Still Open All Hours Season 1 Episode 101 Pilot: Christmas Special 2013

Pilot: Christmas Special 2013 is the introductory episode of the British sitcom Still Open All Hours, which first aired on December 26th, 2013 on BBC One. This spin-off of the popular series Open All Hours created by Roy Clarke, features David Jason reprising his role as Granville, the errand boy who has grown up and now runs the corner shop in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

As the title suggests, the episode takes place on Christmas Day, and Granville is getting ready to close the shop for the holiday but not before he has finished serving the last-minute shoppers and making some extra profit. As usual, the shop is packed with a bunch of eccentric regulars with their idiosyncrasies, adding to the comedy and the nostalgic atmosphere of the episode.

There is Nurse Gladys Emmanuel (Lynda Baron), whom Granville has a secret crush on and still wants to impress even after all these years. She comes to the shop to get some last-minute items, including some special tights for the parade. There is also the enthusiastic Leroy (Nina Wadia), the hairdresser from next door who is always eager to help Granville, even when he doesn't ask for it. There is Mr Newbold (Tim Healy), the grumpy old customer who is always asking for a discount. And, of course, there are the various eccentric customers popping in and out of the shop, asking for all sorts of things.

The episode also introduces us to some new characters, the most amusing and entertaining of which is Granville's son, Leroy. It turns out that Granville has fathered a child with a lady from Birmingham, and he has come to Doncaster to meet his father and his grandfather. The awkwardness between the three generations is priceless, and Leroy's curiosity about the family business and the peculiarities of the shop's patrons provides some amusing moments.

Another highlight of the episode is the return of the original shop owner, Arkwright's (Ronnie Barker) ghost, who haunts the shop and gives Granville some advice on how to run the business. Although it's sad that Ronnie Barker passed away in 2005, his presence is still felt in the show, thanks to the clever use of nostalgic flashbacks and old recordings.

The plot of the episode revolves around the typical shenanigans of Granville trying to sell some useless merchandise to his customers. He convinces Mr Newbold to buy some Tupperware containers and repurposes old lottery tickets as wrapping paper. He also tries to sell Nurse Emmanuel some red lipstick and perfume, hoping to impress her with his attempt to change his image. All these tactics prove to be unsuccessful, but they provide some laughter and light-hearted moments.

The episode also includes some touching scenes, as Granville reminisces about his past and wonders about his future. He visits the cemetery to pay his respects to his friends and mentors, such as Mr Arkwright, and reflects on his own mortality. He also has a heart-to-heart conversation with his son, Leroy, about life, love, and the importance of family.

The Pilot: Christmas Special 2013 is a perfect introduction to the world of Still Open All Hours. It captures the essence of the original series, with its quirky characters, witty dialogue, and gentle humor, while adding some fresh elements and modern twists. The episode sets up the premise of the show and the relationships between the characters, leaving the audience wanting more.

Overall, the Pilot: Christmas Special 2013 is a delightful, heartwarming, and hilarious episode that will charm both fans of the original series and newcomers alike. It's a perfect way to kick off the new show and to celebrate the holidays with some good old-fashioned comedy.