Rock & Chips

"Rock & Chips" is a delightful British comedy-drama television series, produced by Lionsgate in 2010. This prequel to the long-running British sitcom "Only Fools and Horses" is designed to provide a backstory to the endearing and popular characters fans grew to love during the original show's run.

Set in 1960s London, "Rock & Chips" is imbued with a sense of nostalgia, buttressed with the typical British working-class humour and charm. Luxuriate in the cockney accents, the old-world East End ambiance, full of its rowdy pubs, fish 'n' chip shops, bustling markets, and iconic cityscapes— a characteristic tapestry that narrates the tale of the Trotter family and their associates.

The primary protagonist is a young, charming, yet somewhat naive, Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter (played by James Buckley). A natural born huckster, "Del Boy" is seen trying to launch his wheeling-dealing career, selling everything from dubious quality vinyl records to dodgy cleaning fluid, all picked up from the local market. Despite limited formal education, Del firmly maintains a belief in his charm and business acumen to get the better of any situation he stumbles into.

The narrative also develops the character of Joan Trotter, Del's mother (played by Kellie Bright), showcasing her complex married life with the work-shy husband, Reg (played by Shaun Dingwall). Joan, who is an idealistic and beautiful woman, regularly bears the brunt of family strife. She not only manages the tight household budget, but also maintains a precarious balance in mending the fragmented family dynamics.

Further enriching the narrative, we meet the much younger versions of characters like 'Boycie', 'Trigger', and 'Denzil', embellishing the storyline with their camaraderie, wit, and unique quirks. Stephen Lloyd reprises Nicholas Lyndhurst's iconic role of the notorious yet affable Freddie 'The Frog' Robdal, whose mysterious and complicated relationship with the Trotter family forms a crucial subplot.

"Rock & Chips" was developed and written by John Sullivan, the creator of "Only Fools and Horses," and this continuity ensures the preservation of the original series' essence. The show remarkably maintains the original's delicate combination of humor and poignant moments, depicting the struggles, dreams, and nuances of a typical working-class family in post-war London.

The sixties' backdrop furnishes the perfect playground to unpack the complexity of these characters in their younger years. The show's costume and set design flawlessly recreate the era, right from the distinct clothing trends, vintage cars and the classic details of everyday household items of that period.

Despite being a prequel, "Rock & Chips" does not rely solely on nostalgia or fans' familiarities but grabs attention by being a distinct narrative with outstanding performances, sharp scripts, and an absorbing storyline. The show is not just the story of 'Del Boy' Trotter and his future gang of lovable misfits. It's a story about family, ambition, and the pursuit of the 'good life', as well as a snapshot of a bygone era, expertly capturing the cultural and socio-economic atmosphere of South London in the swinging sixties.

Whether you're a fan of the original "Only Fools and Horses," a newcomer to the world of the Trotters, or just someone looking for a quality sitcom with a blend of comedy and drama packed with an excellent plot, "Rock & Chips" is an entertaining watch. Providing not just laughter but also tapping into the wider realities of life, with its fair share of trials and tribulations, this show is a gratifying mix of the upbeat and the poignant, offering a genuine slice of 1960s South London life.