That's My Boy

This Mollie Sugden vehicle is based on the less-than-hilarious premise of a woman coincidentally being sent to work as a domestic for the son she gave up for adoption 28 years before and lives up to its promise. Though Ms. Sugden continues her crusty broad persona that was used to riotous effect on "Are You Being Served," and Jennifer Lonsdale is an appealing presence as her newly discovered daughter-in-law, the show falls terribly flat. The character of her son, Robert, is quite badly realized, though Christopher Blake makes a game try with the little he's given. None of this character's reactions seem realistic in the least, regardless of which mother he's treating boorishly. I've seen the first three episodes and have no desire to see more. The 483rd viewing of any of the hijinks on the floor of Grace Brothers provides more laughs than this mirthless exercise.

Form your own ideas about Mollie Sugden portraying "Ida Willis". Of course she does NOT act like Mrs. Slocombe because she isn't. If you give her a chance, you'll have a good chance at enjoying her portrayal. A 'real' Mollie Sugden fan will enjoy Ida too; whereas a Mrs. Slocombe fan might not. It's just like Patricia Routledge portraying Hyacinth Bucket [Bouquet] and Hetty Wainthropp. They are both interesting characters but Hyacinth is a funny snob whereas Hetty is a lady detective. They're different, as are Mrs. Slocombe & Ida. I really believe that you'll enjoy BOTH characters. Give them a chance; you'll be glad you did!

That's My Boy, produced by Yorkshire Television in the 1980s, was clearly designed as a vehicle for the irrepressible Mollie Sugden, who was riding high on the popularity of her unforgettable role as Mrs Slocombe in Are You Being Served? With her ever-changing hair, penchant for innuendo, and impeccable comic timing, Sugden was a household name-and this series gave her centre stage once again.

In That's My Boy, she plays Ida Willis, a no-nonsense, meddling housekeeper who discovers the young man she's working for is actually the son she gave up for adoption years earlier. The humour is built around the ensuing awkwardness, misunderstandings, and culture clash. Sugden dominates each episode with her larger-than-life presence, while Christopher Blake and Jennifer Lonsdale play their roles straight, effectively providing a platform from which Sugden's comedy can land.

Compared to other sitcoms of the same era, That's My Boy is relatively gentle and easily forgettable. The show doesn't break any new ground, and its appeal was always going to skew older-partly due to Sugden being in her sixties and playing a mother figure to an adult son, which naturally shaped the tone and humour.

Yet, for all its simplicity, the series still has charm. The plots may be predictable, but they're executed with warmth, and the show knows exactly what it is: light entertainment. There's comfort in its predictability, and Sugden's energy carries it through even its flatter moments.

Not a classic, but an affectionate throwback that remains watchable thanks to its star's enduring talent.

Very funny but minor comedy series from the 80s that stars the terrific Mollie Sugden as a pushy, possessive, and very funny mother.

Odd plot has Sugden as Ida Willis, a middle-aged woman who works as a domestic. When she shows up for a new job, she discovers that the doctor she's working for (Christopher Blake) is the baby she gave up for adoption 28 years before. While this seems like an odd starting point for a comedy, it injects some tension in the relationships between mother and son and adopted mother (Clare Richards).

The snooty adoptive mother has raised the boy, named Robert, to be a proper prig. Down-to-earth Ida constantly needles the doctor, whom she named Shane after a soap opera character, to break through his pomposity, much to the delight of his sweet wife (Jennifer Lonsdale).

Lurking in the corners is Ida's shiftless brother Wilfred (Harold Goodwin) who's a thorn in her side and an embarrassment to Robert.

In the fourth season, Robert gets the chance at his own medical practice in the country, so the shows packs up and moves to a new locale. This season also brings in the marvelous Deddie Davies as the medical secretary Edith Parfitt.

The series provided another great character for the wonderful Mollie Sugden, joining Mrs. Slocombe from "Are You Being Served?" in the pantheon of unforgettable British comedy characters.

Ida Willis accepts the job of housekeeper come cleaner for young married couple, Robert and Angela. Ida spits something familiar about Robert, and makes an unexpected connection.

What a lovely show this is to watch, it's incredibly light hearted, it's funny, and it's terribly sweet. It's not the funniest comedy you will ever see, but it certainly has its moments, it is totally inoffensive, and just such an easy show to watch and giggle away too.

I'm sure most of us will watch it for one reason all e, the presence of Mollie Sugden, and of course she's brilliant, for those thinking it's an ITV show written for Mrs Slocombe, it isn't, she is so different, Ida is not Betty.

Aside from Mollie, the regular cast are pretty good, especially Clare Richards and Harold Godwin, the pair are amusing. Blake and Lonsdale sometimes feel a little more like eye candy, but both are competent.

Funny episodes across all five series, but I think it's perhaps fair to say the earlier ones are by far the better.

I think if you love Mollie you can very much enjoy this often overlooked little gem.

7/10.