houndtang75 Review of Big Deal

Big Deal (1984–1986)

It's no big deal to take a chance against the odds....

[9/10 · 1 September 2006]

I used to really like 'Big Deal' when I was about 10 but hadn't seen it for 20 odd years so was pleasantly surprised with the DVD release of the first series. I thought that like much 80s TV it probably would seem slow and dated but it's held up rather well. An entertaining show, with a good balance of comedy and drama, which gets quite dark in the later episodes, 'Big Deal' has a very likable leading performance from Ray Brooks for whom this was something of a comeback after his 60s success in 'Cathy Come Home' and 'The Knack' (and, of course, 'Daleks Invasion Earth 2150AD'). Good supporting cast too with some amusing and well drawn characters. The sort of programme that everyone remembers fondly but never gets a mention in the media or a repeat showing, 'Big Deal' also boasts one of the more memorable TV theme tunes (sung by Bobby Gubby of Bucks Fizz!).