The Complete Steptoe & Son - Region 2 DVD

The situation of the sit-com is, of course, a father and son running their scrap metal business. But the ‘com’ comes in droves, starting from the wonderful pairing of Wilfred Brambell and Harry H Corbett in the leading roles. It’s hard to think of a finer piece of comedy pairing in a British television programme of this ilk, and their relationship is very much the core of what makes Steptoe and Son great.

Credit, however, must also going to comedy writing legends Galton and Simpson. The genius of their scripts was they needed no gimmicks, and no tricks. Instead, good, honest, well-written dialogue that had no problem with pushing the boundaries of the time generated the laughs, and Steptoe and Son has them in abundance.

Is Steptoe and Son the best sit-com in British television history? Well, that’s open to debate. But what isn’t up for argument is that it’s certainly one of the very best, and thanks to this comprehensive boxset, it’s one that continues to live on and find its audience. Unmissable. --Simon Brew