Ep 1. You Must Remember This

In the first episode of As Time Goes By season 1, entitled "You Must Remember This," audiences are introduced to the two main characters, Jean Pargetter and Lionel Hardcastle, as they unexpectedly reunite after being separated for nearly 40 years. The episode opens with Lionel arriving in London from Kenya, where he had been living and working as a coffee planter. He discovers that his old girlfriend, Jean, has also returned to London and is now running a secretarial agency.

When Jean receives a call from an old friend of Lionel's, Alistair Deacon, to inform her that Lionel is in London, she is stunned to hear the news and quickly becomes apprehensive about their impending meeting. Rewinding the clock, it is revealed that Jean and Lionel had fallen in love in the early 1950s, but their relationship was cut short when Lionel was called away on military duty. Communications between them had ceased, and both ended up marrying other people and starting their own families. Now, decades later, they find themselves reunited under unusual circumstances.

As the episode progresses, Jean and Lionel's recollections of their past take center stage as they reminisce about their youth, the things they did and their families, bickering and joking along the way. Lionel's daughter, Judith, and Jean's son, Stephen, also appear in the episode and add to the character dynamics. Both children disagree on the reunion between their parents and are asked for advice by their respective parent.

The episode is a poignant and character-driven drama that explores the themes of missed opportunities, the bittersweetness of aging, and the power of love. Though they have aged and life has taken them in different directions, Jean and Lionel are clearly still connected to one another and their chemistry is magnetic. "You Must Remember This" lays the groundwork for the rest of the series, building on the tension between Jean and Lionel, and hinting at the possibility of a second chance for their romance.

Overall, As Time Goes By season 1 episode 1 is a heartwarming and engaging introduction to the series. With charming performances, the show's timeless themes and universal appeal make it a beloved classic that stands the test of time. Fans of romance, nostalgia and relationship-driven dramas should not miss this one.