Last Tango in Halifax

I loved it too. I don't think the "son" is after anything in particular, but he had really pi**ed that snobby Celia off which can only be a good thing. I wonder is Ann Reid is playing "herself" a bit in this character?

Excellent writing. Like you soutra I am beginning to realise that i dont particularly like Celia, and yes she is like Peggy Archer! I understand that she is saddened to find out about the affair, but surely she must appreciate that Alan is not like her late husband. Also, the revelation that she did not attend her daughter's graduation was a bit of a hint of her character. I was however, very disappointed when Caroline snubbed lovely Alan at the wedding. The vibrator that wouldn't turn off in the supermarket was very funny.

I find it is refreshing for the characters not to be sugary sweet. The conflict of emotions between the daughter and mother is very interesting and reflects some conflicts that are sometimes posted on forums like this one.

Anne Reid's character reflects a person who has deep convictions about right and wrong. She is clearly devasted that her husband is just like her previous husband. All the sub plots must be rocking all her values.

I think it is very well written and acted. x

I realise I have never liked (the character) Celia - no criticism of the acting - and wonder what "Alan" sees in her. She makes me think of Peggy Archer. OK I know they're not real.

I too would have liked just a little more "feel good" humour in last night's episode.

Yes Rosesarered, I still watch it, it does seem to be compulsive. It didn't improve last night, even more gossiping and unpleasantness, and as for not attending her daughter's wedding, how nasty was that? Very selfish I thought and a very bitchy ending. I wonder where Sally Wainwright gets all this from and when there will be something cheerful happening.

Cazthebookworm I agree with everything you said........ but, in spite of all that I still find myself watching and enjoying it all!
The only thing missing though, was any humour in the writing in this particular episode, but as it was only the first in this 3rd series, hopefully that will come later.

I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I love Last Tango too, it is something you can sit back and watch without wondering what it is all about and cringing at some of the language. I wonder how many of you can remember when the BBC did 'live' pantomime on Christmas Day? No recording then, and the one that always sticks in my mind is Cinderella with Chris Michelmore (?) it was in black and white! There were also the visits by celebrities to children's hospital wards where presents were handed out. The rubbish that was on over this holiday period was shocking to say the least.

Iam64 It's a Wonderful Life was on, the week of Christmas I think.

I love Last Tango, fantastic actors, wonderful scenery, shots of Bolton school, Sarah Lancashire is a fine actor and the music is good as well. Sally Wainwright is a real talent. She also wrote Happy Valley, set in the same kind of Yorkshire/Lancashire borderlands, in this case, Hebdon Bridge. The woman's a genius Evidently, she had Sarah Lancashire in mind, to play the sergeant in Happy Valley. A fine actor.

I do agree that Christmas tv has been so disappointing. I don't watch a lot of tv, but would certainly have enjoyed something like The Great Escape or It's a Wonderful Life

I was thinking about what TV was like years ago at Christmas. Although there were always the old film favourites - It's a Wonderful Life, The Great Escape, etc. - there were also some "new" films to see. I suppose now all the more recent films are bought up by the paid for TV channels or film subscription companies.

Christmas telly has been a disgrace. Nothing but films, films, films, more films and endless repeats. We didn't watch TV over Christmas itself but we were quite looking forward to a bit of couch potato relaxation once everyone had left.

No chance. There was no escape from endless films so DH retreated to his shed and I tackled the laundry.

I really really love this programme, but was staying with relatives at the time. Cant wait to watch it on catch up. You are also right that the rest of Christmas telly was abysmal, most of the time I haven't even had the telly on. Don't suppose that's a bad thing!

Me too NanKate. We lived there from 1965 (me) and all his life (DH) until 2003 so it feels like seeing "home" and we recognise so many places. The accents are good too - but did just notice Sir Derek doesn't always get his glottal stop "t'" quite spot on! It's very hard for a non-Yorkshire person to get it right and is always a give-away to we natives! Brilliant writing though.

Loved it!

I enjoyed every second. I love Sally Wainwright's writing. She apparently got offered to be bought out some years ago but turned them down and created RED productions. Good on her, she's fantastic and someone to look up to.

I want Alan and Celia's quilt cover!

I thought it was good.

So many disfunctional people, over imaginative writing, all very implausible I'm afraid. I think Derek Jacobi is miscast and boring, would be better off in a Shakespearean role, and Anne Reid plays the same sort of role she has been playing for years. Very disappointed !

Mishap - I think Head teacher is played by Sarah Lancashire who many years ago was in Coronation Street - girlfriend of Curly Watts.

Very disappointing!

We enjoyed it. Know people who most of the story lines have happened to, but perhaps we just know some odd people I think Derek Jacobi is amazing, so versatile.

On the basis that Rupert Graves doesn't play nice guys very often, I reckon he's up to no good.

Just to find out who his dad is, like most people.

I enjoyed it but it was rather far fetched. The newly found son seems a bit creepy to me. Is he after something do you think?