Ep 2. Lionel's Ex-Wife

As Time Goes By is a British sitcom that originally aired from 1992 to 2005. The show follows the romantic relationship between two middle-aged individuals, Jean Pargetter and Lionel Hardcastle, who were in love during their youth but were separated by war and eventually lost touch for several decades. The show revolves around their attempts to rekindle their romance and navigate the challenges of their blended families.

Season 5 Episode 2 of As Time Goes By is titled "Lionel's Ex-Wife." The episode picks up where the previous one left off, with Jean and Lionel finally admitting their feelings for each other and agreeing to start a romantic relationship. Despite their newfound happiness, they face a number of obstacles, one of which is Lionel's ex-wife, Margaret.

Margaret, played by Moira Brooker, is the polar opposite of Jean. She is loud, opinionated, and brash, and she quickly makes her presence known when she arrives unexpectedly at Jean and Lionel's house. Margaret is determined to win Lionel back, and she doesn't hesitate to use underhanded tactics to make Jean feel inferior and unwelcome.

Jean, played by Judi Dench, is initially intimidated by Margaret, but she soon realizes that Margaret's attempts to undermine her are motivated by jealousy and fear. As the episode progresses, Jean becomes more assertive and stands up to Margaret, refusing to be pushed around. Meanwhile, Lionel, played by Geoffrey Palmer, is torn between his loyalty to Jean and his lingering feelings for Margaret.

The episode is a showcase for the talents of its cast, especially Dench and Brooker. Dench exudes vulnerability and strength as Jean, while Brooker is delightfully wicked as Margaret. Their scenes together crackle with tension and humor, highlighting the show's knack for blending lighthearted comedy with genuine emotions.

As Time Goes By is known for its witty writing and its ability to mine laughs out of everyday moments. In "Lionel's Ex-Wife," the humor comes from the clash of personalities between Margaret and Jean. Margaret's boisterousness is the perfect foil to Jean's quiet dignity, and their interactions are filled with snarky remarks and sly put-downs.

However, the episode also has its poignant moments, especially in the scenes between Lionel and Margaret. Their shared history is palpable, and it's clear that they still care for each other on some level. Their scenes together are bittersweet, as they lament the passage of time and the missed opportunities that have led them to this point.

Overall, "Lionel's Ex-Wife" is a standout episode of As Time Goes By. It showcases the show's strengths - its witty writing, its strong characters, and its blend of comedy and drama - and it builds on the romantic tension between Jean and Lionel while introducing a new obstacle for them to overcome. Fans of the show will not be disappointed.