I want to talk about character growth, because Raquel had one of the most satisfying arcs in the entire series. She started as a supporting player, a love interest. But by the time the 1996 specials rolled around, she was the emotional glue holding the Trotters together. Think about the Christmas special where she gives birth to Damien—the camera lingers on her face, not Del’s, because we need to see that it’s her moment too. The showrunners trusted her to carry that weight.
And look, I know the fandom loves a good debate. Some say Cassandra was the more important female character (and she’s great, don’t get me wrong). But Cass was sharp, ambitious, and often annoyed by the Trotters’ chaos. Raquel? She chose the chaos. She moved into that dingy flat above a fancy dress shop, put up with Del’s schemes, and never lost her sense of self. That’s not a doormat; that’s a survivor with a very dry sense of humor.
The Irony of the “Only Fools” Woman
Here’s the side note you didn’t know you needed: Tessa Peake-Jones has said in interviews that she based Raquel’s patience on her own mother. Which is hilarious, because that means the character is literally inspired by a real-life saint. Compare that to Del, who is based on John Sullivan’s own father. So in a way, the Trotters are a family portrait, warts and all.
CWYING?! Tony Angelino Performs with Raquel | Only Fools And Horses
But back to the irony: The show is called Only Fools and Horses, but Raquel was never a fool. She knew Del was selling fake Russian icons from a suitcase. She knew Rodney was going to mess up the kettle wiring. She walked into that world with her eyes wide open, and she stayed because she saw the goodness underneath the bluster. That’s the kind of love that deserves a standing ovation.
