The Good Life (6 episodes from series 1)

(Amazon UK link)

I can remember watching and liking the television sitcom ‘The Good Life’ in the late 1970s. I didn’t watch it all, but the premise appealed to me: a young couple decides to quit the rat race. So I was pleased when I found a DVD containing series 1 - or, rather, six episodes from the first series. I’m not sure why they didn’t include the rest, as there were only seven episodes in that series. 

We’ve been watching one episode per week over the past six weeks, and have both appreciated the show very much. Other than the events of the first episode, I had forgotten entirely what happened. And in a sense it doesn’t matter, because the characterisation is what makes this such a good series.

Richard Briers is excellent as the enthusiastic but often naive Tom Good. He works in an office with his neighbour Jerry (Paul Eddington) but whereas Jerry has been promoted and is quite senior, Tom has not risen. He’s a very talented graphic designer, but as he approaches his 40th birthday he becomes disillusioned, and decides he would like to give up paid employment, and become self-sufficient.

Tom’s wife Barbara, brilliantly portrayed by Felicity Kendal, is enthusiastic and encourages him to give in his notice. They come up with all kinds of plans, from growing their own crops to keeping animals for eggs and even meat. They’re not sure how it will all work out, but they’re both eager to try. I love the relationship between Tom and Barbara, which is loving, mutually supportive, and full of conversation. Sometimes they have arguments, even shouting matches; but they always make up. 

Jerry, by contrast, is married to the upwardly-mobile Margo (Penelope Keith is perfect in the role). She’s a terrible snob, and loves her life of luxury. She can’t believe Tom and Barbara will actually go ahead with their plans, and at first is horrified at what they will do to their ‘nice’ neighbourhood. There are some clashes, but Margo is ultimately quite kind-hearted, and her friendship with Tom and Felicity is important even though they somewhat laugh about her quirks when she’s not there.  

Jerry is a bit hen-pecked, and often does things behind Margo’s back; their relationship is not so open and affectionate as Tom and Barbara’s, but there are times when they become close… 

Later episodes show progress in the self-sufficiency, inevitably beset with problems; Barbara has moments of despair, but she’s very supportive and works hard to fulfil what has become their joint dream. And there’s a lot of humour. Most of it is verbal, and several times we found ourselves laughing aloud. But we also grew to like the characters, so much so that having finished this DVD, I’m going to try to find the other three seasons on DVD when I’m next in the UK.

To our surprise, there were even a few ‘extras’ on our DVD set, made some years later, looking back on the show and reasons for its success. I don't know if these 'extras' appear in the full season 1 DVD; the link above is to the version we have, with episode 7 missing. 

Highly recommended, if you appreciate classic British sitcoms from the 1970s. 

Review copyright 2024 Sue's DVD Reviews