STILL GEMS

OUR VERDICT

IS THERE a more eagerly anticipated show on telly than the new Still Game? Since it roared back into our lives 18 months ago, the Craiglang auld team have had a new lease of life and it’s an absolute delight to report that the new series lives up to the high standards we’ve come to expect. While most sitcoms eventually evolve into gentle soapy melodrama with overly familiar characters, Greg Hemphill and Ford Kiernan continue to strike that incredible balance of touching drama and pure caustic wit that keeps it as fresh as ever. These characters have been part of all our telly lives for almost 20 years, but there’s still moments of surprise that lift it above other comedies.

Last night’s opener, Fly Fishing, was fantastic – perennially put-upon Winston was without a roof and looking for a doss while he gets asbestos removed from his flat. Isa was on full-on nosey parker form, trying to sniff out a surprise party for her impending 70th birthday. Meanwhile Boaby was trying to gentrify the Clansman to boost his profits, horrifying the regulars.

It was a great ensemble turn last night but special shout out to the awesome Jane McCarry, left, who gave one of her best ever performances as Isa.

Every single episode of season seven was a laugh-out-loud classic punctuated with wee gems of heartfelt, bittersweet drama. And the old gits have done it again going by last night’s cracker.

The golden age of telly has hit Scotland – Scot Squad was brilliant fun last year, we’ve just had the fabulous Two Doors Down enjoy a cracking run and now the champs are back in the ring.