Ep 5. Anniversary

Fawlty Towers season 2 episode 5, titled "Anniversary," follows the titular hotel owner Basil Fawlty as he prepares for a special celebration. Basil's wife Sybil is determined to make their upcoming 15th wedding anniversary a perfect occasion, and she enlists her husband's help in planning a romantic evening meal at a nearby restaurant.

However, as is often the case in Fawlty Towers, things quickly go awry. Basil's attempts to make a reservation at the restaurant are thwarted by a language barrier between himself and the non-English-speaking restaurateur, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and a final, desperate attempt to secure a table.

Meanwhile, the regular guests at Fawlty Towers are causing their own problems. German couple Kurt and Anna are dismayed to find that their room doesn't have a view, despite Kurt's specific request for one. Basil's attempts to placate them only make things worse, and the situation escalates when a mistake in the kitchen leads to Kurt receiving the wrong order for dinner.

Elsewhere in the hotel, Basil's hapless waiter Manuel is tasked with serving a table of four deaf guests, leading to a series of mishaps and misunderstandings that culminate in an embarrassing confrontation with the guests.

As the evening wears on, everyone's plans for a perfect celebration fall apart, leaving Basil and Sybil alone in their room to reflect on the chaos of the day - and on their less-than-romantic marriage. But even in the midst of all the madness, there are moments of genuine connection and tenderness, as well as plenty of laughs.

"Anniversary" is a classic episode of Fawlty Towers, showcasing the show's trademark blend of physical comedy, wry wit, and a nuanced understanding of human relationships. From the absurdities of trying to communicate across language barriers to the challenges inherent in trying to please a demanding spouse, the episode touches on themes that are universal and timeless. And of course, all the while, John Cleese's Basil Fawlty remains a delightfully flawed and endlessly entertaining character, as he tries to navigate the complexities of his personal and professional life.