Only Fools and Horses: Season 5, Episode 7 A Royal Flush

Now that I’ve watched it again I don’t really know what dels plan was even if he wanted money he could’ve asked for more or just left Rodney to it and got way more money in the long run it just felt like he did all this for no reason…..but then again del has a nack for messing Rodney’s opportunities up

Josh

You're in good company: this was John Sullivan's and David Jason's least favourite episode; my least favourite too. I have the DVD boxset of Only Fools and the disc for this episode is taped up with a black X across the disc. Del was way out of character. I also think they should've made Time on Our Hands the last episode, but, then again, I did love seeing all the Uncle Alberts in France... I think they carried it on quite simply to milk a cash cow, but it weakens the show as art for me. Yet it is still my all time favourite show; I've seen every episode (except A Royal Flush and those after Time on Our Hands) at least 30 times.

Dave the Lie

Not allowed? We don't do arranged marriages over here bro, anybody can marry anybody and nobody else gets a say in the matter.

Middy

I never understood what his plan was in this episode, because he paid 500 pounds to kit him out and then only asked for 1000 from Vicki's dad. Or maybe the plot was he just got too drunk and decided to be a dick

Jehan Ariyaratnam

I understand the complaints about Del being over the top in this special - his masterplan definitely doesn't feel consistent, and his presence at the opera is just an excuse for some embarrassment comedy - but from the show's very beginning, his selfishness, greed and manipulation of Rodney are the constant flip-side of his fierce loyalty to family and friends and determination to better his situation. After the previous episode took pains to show Del's noble side, it feels right to me that John Sullivan reminded us Del *isn't* just Rodney's guardian angel, but a man who'll do anything to make money for the family, even if he has to break his brother's heart in the process. Granted, the execution may not be brilliant, but the basic characterisation is solid to me. I also feel like Vicky was a bit of a dry-run for the introduction of Cassandra, and a lot of the class commentary of this special got replicated in that storyline, so overall, Sullivan didn't do too badly on this one.

Ian Richards

Although I love Fools and Horse, I find this one very difficult to watch all the way through. This is the only special that feels too long and would have been much better at half the length

Martyn Hill

I feel sorry for Rodney and Vicky in this episode, because in real life in the UK, there would be absolutely no chance of two people from such different class backgrounds being allowed to get romantically involved. It makes Del Boy look like even more of an arse - that he thinks he needs to intervene, when it would never have been allowed to develop anyway.

John Morris

ive gone back and watched this episode again, and I'm kind of thinking this one of my favourites now, del definitely goes over the top, but there is so many classic only fools lines

Rob B

This is the only version i've seen, didn't even realise there was a trimmed-down version but if its from after they started hosting it on Netflix then Netflix is probably the reason the cut version exists, this is the version that was released on VHS, i think i still have it somewhere from when i was about 9 😃

Ducactus

You probably already realised but the woman Del brought to the Opera is Junie playing the same character (from the episode before Grandad's funeral) where Rodney was dating her daughter Debbie from the shop. Not a very interesting fact but its a nice little call-back in case anybody missed it

Ducactus

Its all good man I have been enjoying this show alot =]

After Work Reactions

Just forget about Del's character this episode I don't believe he's ever written as bad as this again. I actually forgot how bad he was. Never mind, still many great episodes to come. EDIT: Also you make great points at the end of this episode.

J M

Awesome thanks bud!

After Work Reactions

its crazy how even what we call bad episodes are still funny but yes totally out of character for del, but still from now on the show takes off to new levels and literally every episode is a classic, trust me josh the real onfh ride is about to begin

shaun whitmore

Thanks bud!

After Work Reactions

Still good moments throughout this episode - glad you’re doing the specials also

Justyn

David Jason (Del) says that he regrets ever filming this episode. It was way out of character for Del to go so far out of his way to spoil things for Rodney and it didn’t come across well. The “Dates” episodes at the end of this season is a classic. Next season has a lot of great episodes too.

Lee

I loved that line - “ it wasn’t his drugs, it belonged to some Chinese tart” - just savage

Jehan Ariyaratnam

Between this episode and the next Rodney suddenly looks older and more independent and less of the kid brother he still is here

Jehan Ariyaratnam

Never seen this version before that theatre scene was more content than I remember. Just remember the ice cream scene. I enjoyed this one it was so awkward and love the rest of the specials and episodes to come where it truly becomes gold.

A

I wonder why they went in this direction for this episode and who's idea it was to make it darker.

BigChanChan

I've never seen this version of this episode, at least I don't think so. The DVD version I have has edited a lot of Dels behaviour out an generally makes the episode better. This version prolonges things a bit too much and I didn't enjoy it as much. I didn't mind this episode too much, I actually quite liked it even though I find it to be a weak Only Fools episode but this version does make it a lot weaker.

Cameron Kirby

where did you find the entire uncut episode of this as it's not even uncut on britbox? could you tell me where or provide a link?

JokerDanny

Poor episode really but when Rodney turned around pointing the gun at everyone was hilarious! I almost shouted nooooo!

Alex

Not sure why anyone hates this episode, just because Del-Boy deliberately behaves like a ass just to protect Rodney and of course to get a quick Buck out of it is no problem for me, sure he's well over the top but he knows full well there no way Rodney would really have a chance with Vicky in the long term as her father would never really allow that. There's some really funny scenes in this show. I know John Sullivan didn't like this episode and lots was cut and changed but it starts the era of the great episodes to come.

NEXUS

Great episodes are coming Josh. Many classic moments are around the corner.

Lee

An interesting episode. Dell boy is completely out of character in this one and it just didn't feel fitting in contrast of all the episodes so far.

Jack Veazey

My friend, this is where you enter the golden era of the show

James Waters

awesome

Justyn

I'm looking forward to Josh's reaction to Danger UXD

Paul Holt

Can't wait for Series 6, my favourite episode is in it...episode 3 "Chain Gang"

Steve King

I actually disagree with a lot of the comments, Del has acted like this in a lot of episodes keeping up a pretence that Rodney had raped someone for example, that is actually way worse and quite evil it was just done in a way that made you be able to laugh about it whereas this episode was made much more cringey and you felt Rodney's embarrassment, so I disagree it was out of character for Del. I think it is more grounded in reality to portray him like that anyway, he's not perfect like every human being he has his flaws, he fucks up from time to time but you can see he is remorseful when he has taken things too far and his random acts of kindness show he is a good person at heart all he is guilty of is being human.

When the Duke said that Del "was the biggest artist of them all" he wasn't saying he's a con artist, he was calling him a piss artist. ie. a drunkard

(Just) Steve

The song in the cafe is "Ask" by the Smiths, full of lyrics about people freeing themselves of inhibitions, which is sort of apt considering the trajectory the episode then takes. Also, if you listen carefully at the very beginning you can hear Del Boy's "Guaranteed to cure hard core, soft core, and pimples on the tongue" market spiel, which pops up quite regularly. I'm another who doesn't hate this episode, but it does have a different feel to the others. A conversation I've had before with a friend is that a lot of British comedy is centred around the theme of escape, and OFAH is no different. It's really stark in this episode though, with all three protagonists desperate to get out of the situation they're in. Really it's quite a frustrating and sad watch as Rodney gets this glimmer of hope of escaping from the humdrum and meaninglessness of his life with Del Boy and Albert in decaying Peckham, only to have Del completely torpedo it with his selfishness and his own desires to join the aristocracy.

Charlie

Really on this one Del is trying to make sure his brother doesn’t get into a relationship that would never work, thats the crux, yeah hes crude and tries to make money out of it and doesn’t use the right approach. .

Mike Doel

Exactly, I don’t think it’s a bad episode and has some funny moments but there are a lot of better episodes. Mainly cause I think the bar is set very high.

Teddy Alison

Yeh it’s strange Josh because despite Series 5 being a really good series with episodes like The Longest Night, Tea for Three, Who wants to be a millionaire, there a couple episodes that are not bad but are slightly below par when it comes to the standard of Only Fools. I’ll still watch them episodes if I haven’t seen them in a while but there is a lot of episodes I would watch before. However the next two episodes are brilliant episodes and as for Series 6, well you’re in for a great. Series 6 has a lot of Only fools and horses most iconic moments. Looking forward to them.

Teddy Alison

I don't hate on this episode as much as some. Clearly it is not high bar OFAH. But it has its moments. Admittedly they are very few and far between. My fav bit is clay pigeon shooting with a pump action shotgun from the hip; which he borrowed from a bank robber. 🤣 You raise an interesting question about Del's conscious motives and out and out plan. It's funny, although I don't believe that this was intended at all. (Hypothetically speaking) Considering which episode this follows. Del's actions could be seen as a little retaliatory. He had just given up on the most and maybe only believable plan to date, to make his millionaire dreams come true. It was Rodney's drugs conviction that led to him saying bonjour to the prospect out of loyalty. We do see Del adding that particular cherry on top of the humiliation cake at the dinner table; as he is very much worse for wear, his judgement is affected and maybe some resentment is settling in. I don't think this was in mind when writing the episode. But I do find the idea interesting. People are allowed miss steps and ill advised decisions. I think these kinds of things make well written characters more believable. I think the balance of brazen and annoying is a little off here. Del does seem more irritable and snarky than usual on the outset of this episode. In his mind he should be in Australia right now on the road to riches. What's Rodney doing, mixing with the aristocracy who are born into wealth as he may see it. What should Rodney be doing, looking out for the police while Del's busting his ass trying make a living. Just a thought.

Daryl

Fear not Josh, my brother and I have enjoyed OFAH all our lives but we both agree Royal Flush is the one episode that doesn’t feel like OFAH. Dels behaviour is just not Del Boy. Do love the shotgun scene tho lol

Stuart

Writer John Sullivan is said to regretted the ending particularly. He said that he turned Del from a jolly drunk to a morose one. I think this was an episode which was filmed without John Sullivan in attendance. Apparently he would normally be around. Really uncomfortable to watch Del humiliate Rodney but on the other hand it also shows how much Rodney depends on Del, probably too much. He hates the way Del robs him of opportunities but at the same time, cannot leave. Not independent enough to go off on his own. I often avoid this episode mainly because of the ending although there are some funny bits.

Phil Spicer

I agree with everything you said, it’s a shame cause the premise of common working class cockney lads being in that world for a bit is good, it could have been hilarious, but they got it wrong really

Joe S

Funny this one and the Porn video one are rated lowest on IMDB. The next series is the show I remember as a kid, where it would be an hour long. For me watching the show through this so far.... I'm not a fan, there are only a handful of good episodes and the rest are throw away.

I've always enjoyed it. We definitely see the worst side of Del, but I found it hilarious, TBH.

Keith Pratt

The earliest example of cringe comedy I can think of is Nuts in May from 1976.

Keith Pratt

Very presumptuous of you to say ''Everyone agrees its terrible'', but then you go on to say ''I still personally like this episode''. I too like this episode and will not jump on the bandwagon by stating otherwise. It might not be the best episode but is clearly not the worst either. There are many really good parts in this particular episode.

James Ryan

I think all the negative reaction to this episode is way over the top. There are many good parts to this episode. The Opera scene is fantastic from start to end. Del's date is fantastic. The Shooting scene is fantastic. I love this episode!!!

James Ryan

Another ridiculous comment. Just give it up dude.

slashdisco

The slightly “off” feeling of this episode has been put down to a rushed production due to David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst both being sick during filming. So rushed was it that apparently the final scene very nearly had to be filmed and aired live on Christmas day when it was originally broadcast (and even though they avoided that outcome the final editing on the episode was still being worked on during the early hours of that Christmas day)

King Bloo

Dear slashdisco, are you an ex-girlfriend of mine?

Tony Smyth

I don’t think Del was doing it intentionally because we’ve seen this side of him before, like in the chandelier episode - he’s always trying to ingratiate himself, invite himself to whatever he can and climb socially - but he can never behave in that situation other than as himself. So, he’ll try to sell them cats that sing “how much is that doggy in the window” to go with their antiques, or in this case sell them stolen cheap cutlery to go with their set from 1648. He tries to seem more sophisticated with his French phrases but says nothing but absolute nonsense, he is always trying to be a ‘cut above’ socially but doesn’t have the knowledge of how to really behave in anything but working class circles. As Rodney said he’s not going to be ‘another lot in his auction’, he’s not going to be used so Del can ingratiate himself, or failing that make a quick buck. So I think it’s not untypical behaviour from Del per se, but in the writing the balance was wrong, not enough of his heart and kindness - it was the pure scheming side of Del with no counterbalance.

Kieran B

I didn’t think you’d like this one. 😃 What was Del planning, thinking.. ? well basically he planned and thought what the writer told him to plan and think, and I’m not sure John knew where this one was going when he wrote it. A Monkey is £500, plus the cost of the tickets to the opera. I can’t think this Scam would have been worth it. I think that was an after thought to round the episode off. It was the first of 3 Christmas specials shown after Series 5 and before Series 6 over Christmas ‘86, ‘87 and ‘88. I can imagine with the thought that the Series was supposed to end after Series 5, perhaps there wasn’t enough time to write a good episode or rewrite this one before the filming schedule. The BBC suddenly needed a Christmas special and I’m guessing John had to go with what they had at the time.. There wasn’t even enough time to show it to a studio audience for the laughter track, which suggests to me it was rushed. I remember reading John Sullivan hated this episode more than any other and would have gladly removed it from his back-catalog. I can imagine watching something being filmed, that he wasn’t happy with, must have been a horrible feeling. Basically ignore this episode as if it never was. The next Special is much better, and the one after that (Dates) is really good. And then we’re back on track with Series 6.

Gary Tamblyn

Huh. I've never actually seen this episode before! (I thought from the title it was going to be a poker rematch with Boycie...) I think the out of character behaviour of Del is mainly due to being drunk. They seemed to be specifically pointing out how much alcohol he was consuming. At least one drink at the shooting, 3/4 of a bottle of champagne before the meal, he was on his second carafe of wine by the end and he had brandy on the table! I'd like to think Del didn't plan on conning Henry out of £1000 from the start, and he genuinely saw a future for Rodney and Victoria, and the scummy plan may have been a spur of the moment thing while under the influence... He was an ignorant pain in the arse at the opera and the garden party, but humiliating Rodney in such a cruel way only really happened while Del was wasted at the dinner. I may be wrong, I know Del likes a few cocktails down the pub, but I can't recall any other time in the series when he gets as drunk as this. Or maybe I'm just overthinking it and it's just a poorly written episode. What is fascinating though is that I cringed so hard watching some of the scenes in this, in much the same way as I did watching Brent in The Office, but this predates that by 14 years! Did John Sullivan accidentally invent cringe comedy? (By the way I don't think Del was intentionally trying to hurt Rodney at the end, he was probably still tipsy and his brain didn't process Rodney smacking his hand on the dust chute.)

David Lyons

Excuse my language, but what the f*** was that? I don't think I've ever seen this one before, did they leave it out of rotation when they showed repeats? I can understand why if they did...

Z is for Zed

The only episode in the entire 22 year history of OFAH I won’t watch when doing a marathon rewatch...for all the reasons you said and listed here in the comments. While the funny moments are there in the first half the second half is uncomfortable and borderline depressing. A very strange one! Still enjoyed seeing your reaction and I’m sure you will enjoy the 2 Christmas specials before the regular TV series starts again

Ben Marshall

Yeah I hadn't heard the line about Albert being like the income tax before lol

will doyle

You're not going to watch Josh's reaction?! But that's why we're all here! Whether the episode's good or bad, I'll always watch the reaction video. And you never know, he might spot something new as he often does. Anyway, it's what we're paying for, right?! 😆

slashdisco

I'll be honest whenever I've ever seen this episode on TV it's always had audience laughter with it, I now realise it must've been canned laughter, must be the only one in the whole show to have it. Quite a jarring episode, and Del does go a bit extreme but the opera and the shooting scenes were good. Edit: this must be an extended version, that opera scene goes on for far longer than I've ever seen, and there are few lines in here I've never heard before

Sam Dilks

I believe the producer's recommendation was that John end the series after the next episode - it was that badly received - and John knew it himself (the cut version only exists because he wanted to try and make it better). It's not terrible, but the characterisation is off, and with such a high bar we can also become quite critical in ways that some other series might not experience. Thankfully things are back on form from here on, and the finest is yet to come.

BertFredStan

I've heard from one other person that many people complained about this episode and have long searched for evidence of it yet come up empty-handed. I honestly feel like it's one of those apocryphal myths that everyone swears is true but has just misremembered. The pre-Ofcom regulator at the time was the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA). There's a lot of Internet mentions of other historical IBA complaints but nothing on this... could still have happened, of course, but strange there's no third-party reputable mention of it! Certainly, even if there were complaints, they'd have been summarily dismissed by the IBA on the basis that a fictional character behaving badly or differently to usual is not breach of the broadcasting code!

slashdisco

I'm so glad it's the full version without that awful laugh track.

Keith Pratt

Weird, I think this is my first time watching it without the laughter track

Zoë

I'm Mark, by the way, Hannah's my daughter and it's HER account!! hehe!! She wants me to point out that in no way do my comments reflect her views!!! And any bad language is ME!! Is that ok, Hannah?

Hannah

You might enjoy it now everybody's slagged it off!

Hannah

Tony Smyth

Hope you found the uncut version, if not your probably missing as much as 20 minutes.

NEXUS

Well, apart from the three final specials from 2001 to 2003... opinion continues to be very divided on those! But I agree, this is the episode that is generally still the worst received.

slashdisco

I'll give it a miss. Cheers though, Josh. One thing you can be sure of...they don't get as bad as this ever again!

Hannah

Without actually watching this episode, i know which one it is. This one actually caused a bit of a stir with the UK public when it was first broadcast due to the way Del Boy behaved. The BBC received so many complaints saying Del was out of character and it was disappointing. I agree....badly written in my opinion. That's just NOT Del Boy.

Hannah

Obviously haven't watched yet, Josh, but just wanted to say your reaction is no surprise, as this episode is very widely regarded as a low point of the series... read any review, either professional or on IMDB/fan sites, and everyone agrees it's terrible. Even the creator John Sullivan went on record to say he hated it. The main reason? Del's character is completely different in this episode. He's as brazen as ever but there's a harshness and cruelty to him here, and he's brash and crass but without the cleverness. He's especially horrible to Rodney, both in the way he embarrasses him but also actively hurts him. Put simply, this isn't the Del we love. I still personally like the episode (it's OFAH after all so still well written!) but there are far better episodes highlighting the lower-class/upper-class struggle, without making Del a nasty caricature.

slashdisco

I think this is the last episode where people have spilt opinions. From here on out there’s only classics to come

AWR93

Fair assessment Josh, I think this'll only be my 2nd time watching this episode in full as it's not one I'm very interested in rewatching either. Most of it feels really off although I do remember the opera scene being good. Will be interesting to see how I feel about it now. Still looking forward to your reaction though. After watching it 😐 oh god it was worse than I remembered. Usually Del is loveable even when he's scheming but in the second half of this he was just unbearable and unlikable. Just pretend it never happened ;) there are some great episodes coming up in the next couple of months to make up for it.

BelladonnicHazeyJaneII

I have to agree with other comments, I don’t have favourable memories of this episode, I think this is the last episode in the series I remember not being so keen on, I think from next week onwards all the episodes hit. Can’t wait to watch this regardless :)

Sam Owen

Yeah, this isn't one of my favourites; John Sullivan is an immensely talented writer but I feel he can't write aristocratic or upper class characters without resorting to snobby stereotypes. Del is out of character and rather cruel throughout. Next week is a belter though, in my opinion.

ALW

Your summary is pretty much how I feel about it, Del is kind of out of character, it just feels off - regardless of when it’s the cut down episode or not. There’s definitely some enjoyable moments of course, but still. The writer John Sullivan didn’t like it either

Kieran B