Watch One Foot in the Grave

One Foot in the Grave is a British sitcom that aired from 1990-2001 starring Richard Wilson, Annette Crosbie, and Doreen Mantle. It centers around the life of Victor Meldrew, an embittered retiree who is constantly plagued by misfortunes and bad luck. The show is known for its dark humor and the way it sheds a light on the more unpleasant aspects of life, such as bureaucracy, aging, and the human condition. The character of Victor is particularly memorable due to his constant complaining and his tendency to take things very seriously. Despite the bleak themes, the show is often hilarious and laced with a dry wit that appeals to audiences across generations.

The series begins with Victor reluctantly retiring from his job as a security guard and moving with his wife, Margaret, to a quiet suburban neighborhood. From here, the show follows the misadventures of the couple as they navigate their new life and the various obstacles that come their way. Along the way, they encounter memorable characters such as the obnoxious neighbor Patrick, played by Angus Deayton, and the overbearing couple Geoffrey and Marion, played by Richard Lumsden and Janine Duvitski.

One of the most prominent themes of One Foot in the Grave is the way in which bureaucracy and trivialities can drive a person to despair. Victor is often at the mercy of such systems, whether it's trying to apply for a new job or simply trying to get a repairman to fix something in his home. This leads to some of the most memorable moments of the show, such as when Victor gets caught in an endless maze of automated phone systems or when he becomes convinced that someone is spying on him.

Another recurring theme is the way in which aging can be a difficult and even terrifying experience. Victor's advancing years are constantly on display, from his struggles with hearing loss to his health issues. This is mirrored in the character of Margaret, who also has her own struggles with aging and the changes it brings. The show handles these themes with a delicate balance of humor and seriousness, making for a poignant viewing experience.

Perhaps the most notable aspect of One Foot in the Grave is the way in which it subverts expectations. The main character is not a lovable hero, but rather a grumpy and often unpleasant man who is prone to fits of anger and resentment. And yet, despite this, the show manages to humanize him and make viewers empathize with his frustrations. This is thanks in large part to the excellent writing and acting, which combine to create complex, multi-layered characters.

Overall, One Foot in the Grave is a classic British sitcom that remains beloved to this day. It's a show about everyday life, with all its joys and frustrations, and the way in which we navigate the challenges of existence. With its dark humor and memorable characters, it's easy to see why the show has endured for so long and continues to be a favorite of audiences around the world.

One Foot in the Grave is a series that ran for 6 seasons (40 episodes) between and on BritBox