I started watching this series at the end of 1998. I immediately loved it, its down to earth approach on fundamental problems or pleasures of society in particular. There isn't a well known subject of society that hasn't been discussed. I also like the characters of this series: they are normal, hardworking people, with a heart of gold. The addition of some whealthy personalities in this series is one of the finest ingrediënts.
There are only four clear characters included in every episode: Jaap Kooiman, a very grumpy, hardworking, pigheaded and impulsive bus-driver. He's also, arguably, the biggest hypocrite that ever lived, but that's what makes him so funny. His wife, Nellie Kooiman, has to put up with his impulsive and hilarious actions, but loves him very much. Jaap Kooiman's neighbour, Simon Stokvis, is another hardworking soul. He earns his money in the sewer and is the editor of 'De Bruine Rotterdammer' (The Brown Rotterdammer), a paper in order to clean the bad reputation of the Rotterdam sewer workers. Simon is married with Zus Mollema, a peasant girl who has moved from Drenthe to the big city of Rotterdam. She is not so smart, which results in hilarious moments.
Characters with not such a big role in this series, but who do make a fine addition to the show, are Meneer Harmsen (Jaap Kooiman's boss at the busstation) Meneer Hopjes (Harmsen's butler) and fellow bowlers and bussdrivers of Jaap and Simon.
Although this series is completely in dutch, I would reccommend everyone to take a look at this series. Especially the people who are dutch and who haven't seen it until now. Too bad the series only take about twenty minutes an episode, but its oldfashion charm, hilarious moments and characters and its wonderful cast wipe away any less succesful aspects.
If I had to compare this series with another one, I would say 'Toen Was Geluk Heel Gewoon' is an equivalent of 'The Flintstones': Jaap Kooiman is Fred, Nellie Kooiman is Wilma, Simon Stokvis is Barney and of course Zus Stokvis is Betty. Japp's boss Meneer Harmsen is Mr. Slates. A clear, but on the other hand very different comparison.
