As Time Goes By

Lionel is feeling extra brave and protective, giving his wife, Jean cause for concern. Lionel's pride is severely dented, not only because of Jean's reaction, but also because he has tried - and failed - to open a jar of pickled onions.

While Lionel is content to live his life slowly, Jean feels she must keep working, irritating Judy and Sandy to no end. It may be that a professional psychiatrist is the only person who can help Jean.

Jean and Lionel manage to survive an evening with Jean's intimidating sister-in-law. Jean is surrounded by dilemmas, none of which she wants to share with the nosy Penny.

Lionel is not well and Jean is trying to console him, whilst getting to the root of what has upset the housekeeper, Mrs. Bale. During a weekend at Rocky and Madge's house, Mrs. Bale becomes decidedly irritated towards them, whenever they ask if she needs help with anything.

Jean and Lionel are greeted by an unwelcome guest and a shocking announcement when they return home to London. Judy had her new boyfriend, Paul, staying while Jean and Lionel were away. Meanwhile, Alistair surprises the whole family when he announces that he has become engaged.

Excited by the prospect of more new neighbors coming to live next door to them, Jean and Lionel soon find themselves longing for their old neighbors when they learn who the prospective buyers for the house are.

Jean has been complaining about the lack of surprise in her and Lionel's life. Taking this to mean that Jean is bored, Lionel decides to plan a surprise vacation telling Jean at the last minute and then whisking her away. With the help of Judy, Sandy and Alistair, he pulls out all the stops to plan the most surprising surprise ever.