Am I alone in thinking the episodes set in the country house aren't as funny or well written as the London set episodes?
The world is your lobster.
I wouldn't say not as well written, but written with a different tone.
BOHICA America!
Not for me. Some of the best ones are in the country. 'Showered with Gifts' is one of my favourite episode of them all.
shareI agree with AVNRULZ. The country episodes--specifically, the dialog and the situations--seem less "tense" than the city ones. They arise out of the comedy one would expect from two people who are in relaxation mode. Frankly I'm so glad they kept the series alive for a few more years that any reason to visit with these people is sufficient for me. I would love to retire to a flat in London near theirs and have tea or dinner with them once or twice a week.
shareI disagree. I thoroughly enjoy the country characters (especially Mrs. Bale). It is true that there is a different tone, but I think that shows just how great the writers are. After all, isn't the tone & pace of city life quite different than country life???
shareJust awkward, really. Maybe that's because Jean, due to Lionel, but really because of Jean, didn't seem at ease until later country episodes; the city mouse worried about being viewed negatively by the country mice, I suppose. Then again, that tense personae was used between the two as part of the funny, quirky romance, though I usually found that portrayal to be awkward.
shareI did really enjoy some of the drama that ended Jean and Lionel's interactions with the "Country Set" or "The Gang", especially how it all came to a head at the barbecue. Overall, I like the London episodes more, especially because they feature a bit more of Judy and Sandy who bring such lovely humor into the show.
shareJudy, Sandy, and Alistair often show up at the country house either by by invitation or by surprise, so the country episodes aren't poorer for that or any other reason.
Other than a few subpar country episodes in a row at the end of series four and start of series five, I really enjoy when they leave London.
In fact, the country episodes improved as the series went on, with the series six episode "What's Wrong with Mrs. Bale?"--it's the one where Lionel comes down with a fever--a particular standout and one of my favorite episodes.
"What's Wrong with Mrs. Bale?" is one of my favorite episodes. I liked it when they got out of London every once in a while. Injecting different characters like Mrs. Bale and Lol gave the series some spark. I wouldn't like a steady diet of the country folk, but now and then is good.
I didn't like "The County Set", but "What's Wrong With Mrs Bale?" and "The Bypass" were two of their best episodes.
All in all, the country episodes added much needed plot and tension to the later seasons, after Lionel & Jean had married. Loved Lionel as the country squire. Loved Rocky, Mrs Bale and Lol. Liked Madge. Loved the house and wished they'd filmed in more of the rooms.
If the holder of the Victoria Cross doesn't wanna sing, he don't sing! ☺
Not sure I feel either way about town versus country eps.
But I couldn't ever have done without Lol and his Big Red Hanky.
The county set couples were sooo annoying that I couldn't quite understand why Lionel and Jean had such a hard time telling them to take a flying leap. I know, I know - it's the story line, but..😜
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