My Mum had been told me about this one-off made-for-TV special a few times, I recognised the two lead actors starring in it, and the plot sounded something like the film Deck the Halls, so I was hoping it would be worth it. Basically, Colin (Robson Green) and Howie (Mark Benton) are inseparable, being both best friends and brothers-in-law. Colin married Jackie (Nicola Stephenson) and Howie married her sister Pauline (Maxine Peake), and they are also next-door neighbours. They also work in the same parcel freight depot. But they have always competed against each other, ever since childhood, including football, girls, and clothes, and into adulthood, with cars, jobs, and houses. Most recently, they are scrapping for the coveted foreman's job, which Colin is jealous that Howie to get. Christmas is around the corner, taking their rivalry to extremes. When Howie decorates the exterior of his house, Colin finds himself competing to have the most lights. They both cover their houses with an ever-expanding and costly array of lights and colourful ornaments. Jackie tries to convince Colin that he has started a contest that Howie did not even begin and warns that his obsession is costing them. Howie meanwhile hopes to have children with Pauline, but medical issues may be causing problems. The continuing arguments between Colin and Howie trying to outdo each other and causing tension in their marriages and lifelong friendship. Eventually, Howie is forced to tell Colin that he has been tested positive for testicular cancer. Colin realises friendship is what really matters. To show his good will, on Christmas Eve, Colin brings Howie to witness the ignition of the lights, but Howie is surprised to find his own house has also been decorated with an equal flurry of fairy lights. It ends sometime later, when Howie has recovered, he, Colin, Jackie, friends, and family are in hospital as Pauline gives birth to her and Howie's child. Also starring Keith Clifford as Eric, Nicola Headley as Brooke, and Lee Worswick as Liam. Green is funny as the easily irritated one, and Benton is likeable as the more laidback one. It is a simple and funny enough story of competitive friends and neighbours, with one or two small serious subplots, the success of this special lead to spin-off series Northern Lights, and City Lights, a worthwhile seasonal comedy-drama. It was nominated the British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Drama. Good!
Review of Christmas Lights
