Classic TV show Love Thy Neighbour: A lesson in social skills?

How I loved this classic TV show from the 70's. Love Thy Neighbour was a highly popular and very funny slice of domestic disturbance and shenanigans. It wasn't without controversy however and still remains so today, mainly due to 'racist' and politically incorrect outbursts between the two protagonists, namely Eddie, (Jack Smethurst), a white, working class Labour supporter, who was portrayed as bigoted and ignorant, while Bill, (Rudolf Walker), on the other hand, was an articulate, intelligent, Conservative West-Indian. It was the comments and outbursts such as nig-nog, choc-ice, sambo etc. that caused controversy, as Eddie struggled to come to terms with his new black neighbours. But let's not forget Bill gave as good as he got with 'sentiments' such as snowflake, paleface, honkey, and big white chief! Indeed, Bill invariably always came out on top in most if not all the episodes and Eddie was made out to be pompous and foolish. I suspect that they secretly liked each other however and enjoyed their banter. If I remember correctly, they would often retire to the club together to have a drink and unwind after the days events which consisted of rantings, cat-fights, and fisticuffs, both at work or at home. To counter the tension between the two men their wives got on really well together. I remember Eddie had the 'hots' for Bill's wife Barbie (I did too!) much to the annoyance of Bill... Ah, yes, and Bill's high pitched laugh, I remember now, every time he got 'one over' (or won an argument etc.) with Eddie, he would make a bizarre verbal statement, a laugh like you've never heard before (or since) the noise from which would upset local dogs easily!

I will have to invest in a complete set of DVD's for this wonderful slice of classic TV soon and hopefully it will be as good as I remember. I will view it as I did in my younger days, namely, without any prejudice. I'm looking forward to just sitting back and enjoying a very funny situation comedy about two neighbours at odds with each other, having petty arguments and quarrels, but secretly loving every minute of it. Do you agree with me, or did you find the material in this show (or any other) offensive? Please let me know your comments on this issue, thanks.

On a lighter note, can you remember Eddie and Bill's two co-workers/friends? What were their names? Especially the one with the catch phrase that was used every time he ordered a drink at the club?

What was your favourite classic TV/sitcom, The Good Life springs to mind straight away, and what about Till Death Us Do Part, Alf Garnett's rantings and world views were similar to Eddie's in Love Thy Neighbour, don't y0u think? My Wife Next Door, anyone? All Gas and Gaiters ring a bell! Or what about the American version of Till Death..., All In The Family with Archie Bunker? Other American gems include Taxi, Mork and Mindy, Diff'rent Strokes etc. There are many more to be discussed...it's all coming back to me now, The Odd Couple, with that wonderful theme tune, The Mary Tyler Moore Show and the MGM style logo at the end with a kitten instead of the Lion! There were several spin-offs to the show, can you remember them? Lou Grant was one, can you remember the others?