Admittedly the subject matter of a 'divorced and separated' encounter group would at first appear to be a rather depressing basis for comic potential. However such is the inherent writing genius of John Sullivan that by creating such classically memorable characters whose interaction and unique observations on life help to make "Dear John" such a comic masterpiece. Effectively series lead is recently separated language teacher John Lacy played brilliantly with dour dead pan delivery by Ralph Bates. He strikes up an initial platonic friendship with the 'frigid' Kate (Belinda Lang in her third highly successful comedic role (the others being 'Bill' in "2 point 4 children" and Liza in "Second Thoughts")) whom has such a wonderful acerbic relationship with Kirk. Peter Blake gives an over ebullient performance as the cool, insensitive medallion man 'Kirk St Moritz'. Replete with his national health specs and 'motorcycle combination' the ardent train-spotting, nervous Ralph is portrayed… more »

Admittedly the subject matter of a 'divorced and separated' encounter group would at first appear to be a rather depressing basis for comic potential. However such is the inherent writing genius of John Sullivan that by creating such classically memorable characters whose interaction and unique observations on life help to make "Dear John" such a comic masterpiece. Effectively series lead is recently separated language teacher John Lacy played brilliantly with dour dead pan delivery by Ralph Bates. He strikes up an initial platonic friendship with the 'frigid' Kate (Belinda Lang in her third highly successful comedic role (the others being 'Bill' in "2 point 4 children" and Liza in "Second Thoughts")) whom has such a wonderful acerbic relationship with Kirk. Peter Blake gives an over ebullient performance as the cool, insensitive medallion man 'Kirk St Moritz'. Replete with his national health specs and 'motorcycle combination' the ardent train-spotting, nervous Ralph is portrayed with a slightly haunting disposition by Peter Denyer. Sitting quietly at the back and rather overshadowed by these well defined individuals you have the rather reserved Mrs Arnott (Jean Challis) a well spoken attendee whom occasionally chips in with unexpected effect. The 'one-to-one' group's coordinator is the socially aspiring and slightly off-putting brusque and inquisitive Louise played with marvellous gusto by Rachel Bell. Adding to this core character line up the series is further embellished by Sylvia (Lucinda Curtis playing a lady with a particularly irritating nervous laugh personality), Mrs Lemenski (Irene Prador as John's acerbic foreign next door neighbour), Wendy (Wendy Allnutt as John's ex-wife), Mike (Tim Pearce playing John's Welsh best friend and Wendy's new 'live in' boyfriend) and Rick (Kevin Lloyd playing a one-hit-wonder faded 60s pop star). In my opinion this series is long overdue a suitably thorough DVD release and it is my sincerest wish that it gains the same lavish 'box set' treatment that has previously been bestowed on both "Fawlty Towers" and "The Young Ones", it is certainly worth it!