The Good Life - Backs To The Wall [1975]

Comic tensions arise not just from the Goods' daily struggle to beat the system on their own terms, but also from the relationship with their incredulous, often horrified, but usually supportive neighbours. Penelope Keith's Margo Leadbetter remains one of the great comic creations in British sitcom history--a simmering volcano of conservatism waging her own battle against creeping mediocrity in all aspects of life, whose human frailty somehow keeps her loveable. Paul Eddington as Jerry, her long-suffering husband, spars splendidly. --Piers Ford

The Wind-Break War
Margo has planned an arbour in the back garden which requires a wind-break to be erected. This means that the Good's fruit will get no sun and an argument and mix-ups ensue not helped by the gardener! They eventually make-up and a very enjoyable (for the audience!) evening follows fuelled by the famous pea-pod burgandy!
*This has to be my all time favourite episode and some of the lines have me in stitches. This is always remembered as the episode when they all get drunk and Jerry admits his feelings for Barbara.."It brings out the beast in me!" and Tom comforts Margo when she admits she has no sense of humour..."Don't worry Margo - I'll go and find you one!" Paul Eddington has a wonderful time and some of the best lines as stressed out Jerry and defends Margo very gallantly! Brilliant, Brilliant episode evidently enjoyed by the cast as much as anyone!

Silly, But It's Fun
Margo's christmas is due to arrive in a van, but the 9ft tree isn't, and so the whole lot gets sent back -along with a very perceptive delivery driver- and the new lot never arrives. So naturally Jerry gets political chicken-pox and Margo feels christmas "hasn't come to this house...". Jerry is looking forward to a nice quiet christmas with just the two of them until he realises there's not enough alcohol or food! Tom and Barbara have planned a simple self-sufficient christmas and so invite Jerry and Margo over to join in and, after Tom 'persuading' Margo to join in with the games and sprirt of the thing, they all agree it has been the best christmas ever.
* Another wonderful episode, with Margo's social standing and idea's taking another battering thanks to the 'working class'and the Good's idea of a good time! Some great moments include the delivery man's observation's (especially the one about Barbara's eyes!)the home-made crackers (and paper-hats!), anytime a piece of mistletoe appears!, Barbara's bird model, and present giving time.

All in all this is an essential piece of kit for a DVD owning fan of 'The Good Life' or for someone who is new to the show. Also good for anyone who needs cheering up or a satisfying laugh out loud - Enjoy!:)