Ep 2. Rewrites

As Time Goes By season 4 episode 2, titled "Rewrites," follows the story of Jean and Lionel, who are finally returning to England after spending many years apart. However, when they arrive home, they realize that the manuscript for their book, "My Life in Kenya," which they had entrusted to Alistair, has been lost. As a result, they must rewrite their entire book from scratch, which proves to be no easy feat.

As Jean and Lionel work on their book, they must deal with a number of setbacks and distractions. Alistair, who lost their manuscript in the first place, keeps popping in to check on their progress and offer unwanted advice. Meanwhile, Jean's sister-in-law, Penny, is visiting from America and proves to be a major distraction, as she keeps interrupting their work with her constant chatter.

Adding to the chaos is Lionel's daughter, Judy, who has returned from Australia with her new boyfriend, Sandy. Sandy is a struggling artist who keeps asking Lionel for money and advice on his paintings. Lionel is initially skeptical of Sandy, but Jean sees something in him and encourages Lionel to give him a chance.

As the weeks go by, Jean and Lionel struggle to find the time and focus to work on their book. However, they are determined to get it done and send it off to their publisher before the deadline. Along the way, they reflect on their lives in Kenya and the many adventures and challenges they faced together.

Throughout the episode, "Rewrites" explores themes of marriage, friendship, and the challenges of creative work. Jean and Lionel's relationship is front and center, as they navigate the ups and downs of working on their book together. Their love for each other is evident, but so too is their frustration with each other at times.

Meanwhile, the other characters provide comic relief and further insights into the main characters' lives. Alistair is particularly amusing in his attempts to help Jean and Lionel with their book, while Penny provides a window into Jean's family background.

Overall, "Rewrites" is a charming and heartwarming episode that will delight fans of the show and newcomers alike. With its mix of humor, romance, and nostalgia, it is a perfect encapsulation of what makes As Time Goes By such a beloved series.