Ep 20. Episode 20

As Time Goes By Season 1 Episode 20 is an episode that marks the end of the first season of the popular British sitcom. The episode, entitled "Episode 20," aired on 16 March 1994 and is a classic example of the show's gentle humor, stellar acting, and poignant moments.

The episode begins with Lionel and Jean planning a trip to France to visit Alistair, Lionel's former partner in the army. Jean is excited to see the French countryside, but Lionel is worried about facing his old friend after a long period of estrangement. Alistair had left Lionel in the lurch years ago when they were in a business partnership, and Lionel has not spoken to him since.

Meanwhile, Sandy, Jean's daughter, is visiting her boyfriend Harry in Wales. Harry is a musician and performs at a local pub. Sandy is thrilled to see Harry and watch him perform but becomes annoyed when Harry seems more interested in his music than spending time with her.

Back in London, Lionel and Jean prepare for their trip by packing their bags and making sure they have all the necessary travel documents. While doing so, they reminisce about past trips they have taken together, and the audience gets to see a glimpse of their deep and abiding love for each other. Lionel's nervousness about seeing Alistair is palpable, and Jean tries to reassure him that everything will be okay.

Sandy, on the other hand, is having a tough time with Harry. She feels neglected and ignored and decides to leave Wales and return to London early. She confides in Judith, Jean's best friend, about her relationship troubles but refuses to talk to her mother about it.

As Lionel and Jean embark on their journey to France, they encounter several mishaps and comedic moments. Lionel forgets his passport and has to make a mad dash back to their house to retrieve it. They miss their train to France and have to spend the night in a hotel in Calais. These small setbacks highlight the couple's easy banter and their ability to make the best of any situation.

However, the episode takes a serious turn when Lionel finally meets Alistair. Their reunion is strained, and Lionel struggles to conceal his resentment towards Alistair. Alistair, on the other hand, is genuinely remorseful about what happened years ago, and he tries to make amends with Lionel. Their conversation is poignant and emotionally charged, and the audience gets a sense of the deep history and real-world consequences of their actions.

Back in London, Sandy tries to make up with Harry but is still feeling hurt and confused. She confides in Judith again, who gives her some sage advice about relationships. Sandy realizes that she and Harry have different priorities and that perhaps it's best to end things between them.

The episode ends with Lionel and Jean on their way back to London, reflecting on their trip to France. They discuss their experiences with Alistair and how their relationship has changed over the years. The audience is left with the sense that Lionel and Jean's relationship has weathered many storms and that their love for each other is unshakeable.

Overall, As Time Goes By Season 1 Episode 20 is a perfect example of the show's charm, wit, and heart. It combines humor and drama in equal measure and showcases the talents of the show's excellent ensemble cast. The episode captures the essence of the series and is a must-watch for fans of British sitcoms.