...which was a form of medieval torture. This has now been brought into the modern era by 'updating' a classic sitcom. The word 'updating' is in quotation marks for a reason - the setting may be the 2010's, but the scripts are determinedly dated. Where Ronnie Barker reigned supreme as the t-t-t-tur-tightfisted Arkwright, we have nephew Granville in charge, a Granville who has ditched his dreams and settled for being a grasping shopkeeper like his uncle.This really is pitiful stuff. As another reviewer has said, the programme seems to be trying to re-capture 'Last of the Summer Wine' territory (a staple of Sunday night on BBC1 from the year dot). So we have a cast of familiar but much older faces filling the roles of Northern stereotypes and caricatures - battleaxe women versus feckless, lazy or ineffectual men. I know actors have to eat, but surely they can read, too? I can only point to the 'Memorable Quotes' section here as evidence for the dire, forced quality of this show.It seems appropriate Ronnie Barker's portrait scowls from the wall of the back room of his beloved shop. He must be thinking about his legacy being destroyed by this junk.

Unfortunately I have to agree with those who find this pretty awful. Firstly, Ronnie Barker for me was Britain's number 1 comedian of all time. I enjoyed Open All Hours immensely, but that was then, this is now. I saw 2-3 episodes from the first Series of Still Open All Hours - I think it was first Series - At first, I found it passable, but after buying the boxed DVDs for Series 1-2 and 3, it got worse and unfunny very quickly. To the extent that Series 3 really became pathetic. Revolving around an unfunny theme of selling the silly Eric and Cyril unsold or out of date produce from the shop, with the promise it would improve their sex life ??? Laughs were very few and far between and short. Why Mark Williams - Father Brown - appeared 3 times in the earlier Series, I have no idea, all 3 Series were a mishmash of 'bits' just tacked together to make a 30 minute programme ! Now, I hear of a possible 4th Series ? Series 3 should have ended any idea of that ?? Seems it didn't ?

Has there ever been a more deserving example of pay per view? Shockingly unfunny... Script from the 70s..canned laughter... Oh, did I mention shockingly unfunny. Trip over the cucumber - cue hysterical laughter... Spare me this absolute garbage. David Jason, hang your head. What absolute tosh

I don't know why some of you think this is insulting! Although it's a spin off from the original you have to see it as an entity all its own. David keeps Ronnie's character alive with the great photo and periodic stammer. A lot of the original cast is back joined by many fantastic newcomers. To you naysayers I say nay! This is an excellent show with many funny and warm moments. The old hand eating cash register is still having a go at Granville and the bosomy nurse Gladys still pays a visit. What more do you need?! The British have always been the masters of situation comedy and this is apparent in this show. Don't let the comments steer you away. This show is definitely worth watching. Great job!