I watched this last night (recorded it already)- and no, can't say i loved it- you're all correct about marriette, she is way too old! Are there no good YOUNG lady actors out there, ready for her big break, as Catherine Zeta Jones was in the original?(that did her a world of good!) The young lad playing their son was ok, but i thought in previous show- ' darling buds' they had more boys? In fact, more kids in general than in this new version?And Bradley Walsh is no match for the great David Jason.Ma Larkin was ok, but i won't go out of my way to watch this in future- only if there's nothing else on.Its not 'true to life' as per a coloured tax man in that era either really, in true life there were fewer good job opportunities for the fewer coloured people who were in Britain- and the programme makers couldnt have made a more stark contrast between the two actors if they tried.Also it all seemed a bit forced to be honest, like they were all trying too hard.I didnt realise its been done before the David Jason version on tv as well?- apparently 'The Larkins' was on screen in black & white in 1958- 60 then 2 further series in 1963- 64 with peggy mount &David Kossoff.I dont remember that im not old enough,(wasnt born till 63) but its listed as a 'comedy'- does anyone on here remember it?