Watch Till Death Us Do Part
- TV-PG
- 2018
- 1 Season
-
7.3 (1,029)
Till Death Us Do Part is a classic British sitcom that aired on the BBC from 1965 to 1975. The show follows the life of a working-class family living in East London during the 1960s and 70s. The main character, Alf Garnett (played by Warren Mitchell), is a deeply opinionated and bigoted man who holds conservative views on race, politics, and society in general.
Alf Garnett is the head of the Garnett family and his wife, Else (played by Dandy Nichols), is the long-suffering and patient wife who tries to keep Alf's temper in check. Their daughter, Rita (played by Una Stubbs), is a young woman who is trying to find her way in the world while dealing with her father's prejudices. Finally, Alf's son-in-law, Mike (played by Anthony Booth), is a socialist who clashes with Alf over his views on class and politics.
The show was groundbreaking for its time as it tackled controversial and taboo issues such as racism, abortion, homosexuality, and politics. The show's humor was based on Alf's constant stream of offensive comments and his inability to see beyond his narrow worldview. This made the show both hilarious and uncomfortable to watch at times.
One of the most memorable aspects of the show was Alf's catchphrase, "You silly old moo," which he used to insult Else whenever he was annoyed with her. Another iconic moment was the episode where Alf meets Muhammad Ali and tries to prove that he is just as good as the world champion boxer. The show also tackled issues such as Alf's fear of immigrants, his resistance to modern technology, and his distrust of authority figures.
As the show progressed, it became more political and featured more episodes dealing with wider societal issues. This was in part due to the changing political climate in the late 60s and early 70s, with the rise of feminism, the civil rights movement, and the anti-Vietnam war protests. The show was also influenced by the changing attitudes of the younger generation towards social issues, which were reflected in Mike's character.
Till Death Us Do Part was a hugely popular show that ran for eight years and spawned many spin-offs and adaptations. The show was also remade in the US under the title All in the Family, which went on to become one of the most successful sitcoms of all time.
In conclusion, Till Death Us Do Part is a classic British sitcom that tackled controversial and taboo issues with humor and irreverence. The show's enduring popularity is a testament to its groundbreaking nature and the strength of its characters. While the show's views may be out of step with modern sensibilities, it remains an important cultural artifact that captures a particular moment in British history.