a duty to look after him as he's all Albert has and this is a part of his shortcomings but makes some of the greatest moments in the series.

He is a very tragic character and Corbett really does bring him to life. He plays him with absolute sincerity, honesty, sadness & heart. I really love his performance in this I was hooked from the get go on him. I really love those moments when he does not speak and the expressions on his face say everything. One moment in particular in the episode titled “The Holiday” he's on the round and passes a series of advertisements for holidays abroad and there's very attractive woman on them and the smile on his face says everything and to top it off he takes of his cap too. 
 

He expresses so much emotion throughout the series it's incredible to say the least and it's beautiful to watch no matter how brief it was especially in “Porn Yesterday” the look of horror on his face is brilliant and the only time he shows it. I know that some people can find Harold's voice grating and annoying though I personally have no problem with it. I can honestly say it's one of the greatest performances I have seen in a sitcom that can only be matched by a small handful of actors. He is fantastic in all episodes. He's absolutely nothing like the character he portrays on screen. It's a shame that Corbett was not well known for his acting talent as this really showcases his best.

Wilfrid Brambell plays Albert Steptoe, Harold's Father. A bigoted, selfish, ignorant, very intelligent and cunning, xenophobic,worldly, realist dirty old man who surprisingly has a lot more to him than meets the eye. I must say at first in the series I depicted him as a villain character but I quickly changed my mind as I began to love his character and could sympathise with him.

Albert will never ever let his son go, he uses any means necessary to make him stay and in most cases uses emotional blackmail which at times is completely genuine though you would need a good eye to tell. He see's the women that Harold brings home as a threat to his comfortable lifestyle and does his best to turn them off Harold. Often with some hilarious results. He's the great saboteur. 
 

His son has a habit of calling him “The Dirty Old Man” as he never washes and if he does he rarely washes his neck and covers it with his muffler much to Harold's chagrin. He's always trying to save money by any means and he's a bit of a cheapskate in that he takes clothes off the round and does not buy any and watch out for his glasses case and making a steak and kidney pie, and many other instances where he lives up to his name sake !. Most of the time he dresses very shabbily though with some air of sophistication with a pocket watch and waistcoat. He rarely dresses nice and it's only to make a good impression on those who seem fit to and when he does he cleans up very well and unrecognisable. It's like he's a different man completely.

It's not only Harold's chances with women that he ruins but his social aspirations too. Whenever Harold tries to better himself he's guaranteed to a throw a spanner in the works or join in to ruin Harold's chances which makes some of the most finest moments in the series of which I won't get into.

What also get's on Harold's nerves is that his father supports the Conservative Party. Which Harold feels as a betrayal to their class. Like Harold he's passionate about politics too. The reason that I think he supports them is because to get on Harold's nerves. I must admit they have some great political discussions in the series.

Albert is quite backwards in his views compared to Harold most notably his view on foreigners which I finds wears off as the series goes on. One interesting view is his view on families and the expectancy of the children looking after there parents in there old age where as Harold believes he should strike out on his own and leave his father and put him in a home. This of which really frightens Albert he hates the idea of being put in a home as he knows he would die there and would rather look after himself and die at home.

Even though Albert appears to be an old man, he's really not he's a very sprightly and active man and keeps himself busy while Harold's on the round most of which is not work related !. He is full of surprises. That is what surprised me quite a lot of what he gets up to when his son is not around it's quite remarkable really. There's parts of Albert's past that get slowly eked out in the series which are marvellous and make some of the most touching elements of the series as we learn that Albert was not always like how he is. It's rather tragic really.

Another thing I really like about Albert is his double standards view point on women and sex. He disapproves of Harold's desires often calling him “you dirty little bleeder”. Whilst telling Harold of his sexual exploits of which he's really proud of and leaves Harold feeling in mixed revel and disgust. Also Albert would like to move on from his dead wife and marry again as numerous times throughout the series. Much like his father Harold tries to ruin his chances with prospective women, it's a great role reversal and in one episode it's particularly sharp.

He is a rather rude and vulgar and sometimes lecherous man who uses a lot of blunt language and is not afraid to speak his mind. Unlike Harold who is far more polite. Though he does have his moments.

Also Albert loves going to Bognor Regis, they go there every year for there annual holiday. No where else just Bognor and it shows that Albert is low class down to earth individual who's happy where he is unlike Harold who's trying to get his dad to go on a much classier holiday. They have very different tastes too which makes great viewing. 
 

Unlike his son Albert is a realist, he see's things for what they really are and know's when his son is taken for a fool and means well by showing him the error of his ways. They always make great touching scenes. He is also very protective of Harold in some of the episodes and I absolutely love those moments and most of them draw down to social prejudices which really hit home. They may not seem to like each other but when they defend each other it really does show how much they care.

He's really a cunning man and know's exactly what he's doing and pretends he does not when Harold catches him out sometimes. It's not done out of cruelty (though at one time it really is and is the most cruellest thing he ever did). He does it for their benefit which really does bring them together and ends some of the episodes on a high. 
 

He's also a brilliant faker too, so much so you don't know when he's being genuine or not. Though at times it does show when it's genuine especially when he reads his birthday cards in “65 Today”. When he does fake it though Harold falls hook line and sinker. I really have to say his fake death faces look really genuine. Another thing he likes to play on is having a heart attack all of which are fake of course it's like a running joke but it's great when it happens.

I have to say it Brambell is a even more marvellous actor than Corbett. It's an absolute joy to watch him on screen for every single moment just like Corbett. He was forty-nine when he first played Albert as he looks much older than he actually was and when you watch interviews with Corbett he's the complete opposite of Albert he dresses really smart and has a very good high class voice. He once was too smartly dressed to be let in to a BBC Party !. He has a fantastic face for facial expressions I have never seen one better. A single look on his face says everything especially when he's sad he looks very gaunt and full of sorrow. I also love the 'proud facial expressions too.

I really love the voice he puts on for Albert it's a fantastic voice he expresses so much with his voice too with using different tones. I love the pity me voice. In some episodes he actually plays himself and they are great to watch. He changes them very quickly showing the ever changing emotions of Albert. I also love the really extreme face he pulls when Harold is angry with him and gets hold of him they are fantastic or when he realises he's done something wrong and widely opens an eye and half closes the other one, it's priceless. He would not look out of place of a Charles Dickens production.

His character was so full of life and expression. He brings great warmth to Albert Steptoe no one could of played him better and I am pleased he stayed on he is brilliant in every single episode.

Now that I have discussed both actors without giving any surprises away I want to dispel the common well known lie that Harry H.Corbett and Wilfrid Brambell absolutely hated each other. It's not true in the slightest. Galton and Simpson have said it when the Curse of Steptoe drama aired some years ago and Corbett's relatives have too. It would be very clear if they didn't get along and there would not be eight series if that was the case. They may have had different views and lifestyles but they got along very well it's very clear and evident to see especially in there 1963 Variety Awards Ceremony and in the episodes.

I really have to say there was some great supporting actors within the series. Here are my favourites. Throughout the series you may see faces popping up again as different characters.

Frank Thornton is one actor who's appeared in more episodes than any other that has appeared in the series. Five times in fact. Most notably the Barman who appeared in “65 Today” and reappeared in “Steptoe A La Cart”. He and Harold have a great albeit short argument about politics when Harold recognises him.

Dudley Foster appeared in four episodes and was brilliant in all of them. He has a very distinctive high class voice. I most remember him as Mr Stonelake in “My Old Man's a Tory”. It's very sad that he committed suicide at the age of 48.

Valerie Bell played Dolly Miller of whom Albert had said that she's always fancied Harold and she finally appears in the episode “Any Old Iron ?”. Also she played Roxanne in “The Bird” Harold's failed date.

Yootha Joyce plays Delilah and Avis two women whom Harold tries to seduce and almost does in “A Box In Town” she's fantastic in that one especially in the opening scene. You may recognise her from George and Mildred.

George A.Cooper played Uncle Arthur, Alberts brother his brilliant in his the brief scenes that he's in. You may recognise him as he was always on TV back in the day but not so much now. I would like to see him in more.

Mollie Sugden played Melanie's Mother in “And Afterwards at” she has one brilliant scene with Albert and Auntie Minnie in “Oh, What a Beautiful Mourning” she is fantastic in that too. You may recognise her from Are You Being Served ? and That's My Boy.

Speaking of Are You Being Served ?. Trevor Bannister appears in “A Star Is Born” as Rupert Ffaines -Muir a jittery nervous wreck of a man who's trying to put a theatre production together he is magnificent.

June Whitfield features in The Bond That Bind Us as Madge a young woman of whom Albert attracts. I'd never thought she would appear in this. Her character was about to be in her mid to late twenties when in actual fact she was about 39 !.

Patricia Haines appears in “Is That Your Horse Outside?” as Dorothia who takes a shine to Harold. She's brilliant in her role and she's very beautiful too. She steals all the scenes she's in. It's a pity that she died young at the age of 45 of Cancer. She also appeared in the cult classic british sci-fi movie Night Caller From Outer Space/Blood Beast From Outer Space. She also appeared in three classic episodes of The Avengers.

Margret Nolan plays Nemone Wagstaff in “A Star is Born” a amateur actress who stars across Harold in the play. She's had a really interesting career as she used to be a glamour model then a actress. She's been in some of the Carry On Films and featured in Goldfinger as Dink and as the woman covered in gold in the opening credits and interestingly starred in Witchfinder General & A Hard Day's Night which also starred Wilfred Brambell !.

Rita Webb plays Aunt Freda in “At Afterwards At” and Aunt Ada in “Oh, What a Beautiful Mourning”. I see them both as the same character as she's a great loudmouth battleaxe and steals the only two scenes she's in especially in “At Afterwards At” look out for her rant I was in fits of laughter. she was a great character actress and starred in many comedy series of the time.

A young Joanna Lumley who was only 26 at the time starred as Bunty, Harold's girlfriend in “Loathe Story” that he got on very well with until he introduced her to his father. I have to say I was really surprised to see her in this and she looked really stunning and instantly recognisable and the voice has not changed at all. I was mesmerised by her when she appeared. She's a great comedic actress.

Leonard Rossiter featured twice in the series in Series 3 in The Lead Man Cometh as Welsh Hughie who sells them some lead he was “given to by the church”. I didn't recognise him till my second viewing and stole the show in Series 7 as Johnny in “The Desperate Hours”. That small role secured him the part of Rigsby in Rising Damp which was originally a stage show and Wilfrid Brambell was up for the part. He has a great sense of humour also J.G Devlin is very good in his role too.

Now for the hard part my favourite episodes. In chronological order of airing.

The Offer- The one that started it all which set up the premise to one of the greatest sitcoms ever made. This episode is more of a drama than a comedy and there's some great laughs to be had. The ending is very upsetting well for me anyway with Harold breaking down. This could of easily been transferred to stage. It's beautiful. 
 

The Bird- This episode is fantastic and really gets to the root of Harold's frustration with women. I have to say this is the only episode that made me see Albert as a villain as he does the most dastardly evil thing to his son and causes him to throw a fit of anger and rage which is seen as funny but it's really not it's incredibly raw.

The Diploma – In one of many attempts of Harold to better himself takes up a course in TV repairing to become a TV Repair man. The one of many instances where he's upstaged by his father a cracking episode.

The Holiday- Ah the one that started the Bognor Regis/Abroad argument it's an absolutely fantastic episode and one where we really see the differences between the two. I really love the wordless opening of Harold admiring the holiday posters. The ending is absolutely fantastic as Albert uses every trick in the book.

Wallah, Wallah Catsmeat- Hercules is taken ill and Albert and Harold expect the worse is to come, they are near broke and struggle to survive until they both come up with a brilliant idea. It's one of the brighter ending episodes. I love Harold's speech about Britain's relationship with cups of tea it's very truthful what he says.

The Bath- This one has a great opening scene and this episode is golden. The saying “You Dirty Old Man!” is taken to another level in this episode and Harold's sarcasm is fantastic In this as it is throughout the series. Superb.

The Stepmother- Albert attempts to re-marry and Harold is having none of it. A great role reversal as to where Harold is trying to break up Albert's relationship. There's some very sharp lines in this which is really ahead of it's time.

Sixty-Five Today- It's Albert's 65^th Birthday and Harold wants to treat his old man to a night in the West End rather than the Skinners Arms. A episode of true class and taste divide. I really love the scene where Albert receives the present and card from his son. It really made me feel for Albert and Brambell gives a stellar performance in this. Also when they get up town it's amazing, the bar scene and the Chinese restaurant come to mind. I love it when Albert catches Harold trying to chat up a woman. The ending is rather sad mind.

A Musical Evening- Harold brings some records to the house, some of which are classical pieces and some of the pop music of the time which he disgust and his father loves. Hilarity ensues when they both try to irritate each other to turn off their music.

Full House- Harold has won a game of poker and he invites the friends he played with round for a game of Poker of which Albert thinks is a sin and believes that Harold had some “Beginners Luck” and was meant to win. Albert defends his son and wins back all the money despite never playing a game in 30 years.

Is That Your Horse Outside- Harold helps a attractive woman named Dorothia carry her things whilst asking her if she has any junk to sell him. But she's after something else and Harold is more than happy to help and believes it would lead him to break away from his father. But Albert's seen it all before. A brilliant and tragic episode with some great moments of laughter. Brambell steals this episode that face at the end says it all. 
 

Home Fit for Heroes- To go on a around the world trip Harold considers putting his father into a care home of which Albert completely detests and is scared of. When they get to the care home it starts really funny with Albert's reaction and how he plans to rebel but near the end it gets very sad and you really feel for Albert.
 

The Wooden Overcoats- Harold gets the clever idea of flogging coffins and has the idea of his father becoming a undertaker. A great gothic horror tinged episode. I loved every minute of it.

Steptoe a la Cart- After meeting and having communication problems with a attractive french maid. Harold attempts to learn French and brings her home to Albert. If I say anymore i'll spoil it, it's beautiful and Brambell steals it with the surprises of Albert.

Sunday for Seven Days- Ah the trip to the pictures. Harold wants to see Federico Fellini's 8 ½ whilst Albert wants to see Nudes of 64. An absolute side splitting episode and it had me in stitches throughout. I love how Harold defends his father in this one. To say anymore would spoil it. It's a masterpiece. Though I'll say it's very ahead of it's time.

The Bond That Binds Us- Albert wins £1000 on the horse races much to Harold's surprise he's disappointed that his father won't share it with him, then again he doubted it in the first place. Albert than brings Madge back to the house and Harold's determined to expose her true intentions. Another sad episode which has a bittersweet moment at the end. We see Brambell playing himself in this one.

And Afterwards At- Harold get's jilted at the alter, not to the surprise but the delight of Albert. Due to the embarrassment Harold decided to head home as he's very shocked, depressed, angry and full of mixed emotions. Eventually his family members come around to 'comfort' him. I love this episode as it really gets to the root of family. Rita Webb steals her scene with her 'tea towels' rant. Brambell and Corbett are phenomenal in this episode especially when Albert talks about marriage, the punch ups he and his wife had, hell and having a blazing argument with the mother in law priceless. Harold's outburst as the end is absolutely fantastic.

Crossed Swords- Harold finds a piece of porcelain off the round which he thinks will sell a lot of money at auction so he decided to take it to a dealership to see it's worth and the greed gets the better of him. A masterful episode.

Those Magnificent Men and Their Heating Machines- You can tell how this one will end from the start but the result is still very funny as Harold attempts to add central heating to the house. His handiwork is laughable but means well and the last 5 minutes are outstanding.

The Siege of Steptoe Street- Another dark episode where they have little money and the debts are mounting for the Steptoe's and the debt collectors come a knocking. This leaves Harold and Albert coming up with ideas to get them off there back and to hold out of them. It's a fantastic episode and this one gives Albert a sense of class with his eating habits which I found marvellous especially Harold's reaction to them. There's a great emotional scene towards the end where Harold comes rushing to his aid.

A Box in Town- Harold is finally able to move away from the house and 'get a box in town' a small apartment atop a some flats. Harold now able to bring women back to his place but his old man is more successful with the ladies than he is !. The only episode to feature a swear word. This one was very ahead in themes for it's time and it's a marvellous episode. One of the absolute best in the series.
 

My Old Man's a Tory- As Harold is a staunch labour supporter. He buys himself a Gannex Mac like Harold Wilson and put himself forward to be chosen as the ward's new Labour candidate and calls a party meeting to stake his claim. Watched on by Albert who's a Conservative supporter. This one is really about politics and social prejudice it's absolutely brilliant.

Pilgrims Progress- Albert decides he wants to revisit the battlefields of WWI go on a pilgrimage there. Harold thinks that they should go somewhere else abroad instead. Him being a war veteran himself fighting in WWII. Harold then changes his mind and decides to take his father. When they get on the plane this episode really does take off it's brilliant and Harold soon learns why he should never fly with his father again !. This episode's sole focus is war and it's brilliant to see it covered and learn of there experiences. 
 

A Death in The Family- Hercules dies of a heart attack when Harold's on he round and Albert blames Harold for killing him by racing him. Harold decides it's time to move on and get another horse but Albert is finding it very difficult to move on. This episode is very raw and very emotional as Harold struggles to tell his father about Hercules and Albert's reaction feels very truthful as he unearths his feelings towards the horse it's amazing to watch. There's some brilliant dark comedic moments.

A Winters Tale- Harold is looking to go on a skiing holiday despite the fact that he has has had no experience and his father yet again wants to go to Bognor. Despite knowing what will happen it's brilliantly executed. This episode features the brilliant shower scene.

Steptoe and Son – and Son!- A pregnant woman knocks at the Steptoe's door. Claiming that she's looking for Harold Steptoe is the father of the unborn baby much to Albert's shock and disbelief. Harold is excited at the idea of becoming a father and Albert grows to the idea of being a grandfather and is very excited at the prospect. This episode is very sad and I love Albert in this one as Albert does not say a single word when the truth comes out and tries to bury his true emotions.

The Colour Problem- Albert is sick and tired of the small black and white TV and Harold wants a car to attract women. The less I say the better the ending is outstanding.

Robbery with Violence- Albert accidentally knocks down Harold's cabinet which contains some of his prized porcelain. To save angering Harold and getting walloped by him he fakes that there's been a robbery. It's fantastic to watch events unfold in this one.

Come Dancing- Harold is feeling frustrated as his latest girlfriend is a dancer and he has two left feet. So Albert decides to help his son by teaching him to dance which does not end how he plans. Watch out for the scene where the milkman teaches Harold a dance step !. It's one of my favourites as Albert is genuinely trying to help him and Brambell is a fantastic dancer.

Two's Company- Albert has a girlfriend that he met at the Darby and Joan Club though she's no old dear she's an employee and is Harold's lost love Daphne Goodlace (Jean Kent) and Albert intends to marry her and when Daphne and Harold they find they still have feelings for each other. Which leaves Daphne with a very difficult choice to make. The last few minutes are fantastic as the camera does not focus on Harold and Albert when they are discussing what to do and instead focuses on Daphne. The piece of music that accompanies this scene adds an air of sadness to it and the ending is fantastic. A perfect example as to why Steptoe could be adapted to stage.

Tea for Two- Campaigning for the by-elections has started and Harold is still a Labour Supporter and Albert is true blue Tory. The two argue about there opposing political views which is amazing to watch and among the greatest discussions in the series. Ted Heath the Conservative leader at the time is on a 'Meet The People Tour' and Albert is thrilled at the news that Heath will be visiting him . It's not long after that Harold plans a nude protest with Dolly Clackett though not all goes according to plan, it's a fantastic political based episode. 
 

Without Prejudice- Albert and Harold decide to move from their home of squalor and disrepair into Suburbia and are met with social prejudice from the neighbours. A cracking episode about social prejudice. Watch out for the salesman he's brilliant. 
 

Cuckoo in The Nest- Albert's long lost son called Arthur arrives on Oil Drum Lane from Australia, Harold is surprised and shocked that he has an older brother and feels jealous that his father treats Arthur better. Which makes him move out. This one really highlights on poverty yet makes light of it.

A Star is Born- Harold has joined a theatre group and hopes to become an actor through the group feeling that is his true calling. Yet there's tension within in the theatre group and their leader Rupert Ffaines—Muir as well as the fact that his father joins in to and attempts to steal his thunder. The ending has moment of great pathos and sadness, beautiful.

Oh, What a Beautiful Mourning- The Steptoe clan return as Arthur's brother George has died and there's a family funeral and all the money grubbing relatives turn up hoping to get a part of George's will. A masterful episode where Albert says the greatest line throughout the series and Harold tries to go out with his cousin !. Being honest with you The Steptoe clan ain't in this enough.

Loathe Story- After suffering for many years under his father's rule Harold is sleepwalking and grabs butcher's knife and attempts to kill his father. Albert wakes up in time and Harold desperately apologises. Harold decides to visit a therapist to get to the root of his problem. A brilliant episode which covers Harold's past (most of which his father has done to him). Joanna Lumley is brilliant and look out for the breast obsessed therapist !. 
 

Divided We Stand- Harold want's to refurbish the house interior and Albert is completely against the idea. So Harold takes matters in his own hands and divides the house in half !. There's some terrific scenes in this which I don't want to spoil.

The Desperate Hours- In the middle of winter Albert and Harold are broke and are out of food and nearly out of money for the meter just as they get some uninvited house guests from Wormwood Scrubs ! in the shape of Johnny (Rossiter) and Frank (JG Devlin). They soon learn they have robbed the wrong place It's not soon long that Harold sympathises with Johnny and Albert sympathises with Frank as they are in the exact same relationship. A marvellous episode which tackles many issues and is quite dark in places. And Rossiter steals the limelight in this one he's on top form.

And So To Bed- After an unsuccessful attempt to woo his latest squeeze Harold decides to buy a water bed. Not all goes to plan in this episode but it's incredibly funny and the humour is very broad . There's an ending shot that echoes The Shining.

Porn Yesterday- Harold is out totting in the sweltering heat whilst his father relaxes enjoying the summer sun. He picks up a 'What The Butler Saw' Machine and is keen to watch it and his father's initial excitement turns to something else. A marvellous episode in which Brambell expresses so much emotion as much the same for Corbett a fantastic episode that has a lot of pathos in.

Upstairs, Downstairs, Upstairs, Downstairs- The second from last episode in the last series which really should have been swapped for the last. Albert is bedridden after a back injury of which he needs plenty of rest and Harold is running ragged after his every need. To say anymore would spoil it but the ending is fantastic.

A Perfect Christmas- Sick and tired of spending Christmas at home every year Harold decides to go abroad for the holiday season and of course Albert is adamant on not going to Bognor. Eventually the old man caves and decides to go to Switzerland there's only one problem Albert has not got a passport. The ending is brilliant and ends on a high note and a great ending to the series. Brilliant.

I have to say I absolutely adore Steptoe and Son it's a fantastic sitcom that was well ahead of it's time and was the first to add pathos. You could say it's more of a comedy drama.The issues it tackled were true to life and still very relevant today. I was honestly surprised by it's depth and how it made me feel. I have to say I was crying at some points and no sitcom has made me do that before. It's made me see sitcoms in a whole new light that's for sure. Galton and Simpson have created a masterpiece with Steptoe and Son. Their scripts are absolutely fantastic in every imaginable way. I love the subtle satire they use and the subtle way they reveal the characters tragic past and issues. 
 

What is also a very important part is Corbett and Brambell they were perfect for the characters and really bought them to life and add great pathos to them. I absolutely love the characters of Albert and Harold Steptoe.

Who can forget the iconic theme tune Old Ned by Ron Grainer it's a brilliant theme as soon as it starts you know it's Steptoe. His music really bought atmosphere and a sense of mood it was fantastic and the pieces accompanied the episodes well. I cannot forget the many directors either they did an amazing job of shooting Steptoe and making it feel very real.

If you've never seen this before your in for an absolute treat and I know the word timeless get's thrown around often regarding some sitcoms and this one truly is. I'll happily watch this series again and again every few years I love it and i'll definitely review some more similar sitcoms in the future.