The Nuances of Uncle Albert’s Homelessness in Only Fools and Horses

In the BritCom Only Fools and Horses, the character of Uncle Albert is portrayed with a rich backstory that has sparked curiosity and discussion among viewers and critics. Why was Uncle Albert, given his decades of military service, homeless before Del took him in, and why wasn't he housed by the authorities in a council flat or hotel?

Initial Situations and Explanations

Uncle Albert wasn't homeless; he was staying with a different relative before Del took him in. The show's creators chose this narrative for several reasons. Prior to Uncle Albert's introduction, Del and Rodney's grandfather lived with them. The actor playing grandpa passed away, so the character had to die as well. Uncle Albert, his brother, attended his funeral and initially had nowhere to go. The relatives he was staying with, Stan and Jean (Stan's wife), who were his nephews and their partner, decided to leave the funeral without him, prompting Uncle Albert to seek another place to stay.

Social and Political Commentary

There is a layer of social and political commentary here, especially in the context of the times when the show was produced. As a character with extensive military service, one might expect Uncle Albert to receive more housing and support from the authorities. However, this expectation is often not fulfilled in reality, particularly for those who become homeless due to difficult adjustments post-service and possible legal immigration issues.

Many veterans who have served their country and paid taxes for years often find themselves in precarious housing situations. Some might have entered the country illegally, bringing their families with them, and immediately receive support from local authorities. This contrast between the treatment of veterans and those who have served legally is a significant point of discussion in this narrative.

Comedic Potential and Narrative Requirements

It’s evident that Uncle Albert’s backstory serves multiple purposes beyond just addressing the issue of military service and homelessness. The comedic potential of Uncle Albert's shady military history and the challenges he faces in finding a place to stay fit well within the realms of situation comedy. The show's creator may have chosen this trajectory to add more humor and drama to the storyline.

Comedic devices such as Uncle Albert's difficulty in adjusting to civilian life, quirky personality, and his characteristic avoidance of taking on housing provided by the authorities add layers of complexity to the episode and make it more engaging for viewers.

Backstory and Plot Development

When Uncle Albert arrived at the funeral, it became clear that he was already living with Stan and Jean. They were his nephews and Jean was Stan's wife. They decided to leave the funeral without him, possibly due to his constant war stories or other reasons, which left him with nowhere to go. Del's first action was to try and find Uncle Albert a place at a veteran’s hostel. However, Uncle Albert managed to talk Del out of it, leading to the eventual storyline where he is taken in by Del and Rodney.

Conclusion

The nuanced backstory of Uncle Albert in Only Fools and Horses highlights the challenges faced by veterans and the discrepancy in how they are treated. While the show uses its comedic potential to entertain, it also subtly critiques the shortcomings of the social support system for ex-service personnel. Understanding the character's backstory provides a deeper appreciation of the episode and its themes.