Mum's Monday: The Green Green Grass, Series 1 to 4

WARNING SPOILERS FOR THE ENTIRE SERIES

The Green Green Grass is a spin off and written by the writers of ‘Only Fools and Horses’. The first episode is a good strong solid start to the series, and in-keeping with the ‘Only Fools and Horses’ nature of it. So the Boyce family have arrived at ‘Winterdown Farm’, Boycie (John Challis) Marlene (Sue Holderness) and their son Tyler (Jack Doolan).

The second episode and the Boyce family are settling in. it turns out ‘Winterdown Farm’ is a farm with staff. We first met the very definite ‘Farm Manager’ Elgin Sparrowhawk (David Ross) ‘Farm Manager’ in the first episode and now there is the ‘Herdsman/Stockman’ Bryan (Ivan Kaye) and the ‘Ploughman’ Jed (Peter Heppelthwaite). Boycie after being charmed and realising there is an advantage to be had, running the farm agrees to run their new place as a farm, and so the comic staff meeting begins. Last of all we meet the, what can only be described loosely as ‘The housekeeper’ Mrs Cakeworthy (Ella Kenion), my favourite character due to her talents and her gift, who has also been there years. It is now good to see Elgin does know a bit about farming, farmer Boyce is getting a bull, at a price in more ways than one though.

The next episode, it is funny to hear Marlene’s reaction to running a farm, and Marlene is going to be a ‘Farmers wife’. Which includes sadly cooking and buying Farmer Boyce a coat and the bull a dog toy. All this making for some very funny scenes. And now we meet the Boyce’s neighbour Llewellyn (Alan David), it seems the blackberries are not on Farmer Boyce’s land. It is good to see that the script includes the realism of a woman changing her mind. Now ‘Rocky’ the bull has gone missing and with four points on the compass and four people searching, it should be easy, should, to find and get ‘Rocky’ back. It isn’t, but it is amusing to watch, although not fun for Farmer Boyce.

The next episode it is fun to see Farmer Boyce is still getting to grips with farming. A really amusing part, which is cleverly all in the context of the situation, who knew there are ‘Mucky’ magazines out there for bulls? I didn’t, which is what makes the scene so brilliant. There is a great idea for a new boat race mentioned in this episode, call it ‘The Spanish Armada’. Now thank goodness for electronic communication, when you are on the run and a family to consider. There is another clever and really funny scene, only to get funnier still when you find out who Elgin is on the phone to. The Boyce family has grown, as they now have a herd of cows, just a few and more than the six Marlene wanted. Gay rights have now hit the Boyce family, but all is not lost, Farmer Boyce can now get revenge on Llewellyn.

The next episode, the continuity seems to be out from the last episode, Rocky the bull is still gay, and this still makes for some amusing scenes. It doesn’t take much to set Bryan of on one of his rants. The similarity between E as in exam results and E numbers in a drink is brilliant. Also when people say ‘Don’t try this at home’ I can see why now and Marlene should have taken notice, much to Aubrey Boyce (Yes that is Farmer Boyce’s first name, he is mostly embarrassed by it so doesn’t use it until he chooses to) discomfort. When is a free ticket not a free ticket? When you have to pay rail fare and a hotel stay, but it is heart-warming to see Farmer Boyce ask Jed to do Marlene a favour. Tyler now likes his new school and this episode highlights that the teachers are getting younger. The recording Jed does for Marlene to listen to is so funny but for Marlene it is a marvellous outcome.

The next episode Marlene thinks a potion could be a quick fix, also there is nothing better than a routine ‘Turning right every Thursday’, is very well known by the locals. It is good to see that Tyler no longer has interest in his English teacher, so you could say ‘crisis adverted’, until farmer Boyce goes to visit Rhian (Karen Paullada) AKA said English teacher. Marlene’s quick fix potion, it turns out it is not for the male specious, that one is elsewhere, the two potions are not the same, this is amusing to find out. there is a part that is a bit clichéd a ‘Punch up at an anger management class’. Continuing on it is good to see there is still a connection between Boycie and Marlene.      

The next episode, it seems greed has taken over ‘Winterdown Farm’, it also seems Brussels has moved to France, but that is the least of Farmer Boyce’s worries. I will not be taking advice from this episode, on how to get over a lack of sleep problem, shooting yourself is a bit extreme. A potion works better and faster, but there are side effects. It is lovely to see Elgin, Bryan and Jed had Farmer Boyce’s back and that is a big duck Llewellyn. Also that is strong glue as we see three months later. Shame Tyler’s guitar skills haven’t improved, after the thoughtfulness of Boycie buying him it. As a lead guitarist having one helps a bit.

The next episode, Farmer Boyce has his sights on being the new mayor and Simon (Ian Boner) has his sights on Mrs Boyce. However, sadly, in this episode Bryan seems to be suffering the most. Despite all the suffering it all still makes for another amusing episode.

The next episode, it looks like Farmer Boyce has a decision to make, but he has to make the right one otherwise he could be in for some worrying events. It is heart-warming to hear Marlene say what she does about Mrs Cakeworthy. In her male filled world, you can see why Marlene said it, and all is not lost.

The next episode, ‘Animal Rights’ and a skeleton are the big things in it. Marlene has decided to have a clear out and has re-invented herself. It also seems Farmer Boyce has a bird problem. It is amusing to watch when Marlene gets her books muddled up.  Yes, what are those birds called the ‘Black ones?’ they might just be ‘Blackbirds’ this is amusing to watch. It is good but not quite what Marlene had in mind as a good cause but is a solution for keeping the crows from eating the newly planted seeds.

The next episode, the comedy starts right at the beginning, Jed and Bryan have been reading and Tyler and Beth (Lisa Diveney) get a letter from Mrs Cakeworthy via the postman. The comedy timing is perfect. With Tyler not wanting to go to France the result is another clever reference to ‘Only Fools and Horses’. We all know that in France they speak French, a different language to English. This sometimes creates a what is known as a ‘Language barrier’ this is highlighted in this episode as a boy’s name can cross over genders. This sparks chaos in the Boyce household and it is amusing to watch events unfold. However, the speech Marlene gave Tyler is an in-depth life lesson. And with again reference to ‘Only Fools and Horses’ Farmer Boyce finds out some disturbing information.   

The next episode, Farmer Boyce, still getting to grips with farming is feeling generous. It is amusing to watch when he tries to teach his staff ‘Cockney rhyming slang’. It is clever how they set up Llewellyn trying to come up with some money. Farmer Boyce has now got 5000 problems to solve and a team of his staff to help solve them. This highlights that you should never trust a welsh enemy when making an apology. However, Tyler may not be good at welsh saying sorry, but he saves Farmer Boyce, but no one can save Llewellyn, sorry Gareth.

The next episode, there has been a party, one year since the Boyce family moved. It is amusing to hear all about the events during the party. It is clever that despite not seeing the party take place, hearing about it doesn’t take anything away from the fun of finding out what happened at it. Marlene’s sister Pertunia (Paula Wilcox) has now come to visit and strange things are happening on the farm. It is funny to hear the reference to ‘Only Fools and Horses’ again and it is true to the character that he wouldn’t notice Boycie and Marlene had gone, so again another perfect, relevant referral. It seems Farmer Boyce’s staff is all tied up, the poor dog. It also seems there is more than one set of brothers, where one is tall and the other is short. Farmer Boyce can stop running now. It is amusing to see Mrs Cakeworthy enjoy, just a bit too much about being tied up. Oh good another party. It is good to see Boyce is ok, no thanks to the dog though.

The next episode, when is a sunset not a sunset? When it is in the south and there is a fire. It is nice to see Jed’s intelligence at last. It now transpires a kind Marlene and a reluctant Boycie have house guests and the guests as in Bryan and Elgin want to show their appreciation. Farmer Boyce has mentioned on a few occasions that he would like a portrait done of him. which is nice but the amusing part is that, well long ago Farmer Boyce ha a photo taken with him in a kipper tie. There is a lesson to be learnt here, hide your old photos if you find them embarrassing and hope a Mrs Cakeworthy like character doesn’t find one and, with help, turn it into a portrait.

The next episode the Boyce family are taking a trip to see Marlene’s mum Dora (June Whitfield). It is important to note that if you are to come up with an excuse not to go and it is a good one, that the person that has supposed to have died, doesn’t answer the phone to the person you are going to tell the excuse to. This is cleverly put by Marlene, when she points this out to Farmer Boyce and amusing to hear. It also seems Jed has a lot of mates. Now the Boyce family are on their way. Mrs Cakeworthy finds out there is a utility room, it is funny when you realise she is the house-keeper, and attention now turns to Bryan. The Boyce family have arrived at Dora’s, now you could say that Farmer Boyce is successful and has money, so it is good to see that morally it is portrayed as money isn’t everything (well until later on when Dora wants to upgrade her television). Mother in law is going to hate Farmer Boyce whatever life he gives her daughter Marlene. Bryan, back at the farm is trying his luck on a dating website. Setting up his profile is amusing to watch. Bryan now has a date, getting him ready is fun to watch. Sadly, the weekend at Dora’s and Bryan’s date are both cut short.

The next episode, the Boyce family pet Rottweiler ‘Earl’ has gone missing. I feel sorry for Marlene who is so upset, I also feel sorry for her as to who she has to comfort her. Instead of comfort they have a legend to tell her about in the woods. It looks like ‘Earl’ is safe but not everyone is, he is just playing. Tyler thinks he is getting £5000. It is amusing to see Boycie, Bryan and Jed lost in the woods, but they will be ok as Bryan has a ‘Swiss’ and who’d have thought that trees ‘All look the same’. it is good to see Marlene so happy, it is party time, but not for Farmer Boyce. It is good to hear a sensible tip about body warmth, but this is a comedy program so the comedic element is who Boycie is with. And yes Bryan you did get Boycie home, well done. They didn’t have far to walk in the morning. It is so funny to see and nice to know they all got home safe.

The next episode, university is on the horizon. Marlene’s fantasy quickly turns to sorrow. Now we find out where someone is going. Now for the truth. There is a lesson to learn in this episode, not to forget your bike if you are going for your ‘Cycling Proficiency Exam’. It is good to see Farmer Boyce’s staff make Tyler see sense, I don’t necessarily agree with the acceptance routine but where is Dorset? Sadly, Marlene is facing an empty nest. It is good to hear Mrs Cakeworthy mention that not only men and women in love, but anyone and can any man understand women. It is fun to see that in a nod towards ‘The Wizard of Oz’. Goodbye Tyler and lucky Boycie he has his wife back.

The next episode, a new television program pilot is in the making. The name ‘Farm Idol’ is cleverly thought-out, simple but effective. Also is there longer than eternity? Who’d have thought cameras could be so dangerous, although CCTV ones you could say they are, this is brilliant and makes you think.  I hope not all TV programs are made in the way that is portrayed in this episode. Now the farmers are off and Marlene has a secret. Mrs Cakeworthy is determined to find out what it is and almost secretly let’s Farmer Boyce know. The result, poor gay Darryl (Robert Forknall). It is heart-warming to see what Marlene has done for Farmer Boyce, and equally heart-warming to see Farmer Boyce’s reaction (although I don’t condone violence). I do wander where Llewellyn is in this episode, this would have been a good one for him to be in.

The next episode, Bryan’s troubles are increasing his pet turkey is unwell. It is lovely to see Bryan care so much about his pet. It is kind and heart-warming what Marlene says about any expenditure involved. Marlene also wants a holiday and Tyler has had one forced on him. There is never a dull moment in the Boyce household. This episode has a sense of suspense, has Boycie uncovered a family curse? It is brilliant and sadly, funny how Farmer Boyce gets the wrong end of the stick. Who’d have thought a Turkey’s funeral could cause quite a stir. It shows how the mind can play tricks on you, but who’d have thought that having hair would be so important.

The next episode another emergency has happened on the farm. Also Bryan has been ordering from a ‘Mail Order, Bride’ catalogue. Which brings a whole eight/nine set of problems to the Boyce household. And with a big problem to be solved you need an Olympic sized solution. Which is excellently well executed.

The next episode, turmoil has befallen the Boyce household. Now as this is a ‘Sitcom’ it is clever how the script is done to incorporate comedy into what could be described as a ‘depressing set of circumstances’. Remind me not to go to Bryan’s for food. His idea of a mixed grill is not mixed and none of it has been grilled. To say Farmer Boyce is out of his comfort zone is an understatement, it is amusing to watch, and I also don’t think ‘Beetroot, Liver and Tuna’ are the correct recipe/ingredients for a BLT sandwich. The result it is heart-warming to see Boyce and Marlene sort out their differences, almost.

The next episode, it proves you shouldn’t believe all the rumours you hear. Also you shouldn’t put Bryan as head of security. This part is ridicules. The script that Bryan wouldn’t recognise Llewellyn is badly done. It could have been carried out better, to set up Llewellyn finding out what is being made on the farm. Because of this, this makes this episode my least favourite one. Danny (Roy Marsden) and Tony (Christopher Ryan) Driscoll AKA the ‘Driscoll Brothers’ are one, not dead and two, are fish with guns. Another ridicules part is a destroyed door and a still secured lock, they do salvage the scene so it gets better. It is so funny to watch Mrs Cakeworthy hold a séance to contact the Driscoll brothers, when they alive and kicking walk in, in the middle of it. And sadly, they don’t remember Mrs Cakeworthy, but it is funny to watch her interact with them and their response. It is amusing to see all on the farm play ‘Trivia Pursuit’ with the Driscoll brothers. Their answers, although wrong, are cleverly well thought-out none the less. This episode highlights the extreme importance of good communication. Tyler should have been told before he spilt the beans, sorry vodka. Hind sight is a wonderful thing. It is so funny to see Llewellyn meet the Driscoll brothers and the deal is now done.

The next episode, Marlene has a new hobby, ‘Photography’ and Tristram (Jeremy Clyde) local MP and his wife, Veronica (Victoria Carling) makes a visit to the Boyce household, this causes quite a stir. There is a lot going on in this episode. The band has a groupie and Farmer Boyce is in a charitable mood, with his sights set on a visit to ‘Buckingham Palace’. It is clever how Tyler being out rehearsing and hasn’t been home yet, on visiting the pub sees Tyler not being a ‘Good son’. Marlene is photographing a charity calendar, and Farmer Boyce is not happy. This episode is called ‘Calendar Boys’ for a reason a nod to the film ‘Calendar Girls’, so nudity it is then. We have had the word ‘Pendulum’ and ‘Swing Music’ mentioned, Boyce again is misunderstanding, this is amusing to watch. In the end two white envelopes and the calendar causes quite a stir.

The next episode, animal activists have come to the village, and now Marlene wants to adopt all the farm animals as pets. This is so funny, and just to clarify the Boyce family hasn’t got a ‘Waste disposable unit’. Now Tyler wants a business loan, it is brilliant and nice to see that Farmer Boyce will help his son, if he proves himself. This part is not only heart-warming but well put also. It is a lovely ending to the episode the ‘Live Stock aid’ concert is a big hit with Farmer Boyce and Marlene.

The next episode, art and a ‘Dear John’ letter has descended on the Boyce family. Somewhere along the line there has been a miss-understanding, ‘Two men of the world’ have got it very wrong, and why is Tyler smiling in a ‘Rock and Roll’ mood photo? Also Tyler has a visitor. I suppose it is all in a person’s ‘Point of view’. It is strange but amusing to watch and I would say that the bands groupie, Sara (Samantha Sutherland) is more suited to Tyler than Beth.

The next episode, the Boyce family are off to Tyler’s band’s ‘Puddle of Agony’ first gig, much to the delight of their staff. Who find themselves at the pub meeting up with two ‘Psychic detectives’ AKA Ghost hunters. This is interesting to watch and funny. The pair work for a magazine and they are offering five thousand pound for a picture of a ghost. It is cleverly funny when Jed says ‘Like Hello, but in this case Goodbye’. With the Boyce family away the staff want to try for the reward money, but there is ‘A problem’ well a few actually. The biggest one is when wanting to photograph a ghost and when they are only in Mrs Cakeworthy’s head. That is a big problem so the staff have a plan. I do like the additional line that Farmer Boyce add to the wedding vows. Now sadly, for the Boyce family things get worse for a while, but soon change for the better, but now the staff are on holiday. Because of the paranormal element of the episode it makes this one my favourite.

The next episode, there is an unlikely animal on the farm and with the program ‘Antiques Roadshow’ coming to Ludlow, it gives Marlene an excuse to have a clear out, making for some amusing scenes when Mrs Cakeworthy finds out what a vacuum cleaner is, almost, and Fiona Bruce (Herself) is making quite a stir. It is ‘Good news’ Tyler may have found his calling in life. Marlene is happy in more ways than one, Farmer Boyce is worried. Now it is the day of the recording of the ‘Antiques Roadshow’. There are some amusing scenes, but very disappointing for the Boyce family, who have a sadly, smashing time at the recording. Farmer Boyce is not smiling anymore.

In the last episode, a celebration is on the cards in the Boyce household, forty years of ‘Marriage’. However, a forty-year problem has descended on the Boyce family, and Mrs Cakeworthy is ‘I’m not’ listening at the door. It is sad to see Farmer Boyce just thinking about the deposits at a time like this. Tyler is strangely happy about the situation. It is lovely to see the staff being so supportive, not. It is unexpected to see that a man has done what he was told to do, it is funny but things need to re-booked again quickly, or do they? Not for now anyway. It turns out ‘Ignorance is not a defence’ and a there is a small matter of ‘Married tax allowance’. It is nice to see that it is the little things or words is enough of a lovely effort, it is from the heart, not the wallet. It is lovely to see everything turn out perfect in the end and lovely to see a connection, they do love/care for each other, Mr Aubrey Boyce and Mrs Marlene Boyce.