Cold Feet Series 5 [DVD] [1997]

The irresistible wit, comedy and drama we have come to expect from Cold Feet is again obvious in Series 5, but the lives of the ensemble of friends have changed almost beyond recognition. Adam (James Nesbitt) and Rachel (Helen Baxendale) are preoccupied with baby son Matthew, the stable Marsden family has disbanded and fall-guy Pete looks to have found true love at last. It seems wholly appropriate that Cold Feet should end at this juncture and it's all the more fitting that the show is given such a first-class send off. That's not to say that everything is conveniently tidied up in the final episode, nor that the series has run its course to the point of becoming dull. There's still much to enjoy in this fifth series, a triumph of scriptwriting, acting and production values that stands on a level with anything from the previous episodes, or indeed with anything else on television.

Simply put, it's the astonishing twist in the tale that singles this series out as the right place to stop. Cold Feet devotees will be hard pushed to hold back the tears in what is an emotional rollercoaster ride. It's all the more credible for the way it's presented: there's no over-the-top dramatics, no over-long sentimentality and no over-acting to speak of.

Writer Mike Bullen insists he penned his best script for the final episode of the final series. Few would disagree, for the conclusion soars above the inevitable difficulties in ending this long-running comedy-drama to deliver a highly memorable finale. Frankly it's impossible to imagine how this unique show could have ended any better. --David Thwaites

Aspect ratio: 16:9 anamorphic

Sound: English Stereo

Britain's favourite thirtysomethings are reunited for this hugely popular series, which follows the trials and tribulations of marriage, sex, friendship and parenthood, with both hilarious and poignant results.

The new series opens with the aftermath of series four's tear-jerking climax in Australia. Rachel gave birth to a healthy baby boy after months of turmoil for her and Adam; Pete and Jo tied the knot after convincing everyone -- including themselves -- that they were meant for each other; and David was left reeling after Karen was forced to confess her affair.

We pick up six months later on their return from Sydney. Adam and Rachel embark on family life with their little boy Matt, with realisation dawning on Adam that baby definitely makes three. Pete and Jo return from Australia to find life with mother-in-law is not quite as sunny as Sydney. David and Karen discover that an amicable divorce is not as easy as it might seem, and Ramona is taking a few siestas with a local lifeguard.