Only Fools and Horses - S1E5 'A Slow Bus to Chingford'

Omg mate you beat me to it, exactly what went thru my mind when they said that :)

Stuart Biegala

If you both enjoy Grandad's stories, then you're going to absolutely love Uncle Albert's many "During the war..." tales later on 😂

Good Wolf Bad Wolf

"Del Yeah, now do you fancy some breakfast? Rodney I wouldn’t say no. Del Good, great, come on then, off you go, there you go – in there. He leads Rodney into the kitchen. Del (cont’d) While you’re in there make me a bacon sandwich, alright?" That part right there is my earliest memory of watching OF&H.

Keith Pratt

Loved Grandad's story about him being a security officer.

The Puzzler 99

What does it take away from a comment section when someone bloats it with AI crap? Just use your own words, man.

Matt

I may be wrong, but I think they're stopping OFAH at the end of the first series and replacing it with something else, so it'll take longer to get through than many are expecting.

Joshua

What does it take away from a reaction channel when someone subtly hints at things to come in a TV series? ChatGPT said: When someone subtly hints at future events in a TV series — even without outright spoiling — it can take quite a bit away from the reaction experience, both for the creator and the audience. Here's why: 🎭 1. It Breaks the Viewer’s Immersion Reactions are most enjoyable when the person watching is genuinely in the moment. Subtle hints (e.g., "Oh, you’ll really want to remember this part") pull the reactor's focus away from what's happening now and push them toward speculation. It turns a raw experience into a game of guessing — which isn't the same as an authentic emotional or narrative response. 🧠 2. It Alters Expectations and Focus Even a small nudge can drastically change how someone processes what they're watching: A random detail suddenly seems more important. Tension is undercut because the viewer is mentally preparing for a reveal. Emotional reactions may be dampened because the person is bracing for a twist. Instead of being surprised or moved, they’re distracted and analytical — which isn't always what you want in a first-time reaction. 😒 3. It Feels Manipulative or Patronizing Some viewers and reactors feel frustrated when someone "in the know" tries to steer their experience. Even subtle clues can come across as: Controlling: “Let me guide how you experience this show.” Smug: “I know what’s coming and you don’t.” Self-serving: “I want you to react my way when the twist hits.” It can feel like the person giving hints is more interested in orchestrating a reaction than letting one naturally unfold. 📉 4. It Reduces the Surprise Factor Surprise is a huge part of what makes twists, deaths, betrayals, or major reveals hit hard. If someone telegraphs it — even slightly — the impact is softened. That "WHOA!" moment becomes a "Hmm, I thought something like this might happen" — and that’s not the same. 🎥 5. It Can Damage the Channel’s Integrity If a reaction channel becomes known for being subtly spoiled (by hosts, commenters, editors, etc.), it can lose credibility. Viewers who want genuine first-time reactions may stop watching or engaging. ✅ Better Approach: Silence or Misdirection If you’ve seen the show and are part of the content (or comment section), the best way to support is to say nothing about future events. If you must say something, keep it vague but harmless (e.g., “This show gets wild, can’t wait for you to see more!”). Let the person discover things for themselves. That’s the joy.

Keith Pratt

We need 2 episodes a week, a midweek fix would be great

Chris Harper

Once hit it' s stride (long-term). For me, the greatest UK Comedy...Like Frasier ...a posher version (The greatest US Comedy).

Karl Devereux

“It wasn’t me Del Boy, it was me brain” is another thing Karl Pilkington would say actually lmao

Kayleigh

lmao, all im gunna say is try not to judge del boy too harshly this early, the show and the characters REALLY grow from season 2 onwards, del boy has a huge heart, theres a reason he is a national treasure and everybody wants to be like him :D

Ricky

Jesus, another one who wants to spoil things. "A moment for them" and "The perfect ending" with teary emoji???? Whilst giving episode numbers. Why are people doing this ffs?????

Si

So much “Oofah” for them to get through on their journey! This first series has the definite feel of a pilot series, and it’s great that it got commissioned for a second because then it just got amazing. A no spoilers comment (so I’m doing code 😂)…. S4 E2 will be a ‘moment’ for them, and then S5 E6 really should have been the clincher. The perfect ending 🥹

Duncan

I know, she told everyone.

ElvisLee

🤣🤣He definitely have more in his collection as I 🤣🤣

Josip Buretić

So true

Josip Buretić

This and the Russians episodes probably the worst. Quite boring

Andy Mac

I'm so glad you are still alive, Mike! I guess the Life Insurance hasn't come through yet?

Danny Heywood

Although it doesnt seem it all of the time with the scheming, Del very much just wants to give Rodney and Grandad a better life, and would do anything to achieve that. The series gets so much better when we start seeing more of the other characters. So many classic moments coming up 👌 One episode per week will take a very long time to finish though, think there are over 80 episodes including the specials. This time next year Rodney, we still wont be finished 🤣

Mark E

In Del Boy's logic and moral compass, taking out Rodney's girlfriend (whilst he's working nights) to stop her going out with anyone else is a perfectly honourable thing to do. In Del's mind it could be worse for Rodney if he didn't. Obviously to most people this would be immoral but as you'll find out Del Trotter is 'not most people' LOL

Fordy7169

So funny with the mild cosplay lol. Awesome reaction both. My take on Del taking Janice out was the same situation as when Vincent Vega in pulp fiction takes Mia Wallace out.. but maybe that's just me.

Demceez

Yeah, this ep isn't fondly thought of. I really like it a lot but can understand it not getting much love.

Si

Imagine loving this show but keeping on saying... it does get better. It's already brilliant now!

Si

How hard is it to not say anything, tho? Your thinking is, "hmm, I know this show well, I want to make them excited for something coming up, so I'll say a few words but try and make sure it's not a spoiler..." Why bother? Surely it's better to message after the episode saying "I knew you'd love that bit where....." As opposed to saying, "there's a bit in the next episode that you're gonna love because....!!!!" Simples.

Si

Lol, how's it not authentic? It is the theme tune to series 1, that was broadcast on BBC1 in 1981 🤣

Si

It drives me nuts 🤪 . I wouldn't say it was authentic it was only ever played few times at start of show then O'Sullivan changed it to his song as it give the show a new feeling But I'm down for it 🤣 Your del boy look is just getting beter and beter Mike...love it

Dango247

I like to say things. Not to spoil anything or give something away. But for them to get excited for. Like the fashion show. I mentioned it several times and no spoilers and they loved it. And they never expected what was about to happen. A bit like OFAH. This was the master at making you think something was about to happen then a totally different thing happened. Like if I say, howwww much is that doggyyyy in the window 😆 it doesn’t give anything away. But they will see it and then eventually hear it

Mark Rudd

😆

Mark Rudd

London is famous for the double red deckers

Mark Rudd

One of the weaker episodes this one.

David Broome

Hi Mike & Jess. New sub here first comment. I'm 34yo, watched everything multiple times over the last 20+ years (fawlty towers, the office, peep show, inbetweeners). OFAH is, by a comfortable distance, the greatest. The first couple of series/seasons are objectively "good". But there is a shift where John Sullivan begins write on a different level, and the actors, characters, settings and story just become UNTOUCHABLE. I'm so excited to watch this with you (and would reccomend doing 2 reactions pw if its possible). Jamie

SKG

I drive double deckers every day in Glasgow. I've even had Jane McCarry (Isa from still game) on board a few times.

Gogs

Jess did the most beautiful impression of an owl 🦉 😊

Josh Read

it started in 80s

Col Boro

Although the early series are fun it is kind of interesting to watch them again to see how good the show gets later on. I’m not sure I would have stuck with it if I was old enough to watch this first series when it was released. I grew up watching it in the 80s after a major cast change and that was classic era for me. When supporting characters get more screen time.

Garry Allen

Mike's just using these Only Fools reactions to show off his roll neck jumper collection 😂

Tim

It is the best 😊

Josip Buretić

❤️

Josip Buretić

Who would not love to look like Romero 😁

Josip Buretić

I agree with you!!I love Grandad

Josip Buretić

Same

Josip Buretić

The first rule of caravan club is... wonder if its the same for campers 🤣

Jay Lo

You should come to Munich. We have double-decker city tour buses and they will take you to the most famous landmarks and neighborhoods. There are two different city tours, with stops at must-sees: Nymphenburg Palace, Olympic Park, Stachus, Marienplatz, English Garden, and more. It is really fun in Summer driving through Munich we have done the tour a couple of times with our boys and the family when they come visiting us and we did have great time.

Josip Buretić

Did you notice how he wasn't wearing a bra too? As a tribute to Janice.

Jeffrey44

https://youtu.be/trxn_ZnL-_w?si=sR7QxQ3CpAukuYk1 This is only for you Mike 😁 "I love you Mike"

Josip Buretić

Oh yeah, odd. He sounds like me :)

Jamie

The best day of my week is the day when I come home from work and watch your OFAH reaction 💙❤️

Josip Buretić

I would buy 1 for the price of 2 off Mike today.

emu cat

Yeah totally agree, the whole Janice thing has never sat well with me.

Kevin Liversage

We live in hope.

Keith Pratt

"it wasn't me, it was my brain" is fucking brilliant

Jamie

Nice I had fun reading this, comment checks out

zStarr

Proper Karl Pilkington thing to say 😆

Mark Rudd

Fun fact aswell. The girl that Rodney was with at the start of the show, was his real girlfriend at the time

Mark Rudd

The Mike to del transformation is real 😆 absolutely love it

Mark Rudd

Man I look forward to this every Wednesday like Saturday morning cartoons when we was kids

zStarr

It's a relief to see that you enjoyed this one, as I thought you might be bored, as it is quite slow, particularly the last half. This is one of the weakest episodes for me. Can't wait till you get to the next episodes. Fingers crossed that no one spoils all the surprises for you.

ElvisLee

Think we need to hear more about Mike his cousin and the camper 😁

Karl

31:27 - When Lyndhurst says 'yeah, I know,' he says it in his real voice.

Joshua

Grandad is one of the finest characters in all of TV history :) Great to see how much you guys love him!

James Forrest

They have Double Decker buses in New Orleans for the City Tours

Paul Godwin

God bless you two with the double deckers buses 🤣 I drive one everyday don’t worry it’s really boring

Dan

All respect Mike but you (and I) wish we looked like Yo Romero

SimonNZ

I'm not sure why people are so desperate to reveal things from future episodes. Would this not have been a pleasant surprise for them?

SM

All I can say is TRIGGER

Billy

Everything is possible in your life when you believe. When you believe, everything is possible. You have two hands like me. Everything is possible. Go. Go. And take it, whatever you want to do

Jue H

Sebastian

You two be looking fly! 🤓🤓

Nathalie Grainger Bradbury

Heaven 🤗

Josh Read

Loving these reactions, wondering how you guys will work the specials in at a later date. A bit concerned about comments on the next episode "the russians are coming" 😬

Jay Lo

Yayyy it’s that time of the week again 🕺🕺

Nathalie Grainger Bradbury

“MICHAEL BISBING/TROTTER, SEE YOU SOON..BOY”

Tom

GRANDAD!!!!

Kevin Duke

We go to Florida to ride roller coasters and Floridians come to London to ride double decker buses 😛

Julian

one of the best lines of the series in this episode. "It wasn't me Del Boy, it was me brain!" absolute classic.

William Hawkins

I think his first instinct about Philomena Cunk was correct. I’m pretty sure she said something about ancient statues having parts missing.

Julian

Day off. This to enjoy and Still Game from yesterday, lovely.

Paul Archibald

This is my favourite thing in life right now watching these react to ONFAH and slowly watching Mike turn into Bob mortimer

Vee

The episodes get better as they grow into their characters..

Nicholas

Doner meat is a reconstituted mixture primarily made of lamb, but also commonly contains beef, chicken, or other meats, mixed with textured soya protein, rusk, and various seasonings and salt. The meat is ground into a mince, then formed into a patty-like disk and stacked around a central spit to cook, with lamb skin often used to help bind the layers together. It's bangin'.

Caine

Great reaction guys. I adore this show but for me, this episode is the weakest of series 1, possibly the whole show. The central plot and Del's scheming are on point, but it's slower than that bus in terms of pace, and I've also never quite gotten on board (😉) with the whole Del / Janice side thing... it's a peculiar and rare mis-step in characterisation from the usually wonderful John Sullivan. Next week's is an underrated one I think. Again, series 1 is not the show firing on all cylinders, and episodes 1-4 were probably the strongest episodes, but next week's is so well written, and i rate it higher than many seem to.

Ash Jeffries

I’m loving these reactions. It’s brilliant to watch people seeing these for the first time. It’s my favourite comedy of all time. In my opinion I think out of all the episodes made this is the least funny of all of them. The episodes get so much funnier after series 1. Series 2 is good but from series 3 onwards it’s hilarious. There are plenty of new characters that will start to appear in the episodes as well and you will love them.

Col

It is good isn't it? Like watching them for the first time again.

DaveO

I'm loving this journey us (supporters) and your good selves are on. I've seen these all (along with all the stuff you watch) but I'm watching them vicariously through you. It's honestly a joy.

Dan Padgett

It was Karl pilkington waxing lyrical about the statue of Alison Lapper that was on fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square. She was pregnant and had disability.

Sarah Radders

Janice was Nicolas' real girlfriend at the time :)

DaveO

Mike, would you like a second chance to sing the barbie girl song. What you did was very good but I feel was missing something.

Josh Read