Dear John: Series 1 And 2 [DVD]

Like so many reviewers here, I had waited a long time for this DVD set to be released, and was worried that it might not be as funny as I had remembered it being all those years ago. After slipped release dates and cancellations I stumbled upon the box set by accident and ordered it immediately. It was with some trepidation that I loaded up the first DVD. Would this be another case of nostalgia getting in the way of sub-par TV?Not a bit of it. These two series and the Christmas special were both funnier and sadder than I had remembered them being, a genuinely touching mix of belly laughs and commentary on human nature. The characters have all been well described in other reviews, but Ralph Bates deserves special mention for his layered portrayal of John, as does his real-life son, who plays John's son. In fact, it is Toby who often comments on the absurdity of adult life from the outside, baffled as to the behaviour of those around him.This set, then, is recommended without reservation. One could ask for more extras, but it is good enough to have a comedy this - what's the word? - funny available once again. John Sullivan, the writer, who died recently, deserves high praise for this, and I see it as some of his best and most wittily observed work. It puzzles me that this was barely mentioned in his obituaries. It may not have had the multi-series run of other comedies of his, but quality always outstrips quantity.Watch this - you will long remember Kirk's comment to the lady with the unfortunate bodily problem, the tragic fate of Ralph's caravan, and many other things besides. Watch it through to the end - you would have to have a hard heart not to shed a tear at the end of the Christmas special when John, up to now dealing with his own isolation, realises (and we with him) that there has been somebody close at hand who has known what true loneliness means. Perfect.

Brilliant comedy series, gentle and harmless. Some "Woke" viewers would, no doubt, be "offended" by the old fashioned jokes here and there but if you are a normal person who accepts that some comedy programmes are of their time (e.g. Fawlty Towers, Only Fools & Horses, Love Thy Neighbour, In Sickness and In Health, Only When I Laugh, Please Sir!, Mind Your Language, On The Buses, etc), then you will enjoy this one.Sadly, several main characters are now no longer with us (Ralph Bates, Peter Denyer, Peter Blake, Kevin Lloyd and Irene Prador), but they all live on through the re-watching of this classic series.I totally recommend this box set. It will make you laugh, cringe and cry. You're also likely to find yourself singing along to the very catchy theme tune!"Boogaloo"! :-D

I haven't watched Ralph Bates in Dear John since the original screening many years ago but the writing of John Sullivan and the comic acting ability of a superb ensemble cast make this Dvd a joy to watch and savour.From the brash bravado of Kirk to the shrinking pessimism of Ralph, the show has a timeless quality able to create hoots of laughter and then wring tears from the hardest viewer as one disaster follows on another.Ralph Bates is wonderful as John, the recently divorced middle-aged character, as he tries hard to hide his lack of success in his social life and often misses out on invitations due to his need to seem fully "booked".The sad and early demise of Ralph Bates makes this gem even more poignant and and a real must-see.

How on earth can the BBC ignore Dear John, after some of the so called comedy shows they put on. Not haveing seen it since it was first shown. Its still pure comedy Gold. All the characters are played brilliantly, and John Sullivans writing has stood the test of time.Its hard to pick out just one favorite character, but i think Kirk just shades it. All the episodes are really funny but the one with the schoolgirl is just wonderfull.The look on Johns face as she says hi ya after playing hockey. Genius.If you never saw Dear John, buy this you are in for a wonderfull treat. This is one DVD thats going to get lots of plays.

This is about John. It starts after his wife has left him and he has been forced to move out in to a bedsit. He sees an advert for the 1-2-1 Club, which is for separated and divorced people. There, he meets, a host of other hapless characters; Kate who is pretty, but frigid, Kirk, who dresses like its Saturday Night Fever and tells everyone he's a spy, Ralph, who was left on the night of his marriage by his Polish wife who doesn't speak English and Elaine, who runs the club and takes a delight in hearing the club members' problems "in the bedroom"!I would strongly recommend this comedy. Firstly, the characters are all believable, interesting and given depth. The scenarios are highly original and unpredictable. The humour is gentle, witty and laugh-out-loud-funny at times. Although some episodes don't quite hit the mark (hence it isn't quite 5-star and its also a shame that it is only two short series and a Christmas special), most do and they are all amusing enough to leave you with a warm glow. This is quintessential British self-deprecating humour. You'll also love the theme tune!Another point in its favour is that this series has not aged. The stories are as fresh and as funny today as they were when they first appeared....timeless!

I ordered this having remembered watching it in the 80's. What a gem it is. It revolves around a lonely man who's wife has left him and taken him to the cleaners. He is turfed out of his house and ends up renting a small flat. He spots an ad in the paper for the one to one club for divorced and single people. There he meets some rather strange people. Having watched the first episode, I was hooked and watched the whole set in one go. Its only a shame they made so little episodes. A great series I highly recommend.

Yes, you must have a multi-region DVD player to watch this series. Those are not expensive. For those who enjoy British comedy, especially more obscure series that never made it to American television, it's a worthwhile investment. "Dear John" is a 1986 situation comedy centered around recently-divorced John Lacey, whose ex-wife has added insult to injury by inviting his best friend, with whom she has been having an affair, to move into their home, just as John is forced to leave and take lodgings in a small flat. Depressed, he joins the 1-2-1 Club for divorcees, and is soon caught up in the lives of its other members. Hammer Horror film star Ralph Bates plays the title role with humor and pathos, and one wishes that he had lived longer to continue the series, or to do more comedy. There are unexpected twists and nuances that make this series not only funny, but also touching--John's efforts to maintain his relationship with his young son, who he fears is growing away from him, fellow club member Kirk's rather hopeless pursuit of Kate, as well as boring Ralph Dring's efforts to recreate himself as "Dazzling Darren", the deadpan DJ. For lovers of British comedy, especially the sort of comedy that is seasoned with humanity and deep feeling, this is well worth a watch.

This two set DVD will not operate on my pc or my Sony DVD player. I contacted the seller and asked for a prepaid shipping label and he refused my request. The DVDs are 100% worthless.