Cold Feet Series 5 [DVD] [1997]

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

As far as the show has gone, I thought series 3 was the funniest. But series 5 goes beyond comedy and reached something deep inside me, something only the late great American show "Once & Again" has ever done. The tragedy at the end of CF was so raw and unsettling it practically took my breath away. Nesbitt and Norris are astonishing in the last couple of episodes. Having just seen the final episode last night, I still have a lingering feeling of loss tempered with muted optimism that was probably the show's intent. Hard to believe these were just TV characters. Bravo to everyone who worked on this extraordinary program.