Brush Strokes (1986–1991) User Reviews (11)

''Because of you, these things I do!''

[Rabical-91 · 8/10 · 3 December 2017]

Karl Howman first worked with John Esmonde and Bob Larbey when he was cast to replace Robert Lindsay as Jakey in the fifth ( and as it would turn out, final ) series of their R.A.F based sitcom 'Get Some In'. They must have been impressed by his acting prowess as in the mid '80's they penned this enjoyable little vehicle for him.

Howman was cast as Jacko, a self-confessed womaniser who works as a painter and decorator. With his wit and good-looks, he manages to charm any girl he meets, much to the envy of his friend Eric ( Mike Walling ), who is married to Jacko's sister Jean ( Nicky Croydon ).

However, Jacko's forward approach with the females often lands him in trouble with his grumpy boss Lionel ( Gary Waldhorn before he took off as David Horton in 'The Vicar Of Dibley' ), who is married to Veronica ( the lovely Elisabeth Counsell ) who seems to have a little soft spot for Jacko. They have a daughter, the prim and proper debutante Lesley ( the gorgeous Kim Thomson, then the equally gorgeous Erika Hoffman ), who almost has a thing going with Jacko. Eventually, Jacko develops a relationship with Lionel's secretary Sandra and later gets engaged to her. In later episodes, Veronica took over the running of the decorating firm after her husband died.

'Brush Strokes' was easy-going, unassuming entertainment which gave viewers a good laugh each time. Howman was great as the cheeky but likable Jacko, looking far more comfortable here than he did in 'Get Some In' ( but then in all fairness the act of Robert Lindsay is a pretty tough act to follow ). Gary Waldhorn also was wonderful and it was not the same after he left. The rest of the supporting cast, particular Jackie Lye ( who played Sandra ) and Howard Lew Lewis ( who played the slovenly barman Elmo at Jacko's local ), were excellent too. The latter was also to be seen at this time alongside Jimmy Mulville and Rory McGrath in their Roman Empire sitcom 'Chelmsford 123'.

Special note should also be made of the wonderful 'Because Of You' theme tune, provided by the underrated Dexys Midnight Runners.

Sadly, viewers were deprived of a happy ending, unlike in John Sullivan's earlier 'Just Good Friends', Jacko and Sandra did not make it to the altar.

'Brush Strokes' was re-ran on Paramount Comedy about ten years ago ( which was how I came to get into it ) but it has not been broadcast since. It has however been released on DVD in its entirety and makes for fun viewing. In 1992, Karl Howman took on the lead of another Esmonde and Larbey show - 'Mulberry'.

Better than expected

[evans-15475 · 8/10 · 8 February 2022]

Just been watching this for the 1st time had the impression it was sexist rubbish but I was pleasantly surprised nicely passes the time but I do feel it wasn't sure what it's aim was,another reviewer said it was un pc but in the 1st 4 episodes he dated a wheelchair user and a Jamaican,he never disrespected the women or manipulated them into bed like so many American comedies,so I felt it was trying to keep everyone happy,I would say it had a pr problem than a pc one.

Something lacking

[marktayloruk · 6/10 · 2 January 2021]

Hard to put my finger on it. This bird bandit had too.much of a conscience.

Well I'd drink there.....

[drummie · 20 May 1999]

This show centred around Jacko, a self-professed ladies man, who as a builder and decorator worked in many a housewife's kitchen. However, the real strength of the show was in the supporting cast, especially Howard Lew Lewis as Elmo Putney, owner and manager of the worst pub in London. He would scare away the customers with his full-on attempts at friendliness and salesmanship, and his finest hour was when he refurbished the pub into a wine bar, resplendent in flamingo pink and lace curtains everywhere. pressed to come up with a stylish, continental-sounding name for the new bistro, he chose "Elmo Putney's Wine Bar". He made the show what it was, a great half-hour each week!

Cracking writing

[riggo-73503 · 9/10 · 20 April 2020]

Brilliant non pc writing... of an age gone by like the Likely Lads it's just brilliant lad comedy This does show consequences of Jackos life This brings back so many memories... love Gary Waldhorn and miss Elmo

Zero stars

[guyosborn-72690 · 1/10 · 10 November 2023]

Puerile, shameful, not funny, ugly cast, poor writing, awful direction. The sort of show that makes me ashamed to be British. We produce so much good comedy but also so much bad "comedy". This reminds me of "Love thy neighbour", Eastenders, The only way is Essex, 90% of ITV comedies - my parents would not allow us to watch ITV comdies because of how poor they were. This was almost as bad as Gracie Fields, Arthur Askey, that awful show about a department store "I'm free" "oooo, I'd best get home to feed my pussy". Shocking how the nation that produces the greatest comedies produces something that is as bad as South American dramas and African soaps.

nights to remember.

[arnold_beverley · 10/10 · 19 August 2017]

i have watched this show many years ago on TV have now just finished watching it again my regret is that i have finished and now i am wishing there had been a lot more series to watch at least i have it all on DVD so can watch again in years to come because i know they would never remake this show again in modern times as the critics would accuse jacko as being a sexist pig my how times have changed very thin skins these days so if you get the chance to watch the show relax enjoy and throw a big raspberry to all the sad sacks and remember sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me.

Great show!

[gareth423 · 4 July 2004]

Yet another example of BBC Americas failure to show great stuff from their extensive catalogue of gems.

This show was actually a big hit and had the tabloids going over the antics of Jacko. Not only that but it brings back fond memories of home that a lot of shows totally miss!!

I hope it's on DVD soon!!

Jacko was a lovable rogue with a way with the ladies that had any woman in Britain over 30 dying to meet him!! At least for the first 2-3 seasons. It was fun, family entertainment. I guess you might equate its popularity to citizen smith.

I cringe at the suits choices of what they release in the US, and their spectacular money losing remakes, but it would be lovely to see a show like this doing a run somewhere!!...Oh and did I say DVD PLEASE!

If only they'd bring this back...

[colinpeppiatt · 2 July 2002]

Even if they just repeated the episodes again. This programme was truly brilliant. So well acted, so well written, so funny, and nice and clean, with likeable characters such as Jacko and Elmo. I loved this programme!

Just one word for you, GREAT!!

[pedro802005 · 1 December 2004]

Brush strokes, a great lighthearted serial comedy following the life's of painter and decorator Jacko(Karl Howman), his friends and Lionel Bainbridge, in Motspur Park, South London. Jacko's a true ladies man, who never wants to settle down (thou he nearly does at the end of the second series). Great supporting cast especially the stunning Lesley Bainbridge played by kim Thompson,(series 1) and Erika Hoffman(Series 2-5). Always wanted Jacko to end up with her! Also pub landlord Elmo Putney(Howard Lewis) is a classic character always giving me a laugh, and who could forget Jacko's boss Lionel Bainbridge superbly portrayed by Gary Waldrom. Best episodes are in series 1 during the time Jacko's dating Lesley(of course!!) also when Elmo tries to impress Jacko's airline steward friend in series 1, and in series 2 when Elmo hires Lesley to work in the pub-QUALITY!!!!

Sad sad day

[nbpelvicthrust · 4 July 2020]

Today i finished watching the last series. Again. After 20 years. Not only does it leave us hanging Mike Walling has just died.