As Time Goes By

This is a wonderful comedy. Each episode is so brilliantly written that you must watch the next to avoid missing something fabulous. Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer are at their best. Truly a must see.

I first caught this program on Maryland Public TV in the afternoon years ago. It reminded me so much of my own parents, and sometimes my life. Jean & Lionel are a wonderful old, married pair facing the usual tribulations of being old in years but young at heart. And though I've watched all the episodes dozens and dozens of times, I still enjoy them today.

My only complaint is with the ill-fated season 8. Some episodes just don't make much sense. Lionel selling the Country House conflicts with his decisions in Season 5 to keep it as is and protect the village from "high flyers". Also the Alistair/Sandy romance conflicts with her stated non-attraction in the previous 7 seasons. The viewer thinks the writer lost touch with his own characters in that season.

But season 9 redeems our favorite family and finally gives everyone a happy ending. (Though I do wonder who was left to run Type For You when the girls left for their happy endings.) One hopes in the fictional world, Jean & Lionel have taken up the ways of their older counterparts (Rocy & Madge) and traveled the world. A visit to Sandy & Harry in Canada, perhaps a trip to Hawaii with Judy & Alistair. Even some Mongolian trekking with Mr. & Mrs. Hardcastle the Senior. Then back to the Holland Park homestead for Christmastide with the grandchildren, with a weekender in Hampshire for Mrs. Bale's Christmas Party.

While the world has lost the great Joan Simms (Madge), her spirit and enthusiasm for life are captured in this series. May everyone share Madge & Rocky's motto at 70-80 Plus... "Rock on!"

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.

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.