Top 10 Episodes of Only Fools and Horses

The series ran for a total of 64 episodes between 1981 and 2003

Only Fools and Horses has gone on to become a staple of British comedy sitcoms. Following the ups and downs of hooky gear dealer Derek “Del Boy” Trotter, his younger brother Rodney and their dimwitted Grandad (later war veteran Uncle Albert), you were guaranteed a laugh, a funny twist, and sometimes even a tear to your eye.

But, which are the best stories featuring the Trotter family? We’ve got you covered with our top 10 episodes.

10. Tea For Three (5×04)

“Get up nice and high, Del, ay…you might get a tan(!)”

Del and Rodney are no stranger to falling for the ladies, but what if they fall for the same one? When Trigger’s niece travels to Peckham, the Trotter brothers find themselves competing for her affection.

What starts out as simple one liners to one up each other in front of the lovely Lisa, ends with Rodney getting one hell of a sunburn and Del going hand-gliding.

With some hysterical double-crossing and a funny note to finish it all on, this is easily a must-see episode.

9. Wanted (3×06)

“The case of The Peckham Pouncer…”

How far will Del go to wind his kid brother up, exactly? Well, this gives you a good idea! When Rodney helps a drunken woman from tumbling over, she accuses him of trying to touch her. This leaves Rodney in a panic, and when he confides in Del, the older of the brothers quickly realises he’s bumped into Blossom – Peckham’s resident loon and girl who cries wolf. However, instead of calming his brother down with the truth, good old Del Boy goes all in on the wind up and makes Rodney think he’s a wanted man.

The episode gives a real look into the brotherly relationship between Del and Rodney, especially how out of hand it can get. Overall, it’s a well executed episode and also has the rare occasion of Del realising he owes Rodney an apology. A really great back and forth between the two.

8. The Miracle of Peckham (5×02)

“This isn’t a miracle…it’s a flaming leak!”

When Del get’s religious, is that necessarily all he’s go on his mind? Del, when going to confession, ends up witnessing a miracle with the church’s father – a statue of Mary crying.

As you’d imagine, Del Boy sees an opportunity to make a quick buck and before you know it, the church has a media store surrounding it. But of course, not all is as it seems, and Del is in a soaking wet middle of it all.

Another big example of the risks Del will take to up his bank balance, and also one of the rare episodes to have Rodney in his own B-plot that is just as funny as the main story.

7. A Touch of Glass (2×07)

“Brace yourself, Rodney, brace yourself.”

Probably the show’s most iconic episode. The Trotter’s, by chance, help a member of aristocracy back to her home. Before they head home, Del swindles his way into being hired to clean some priceless chandeliers in the mansion.

Before long, everything seem to be going swell and it’s a simple enough job…that’s until you realise there’s only minutes until the end of the episode. In a hysterical twist, Grandad loosens the bolt on the other chandelier from the one Del and Rodney are prepped to handle from the ceiling.

Just a perfect example of showing how nothing can go right for this family, no matter how simple it may seem. This episode arguably put the show on the map.

6. Sleeping Dogs Lie (4×05)

“Albert’s been on the Bob Martins!”

Would you really trust The Trotter clan to look after your pet? Del and Rodney agree to look after Boycie and Marlene’s pet dog Duke. Little do they know he’s a great dane!

From the moment Dukey is in their care, the brothers hit problem after problem. Del has to do his best dog impression over the phone. Duke is expected to be on his death bed. Even Albert gets dragged into the mess they make!

This could almost be adapted into a comedy film. You can’t help but cringe and laugh as things keep getting worse over the course of the episode’s 25 minutes.

5. The Longest Night (5×03)

“An hour ago you were the man of mystery; now we know your name, your address and your mum’s shoe size!”

The Trotter’s go for a normal weekly shop, and when they end up in the manager’s office they get held hostage by a thief, self named as The Shadow.

As the family, The Shadow, the store’s security guard and store manager all wait somewhat patiently for the office safe to open, you realise a lot can happen with The Trotters around, even in a hostage situation.

We get hilarious moments from all main cast members, and the twist of the episode is pretty unexpected all in all. Just be thankful Del Boy has a good reputation around Peckham.

4. Happy Returns (4×01)

“Yer mother-in-law would’ve yer aunt, yer wife would’ve been yer second cousin. God knows what that would’ve made Grandad – the Fairy Godmother I should think.”

both Trotter brothers think they’ve struck gold when Del runs into an ex fiancé and Rodney starts a romance with a girl he sees a future with.

But, when it’s discovered that Del Boy’s ex fiancé is the mother of Rodney’s new beau, and some history between them is unearthed, it makes for an uncomfortable conversation between the Trotters.

It’s a nice, extended peek into Del’s history as a romancer and it makes for an unexpected plot when Del realises he may be a dad. A normal episode, but one that seems to be very re-watchable.

3. Strained Relations (4×02)

“Boomerang Trotter always comes back!”

Easily one of the saddest episodes in the entire run of the series, but also one of the best. This episode features the characters of the show laying dearly loved Grandad to rest (due to the untimely death of Leonard Pearce). But out of this comes a new old timer in the shape of Uncle Albert, Grandad’s brother.

The episode kicks off the introduction of Albert’s war stories and his habit of being a bad penny. A sweet introduction for a character who goes on to be a fan favourite.

An introduction that is executed smartly by still managing to weigh in on the emotional toll of losing Grandad Trotter. Expect to maybe wipe away a tear when Del unleashes his grief and longingly grips Grandad’s arm chair.

2. Yuppy Love (6×01)

“I think we’re onto a winner here, Trig…”

This episode holds one of the most iconic moments of not just Only Fools, but British comedy. As Rodney continues going to his evening class and has eyes for a classmate, Del embraces the yuppy lifestyle after watching Wall Street one too many times, leading him to a wine bar where he tries to blend in. Tries to blend in that is.

As Rodney tries to make a good impression with Cassandra (in her first appearance on the show), Del annoys the snobs of London as expected and even Trigger gets in on the yuppy scene, which leads us into Del Boy’s finest moment ever.

Not only an introduction for Rodney’s future wife, but another example of him and Del having separate stories and being able to have us howling independently. This is one for the ages.

1. Heroes and Villains (1996 Xmas Special)

“…It’s Batman.”

At the top of the list is the first of the 1996 Christmas Specials: Heroes and Villains. As Del works to get a home improvement grant and deals with Raquel’s family getting back in touch, Rodney has to cope with owning a rabbit and “baby business” with Cassandra.

However, when both women head off on trips, Del and Rodney decide to head to a fancy dress party and bag a prize for the best costumes. As Del puts it, “as the cats are away, the mice will come out and play”. Little do they know, the costume party arrangements have been changed and the Trotters find themselves in an awkward situation.

This episode at the time made you sad that it’d been years since you last caught this clan in action. A really good return to form for the show and proof that writer/creator John Sullivan couldn’t write a bad episode of this show. High energy and enjoyment from start to finish.

–

Like our choices for Only Fools and Horses’ top 10 episodes? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!