British Comedy: The Good Life

Years: 1975-1978
Broadcaster: BBC
Genre: Sitcom
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey
Stars: Richard Briers, Felicity Kendal
Episodes: 30
Episode Average: 8.433*

BEST EPISODES:
Backs to the Wall (1975), The Wind-Break War (1976)

*including specials

SERIES ONE

(1975)
7 episodes
Series Score: 57
Episode Average: 8.14
Perfect 10's: 2

S1E1

PLOUGH YOUR OWN FURROW

Originally broadcast: 4 April 1975
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Tom celebrates his 40th birthday, the opportunity to design a plastic giraffe brings reflection, and life-changing decisions are made.

"What do you think I was doing? Taking my wellies for a walk?"

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

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S1E2

SAY LITTLE HEN...

Originally broadcast: 11 April 1975
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Margo's shocked when asked for food scraps, Jerry tries to persuade Tom to go back to work, and the Goods eagerly await their first egg.

"Now there's no need to shoot yourself just because you can't kill a chicken."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S1E3

THE WEAKER SEX?

Originally broadcast: 18 April 1975
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

A deal's done for a rusty old range, Margo's horrified when she sees how Tom intends to scare away the birds, and Barbara breaks under the strain of it all.

"Well, that's not important. The point is, Barbara, I got it home, I put it on, and I said to myself, 'Margo, that simply looks cheap and nasty.' So I wondered if you'd like it?"

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S1E4

PIG'S LIB

Originally broadcast: 25 April 1975
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Margo isn't happy about having pigs next door, the Chairman of the Residents' Association is brought in to settle matters, and a '75 Peapod Burgundy packs a punch.

"Oh, come on, I can't see piglets doing the Fosbury Flop over a great high fence like that."

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

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S1E5

THE THING IN THE CELLAR

Originally broadcast: 2 May 1975
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Tom tries to makes his own electricity, Barbara manages to get a rise, and an afternoon out with Jerry angers a group of fishermen.

"Waste not, want not. Pick it up and stoke it, that's what I say."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 7

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S1E6

THE PAGAN RITE

Originally broadcast: 9 May 1975
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Tom turns down an offer of freelance work, a cosy fireside chat leads to memories from the old life, and Margo makes a discovery while cleaning Jerry's desk.

"Well, let's put it this way. I don't want you singing the Messiah with Tom's blood splattered all over your dress."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E7

BACKS TO THE WALL

Originally broadcast: 16 May 1975
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Jerry and Margo go away on holiday to Africa, Tom hurts his back, and a storm threatens the crop that's due to be gathered.

"Striking myself repeatedly in the back with a 16lb sledgehammer."

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

SERIES TWO

(1975-1976)
7 episodes
Series Score: 55
Episode Average: 7.86
Perfect 10's: 0

S2E1

JUST MY BILL

Originally broadcast: 5 December 1975
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

The council rates need paying, Jerry warns that selling the surplus might not be an easy task, and the local restaurant want bigger bulk than Tom can supply.

"A gallon of goats milk equals two pairs of knickers, Margo."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S2E2

THE GURU OF SURBITON

Originally broadcast: 12 December 1975
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

A student couple stay with the Goods to help with the garden, Barbara realises that Tom has an admirer, and Margo isn't happy about plans to start a commune.

"I am not a fool, Jerry. I know about allotments. They are places where men go to sit in silly little sheds so they don't have to talk to their wives."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

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S2E3

MR. FIX-IT

Originally broadcast: 19 December 1975
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

A local reporter interviews the Goods about their lifestyle, Margo learns that the story will be in The Observer, and Jerry takes advantage of the situation.

"A lot of fresh air about at this time of day, isn't there?"

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S2E4

THE DAY PEACE BROKE OUT

Originally broadcast: 2 January 1976
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Leeks go missing from the front garden, keeping watch leads to a summons, and Tom struggles to accept the decision of the court.

"Little Geraldine? Rhinoceros in goat's clothing."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 9

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S2E5

MUTINY

Originally broadcast: 9 January 1976
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Tom's too busy collecting food to help with sweetening Sir, Margo's preoccupied by her role in a production of 'The Sound of Music', and Jerry loses his job.

"Oh, stop moaning, or I'll trade you in for a mule."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 7

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S2E6

HOME SWEET HOME

Originally broadcast: 16 January 1976
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Margo approves of the new neighbours, not everyone's enthusiastic about the servicing of Pinky, and Tom and Barbara decide to move to a small farm.

"Oh dear, we did get out of the pigsty on the wrong side this morning, didn't we?"

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S2E7

GOING TO POT?

Originally broadcast: 23 January 1976
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Tom struggles with roof maintenance, Barbara suggests evening classes, and a skill swap brings opportunity knocking.

"I name these cups Dis and Aster."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 9

SERIES THREE

(1976)
7 episodes
Series Score: 60
Episode Average: 8.57
Perfect 10's: 3

S3E1

THE EARLY BIRDS

Originally broadcast: 10 September 1976
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Jerry and Margo take exception to early morning gardening, Tom invents a potato seeder, and a change in sleeping pattern proves a challenge..

"Hey! Madam, please. When I took the job as au pair here, I didn't think this sort of thing would go on."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S3E2

THE HAPPY EVENT

Originally broadcast: 17 September 1976
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Margo's delighted when Barbara gets a horse, Pinky the Pig goes into labour, and Jerry's stopped by the police for speeding.

"Yes, I've always wanted to stand in a pigsty in the middle of the night."

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

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S3E3

A TUG OF THE FORELOCK

Originally broadcast: 24 September 1976
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Margo's cleaner goes on holiday, Tom comes up with a new mode of transport, and Barbara has a hard time working for a pernickety new boss.

"No, no, no, no. I'm saving your body for a rainy day."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S3E4

I TALK TO THE TREES

Originally broadcast: 1 October 1976
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

An old man is heard talking to his plants, Tom conducts an experiment, and Margo plots to take over as president of the music society.

"You don't have to thank us every time we do nothing."

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

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S3E5

THE WIND-BREAK WAR

Originally broadcast: 8 October 1976
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Margo erects a windbreak to go with her new arbour, Tom and Barbara protest because it will cast shadow on their soft fruit, and a mix-up only makes matters worse.

"I think wife-swapping's silly. I mean, after all, if a swife-loffs... If a wa... If a wife loves her husband, what is she going to swoff him for?"

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

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S3E6

WHOSE FLEAS ARE THESE?

Originally broadcast: 15 October 1976
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Tom and Barbara get covered in soot when their chimney cleans itself, Jerry and Margo reluctantly allow them to use their bathroom, and a discovery of fleas has everyone itching.

"No, we're not. We're talking about my home being invaded by a herd of 20-stone Tory trouts."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 7

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S3E7

THE LAST POSH FROCK

Originally broadcast: 22 October 1976
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Jerry has car trouble, Barbara rips her last posh frock, and Tom takes more notice of a pretty guest.

"No, it's not. No, it's not. These are girls' clothes. And what am I doing in girls' clothes, anyway? I'm not a girl, I'm a Barbara. And this is what Barbara's look like."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 7

SERIES FOUR

(1977)
7 episodes
Series Score: 63*
Episode Average: 9.0
Perfect 10's: 2
*not including specials

S4E1

AWAY FROM IT ALL

Originally broadcast: 10 April 1977
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Tom and Barbara are depressed about their latest crop, Margo and Jerry offer an opportunity to relax, and the generator goes on the blink.

"That's not a leek. That's a dribble."

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

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S4E2

THE GREEN DOOR

Originally broadcast: 17 April 1977
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Tom and Barbara need to get their hands on manure, Margo insists that the pony club is out of bounds, and Jerry can't understand why he keeps being cuddled.

"I hain't half honoured to be livin' next foor to 'er."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 9

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S4E3

OUR SPEAKER TODAY

Originally broadcast: 24 April 1977
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Tom sets to work on a new chicken house, Barbara's asked to do a talk of self-sufficiency, and Margo tries desperately to entertain Lady Truscott.

"You've had three days to interview them."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 9

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S4E4

THE WEAVER'S TALE

Originally broadcast: 1 May 1977
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

There's £10 left from the sale of the soft fruits, Barbara advises Jerry to be firmer about Margo's spending, and Tom sees an opportunity to invest in a loom.

"Oh, Barbara, you didn't take Blue Peter seriously."

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

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S4E5

SUIT YOURSELF

Originally broadcast: 8 May 1977
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Tom and Barbara prepare to make use of the loom, Jerry and Margo get ready for an important dinner, and Tim and Fatima come to the rescue.

"Now, taking a piece of fleece, we first of all tease it. Now, Barbara, forward with the teasing process, please."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S4E6

SWEET AND SOUR CHARITY

Originally broadcast: 15 April 1977
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Tom has his eyes on Mrs. Weaver's leftover oil, Margo's asked to play the lead in 'Sweet Charity', and Jerry admits to liking stockings.

"I think we better get this idea talked about. You'll be sticking me in the range and going to bed with the log."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

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S3E7

ANNIVERSARY

Originally broadcast: 22 May 1977
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Tom's in no mood to celebrate his birthday, Margo has a burglar alarm fitted, and Sir drops by with good news.

"Not unless this month's flavour is yuck."

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 9

SPECIALS

(1977)

SPECIAL

SILLY, BUT IT'S FUN...

Originally broadcast: 26 December 1977
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Tom and Barbara ready themselves for a self-sufficient Christmas, Margo isn't happy about the size of her tree, and The Daily Mirror simply won't do.

"Christmas has not been delivered to this house."

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

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ROYAL COMMAND PERFORMANCE

WHEN I'M 65.

Originally broadcast: 10 June 1978
Directed by: John Howard Davies
Written by: John Esmonde, Bob Larbey

Jerry has a medical for his latest pension policy, Tom goes to see his bank manager, and accusations of being unfit lead to a road race.

"Are they coming by plane or boat-o?"

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

TOM GOOD

Played by Richard Briers
in... The Day Peace Broke Out (1976)

BARBARA GOOD

Played by Felicity Kendal
in... Going to Pot? (1976)

MARGO LEADBETTER

Played by Penelope Keith
in... The Wind-Break War (1976)

JERRY LEADBETTER

Played by Paul Eddington
in... Silly, But It's Fun (1977)

ANDREW

Played by Reginald Marsh
in... Mutiny (1976)

FELICITY

Played by Moyra Fraser
in... Say Little Hen... (1975)

MRS. WEAVER

Played by Charmian May
in... Home Sweet Home (1976)