Still Game - Series 3 - Complete DVD (2002) (Box set) (2 Discs) (UK)

Im happy to say Still Game has gone from strength to strength as a series. This, its third series, is no exception. In fact, I think it a stronger series than the last one. What I like in this series - as with the earlier two - is the way that other characters in Craiglang have assumed a bigger importance than they enjoyed at the start of series 1.

On the one hand, you might say that F & G get an episode in the bag if they introduce a new character who suddenly returns; but on the other, you can see the wider perspective they bring to the series. Nowhere is this truer than the first episode, Hoaliday. The way we see Jack & Victor is altered, as we see the episode not through their eyes, but almost entirely through those of Jacks daughter, Mary, as Jack & Victor arrive at her familys house in Canada. While there arent as many laughs in the episode, it is by far the most moving of the series yet. It also compares & contrasts Craiglang & Canada with considerable care & humour. See the last scene of the show as The Clansmans regulars pass tacky souvenirs around at The Clansman to see what it is Im talking about.

Swottin is one of the best of the series. It shows J & Vs attempts to learn medical proficiency at Glasgow University . Why first aid & not the legal profession? Jack answers: Naw - wed be deid by then. The boys discover cheap beer & a pickled boaby, with hilarious resuilts. Meanwhile at The Clansman, Boaby decides to hold on a quiz night. But hes got his eye on The Clansman foxy new barmaid.

Big Yin sees veteran actor Clive Russell playing Big Innes who, like Shug in series 1, has a larger-than-life ability. The Neds are terrorising Craiglang, & Inness is summoned to sort them out. Yet this modern-day Samson has a flaw: Whatever you do, his wife warns the boys, Dont give him Miduri... The episode is my choice for the best one of the series.

Oot sees another guest star, this time in the form of Sylvester McCoy. He plays Archie, a reclusive hermit forced to leave the flat in which he has lived in for over half a century in almost total seclusion. Jack & Victor take him in & introduce him to the joys of modern Glasgow, cheesy burgers, & The Clansman. Aff sees the long-awaited appearance of Victors uncaring son, John. Will things go as smoothly for Victor, as a prank horribly backfires? And, for once, Winston has a legitimate complaint for the social office:

While I dont see why the company has release all six episodes of series 1 on a single DVD & all six episodes of series 3 on two, this collection is still a convenient, cost-effective way for Still Game fans, budding & existing, to complete their collection.

Still Games comedy is as true & real as ever without ever once straining to be Relevant. Still Game is as far from being a gritty slice-of-life or social-issues show. It is the next big thing, & by buying this DVD & the others, you can say you saw it first. If you liked this, you might like Chewin the Fat, Still Games parent show. And maybe The Karen Dunbar show as well.

Fans of the series, take note: for the first time, starting from series 4, Still Game will receive a UK-wide BBC release. It is long overdue.