As Time Goes By

What I hate about American comedy series is the perceived need for a punchline every 15 seconds. What I love about this series, is the gentle, ambling approach the script takes, as it follows its characters through their daily lives. And they are characters - wonderful ones - but never caricatures. Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer are just perfect in their portrayals, and they are ably supported by a talented cast. Every now and then there is a good, solid belly laugh to be had, but for the most part the humour is subtle and very clever. I feel very warm towards these characters. If they were real I think I should like to invite them to tea. Dench and Palmer appear to enjoy their roles, and when they exchange glances it seems to be not acting, but genuine regard that they show towards each other. May they live happily ever after...........

A lovely show centered around a middle-aged couple who spent years apart after a brief courtship and are reunited in mid-life.

It is Dench and Palmer (Jean & Lionel) who really make the show. Palmer's pleasant dry wit is particularly likeable, but it is without doubt a combined effort.

The supporting characters are all great and very engaging, particularly Lionel's free-wheeling dad, Rocky (whose catch-cry is "rock on") and his quirky house-maid, Mrs Bale who insists on serving meals at bizarre, but precise times like 12:23 and knows exactly what the weather in the English Channel is like at any given time!

How can anyone not like a show with characters like these?

When they next play the re-runs....do yourself a favour.

I grew up with my wife as the 'girl next door', but our lives took different paths after HS graduation. Almost 35 years later we crossed paths and both were alone. Six months later we married and are approaching our 13th anniversary. We have seen every episode...many several times...and continue to laugh and cry together at so many of the situations. We really just wanted to let those responsible for such an outstanding production know how deeply they have affected our lives in a positive manner. We are indebted to the actors and all others who put this show together for bringing such an absolute joy and contentment into our lives.

I don't understand why the one unfavorable comment concerning "As Time Goes By" is posted up front.

The series is a sweet comedy, and never imagines itself to be otherwise. The plot is very simple - two lovers struggle as they reunite after 30 years. The episodes follow them as they learn to live with and love each other again, colored by bittersweet regrets of the years they missed. The series touches nicely on the wish we all have to either fall in love, or rediscover love, without burdening us with heavy symbolism. The cast are all excellent in their ability to hold character throughout the series. There is just the right balance of silliness brought on by English character and temperament, and the seriousness that accompanies the search for love.

The dialog is crisp and entertaining, underplayed and natural, never going for the cheap laugh available in some of the situations created. If you are looking for an uplifting and entertaining experience without having to wade through maudlin sentimentality, you will like this program.

My mother and I have watched this on PBS every Sunday night for the past several years. And we both absolutely love it. The characterizations are perfect, the characters credible and amiable, the dialog VERY well written, the entire series reliably funny and likable and just plain delightful.

My mother and I always say at the end of each episode something like this: "They're such nice people ... wouldn't it be wonderful if we could have them for neighbors?" How many characters in either movie or TV can that be said of? I can't find a rating opportunity for this one. Darn. I would give it a 9 out of 10.