Ep 5. Problems with Relatives

Hyacinth Bucket, played by Patricia Routledge, is a woman obsessed with social class and appearances, often going to extreme lengths to maintain her perceived upper-class status. In the 5th episode of the second season of Keeping up Appearances titled "Problems with Relatives," Hyacinth is presented with a new challenge when her eccentric sister Daisy invites herself and their father to stay for the weekend.

Hyacinth is initially delighted at the thought of showing off her family to her snobbish friends, but her excitement quickly turns to dread when she discovers that her sister's eccentricities are even more pronounced than she remembered. Daisy, played by Judy Cornwell, is a free spirit who has never bought into her sister's obsession with appearances and is more interested in having a good time than in maintaining proper social etiquette. This comes to a head when Daisy decides to take her father on a joyride in Hyacinth's new car, causing a minor fender bender in the process.

Meanwhile, Hyacinth's long-suffering husband Richard, played by Clive Swift, finds himself at odds with his brother-in-law Bruce, played by Harold Bennett, who has come along for the weekend. Bruce is a man who takes pleasure in being difficult and is constantly trying to undermine Richard's authority in his own home. The two men engage in a battle for dominance that reaches its climax during a disastrous dinner party, where Bruce cannot resist the opportunity to embarrass Richard in front of Hyacinth's friends.

In the midst of the chaos, Hyacinth is forced to confront the fact that her family members are not the refined upper-class individuals she wishes they were. Daisy's lack of concern for social norms and Bruce's constant needling of Richard make it difficult for Hyacinth to maintain her carefully crafted image. However, through it all, Hyacinth remains determined to show her family a good time and make a good impression on her friends.

The episode is filled with hilarious moments as Hyacinth tries to maintain control of the situation and keep her family members in line. Fans of the show will appreciate the return of familiar characters such as the long-suffering neighbor Elizabeth, played by Josephine Tewson, and the bumbling vicar, played by Jeremy Gittins. The performances are as spot-on as ever, with Patricia Routledge delivering a masterclass in comedic timing as the uptight Hyacinth.

Overall, "Problems with Relatives" is a classic episode of Keeping up Appearances, showcasing the show's signature blend of biting wit, physical comedy, and over-the-top characters. It is a must-watch for fans of the series and a great introduction for those new to the world of Hyacinth Bucket and her endlessly entertaining antics.