Are You Being Served? Season 3 Episode 1 Hand of Fate

In the season 3 premiere of the British sitcom Are You Being Served?, titled "Hand of Fate," the employees of the fictional Grace Brothers department store face a new set of challenges and mishaps. The episode begins with Mr. Humphries (played by John Inman) taking on the new role of head of the men's and women's clothing departments. However, his excitement is short-lived when he realizes that the store's new computer system is malfunctioning, causing chaos throughout the store.

Meanwhile, Mr. Rumbold (played by Nicholas Smith) is dealing with a problematic employee in the form of Mr. Spooner (played by Mike Berry), who has been caught stealing. Rumbold struggles to find a solution to the situation, while Spooner's fellow employees are torn between wanting to help him and feeling betrayed by his actions.

The episode's title, "Hand of Fate," refers to an upcoming visit from a mysterious inspector who will decide whether or not the store passes an important inspection. The employees are all on edge, knowing that their jobs may be on the line if the store fails the inspection.

As the day of the inspection approaches, the chaos in the store only increases. Mr. Grainger (played by Arthur Brough) is accidentally locked inside a changing room, while Mr. Lucas (played by Trevor Bannister) struggles to keep up with the influx of customers on the busy sales floor.

In the end, the fate of the store rests in the hands of the inspector, who arrives just in time to witness the chaos and mishaps that have occurred throughout the day. The employees hold their breath as he takes his final tour of the store, unsure of what the future holds.

"Hand of Fate" is a classic episode of Are You Being Served?, showcasing the witty humor and slapstick comedy that made the show a fan favorite. The episode deals with themes of loyalty, trust, and the fear of losing one's job, all while providing plenty of laughs along the way. Fans of the show are sure to enjoy this memorable episode.