10 Best Only Fools And Horses Episodes

10. May The Force Be With You

All this trouble for a microwave oven.

This episode marked the first appearance of the ultimate bent copper and all-round a***hole Roy Slater, played excellently by Jim Broadbent (who was once tipped to play Del). He's accidentally invited round to the flat by Rodney after Del Boy came into possession of a stolen microwave. The family are brought into custody and Detective Slater uses every underhanded trick in the book to get the Trotters to give up the thief's name.

Del has always prided himself on being able to get out of any situation with his infamous silver tongue. Here though, Slater knows all of his tricks and it makes the audience wonder just how he, Rodney or Grandad will get out unscathed.

This episode shows just how far Derek is willing to go for his family, putting himself at risk so that they can walk free, but it also shows how he's able to take advantage of a situation. The way he plays off Slater's relentlessness and willingness to throw anyone to the dogs is excellent. It's one of the most satisfying moments in the whole show.