David Jason & Jay Blade's Touring Toolshed, BBC Two, review: feeble Repair Shop knock-off

The program "David & Jay's Touring Toolshed" on BBC Two is made up of bits and pieces from other shows. David Jason, who is well-known for his comedic falls, is also said to be skilled in repairing things. He is joined by Jay Blades from "The Repair Shop" to embark on a journey, but it is unclear what their exact purpose is.

The initial installment of the show was set up at the Midlands Air Festival. During this event, a therapist named Becky showcased a wooden animatronic model that she had created, but it was not moving as she desired. Promptly, the presenters brought in an animatronic expert who assessed the situation and suggested incorporating motors through a mechanical timer block to resolve the issue.

Jason joked, channeling the famous character Del Boy, "That's exactly what I was thinking! I was just testing him. You're on the right path." To understand the humor of this joke, it's important to recognize that Jason doesn't have extensive knowledge about mechanical things despite what the initial pitch may have suggested. So, why is he even here? Well, it seems that he enjoys making quips like this, although they don't happen frequently.

The hosts' banter and joking around while wearing cloth caps seems a bit improvised. "I have to witness this!" exclaimed Jason when Blades suggested he could fit his tall frame into a small World War II helicopter. It's unclear if Blades is playing the role of Jason's agreeable sidekick or just taking care of him. It's reminiscent of the characters Lou and Andy from Little Britain, but with less amusing material. (Despite the warm weather, Jason was covered up in a thick, padded vest.)

During their trip, they went to an aviation museum and met a lively veteran who is 94 years old and repairs old aircraft. He presented them with a newly refurbished cockpit, where switches were flipped and food was consumed. Later on, at the festival, two individuals named Darren displayed reconstructed parts of an outdated plane that they had assembled previously. This suggests that although certain engineers require assistance from the exhibition, others are self-sufficient.

The whole thing seemed directionless, like unplanned improvisation. The toolshed that gives the show its name is deceiving, serving mainly as a set piece and advertisement. Unlike The Repair Shop, which has a lot of emotional depth, and Only Fools and Horses, which has plenty of comedic moments, this production is held together by weak methods such as string, glue, and slang accents.