Ep 5. Au Reservoir

Mapp and Lucia is a British comedy-drama television series based on the novels by E.F. Benson. Set in the 1920s, the show follows the lives of two formidable women, Elizabeth Mapp and Emmeline "Lucia" Lucas, in the fictional town of Tilling.

In season 2 episode 5, titled "Au Reservoir," the residents of Tilling find themselves embroiled in a series of amusing misunderstandings and misadventures.

The episode begins with Lucia, played by Miranda Richardson, organizing a trip to a nearby reservoir for the Tilling residents. Excitement fills the air as the community members prepare for what they believe will be a refreshing and enjoyable outing. Lucia, as always, is determined to make the event as grand and memorable as she possibly can.

Meanwhile, Mapp, played by Anna Chancellor, starts spreading a rumor that Lucia's lavish parties are funded by an unknown benefactor. As the news spreads like wildfire through the town, tensions rise and suspicions abound. Everyone begins speculating about the source of Lucia's seemingly unlimited wealth.

Amidst the chaos, Georgie, played by Steve Pemberton, finds himself torn between his loyalty to Lucia and his growing attraction to her rival, Irene, played by Poppy Miller. As Georgie tries to navigate this complicated romantic landscape, he becomes entangled in a web of secrets and desires. The tangled love triangle adds a layer of complexity to the already intricate social dynamics of Tilling.

In the midst of these personal intrigues, the day of the reservoir outing finally arrives. The residents converge at the picturesque location, filled with expectations of a delightful day spent by the water. However, things quickly take an unexpected turn when a series of comedic mishaps and misunderstandings unfold.

As the residents deal with various challenges, from malfunctioning picnic baskets to unexpected encounters with wildlife, the peaceful day at the reservoir turns into a whirlwind of hilarity. The awkward and at times chaotic situations provide plenty of entertainment for the viewers, as we witness the Tilling residents navigating the obstacles that come their way.

Throughout the episode, the rivalry between Mapp and Lucia continues to escalate. Their struggle for social dominance reaches new heights as they maneuver to gain the upper hand in the battle for influence and control over Tilling. Their efforts to outdo each other lead to a series of outrageous schemes and witty verbal sparring, leaving both women determined to come out on top.

In "Au Reservoir," the residents of Tilling are forced to confront their own foibles and insecurities in the most comical of ways. As the episode progresses, we witness the characters' vulnerabilities being exposed, their façades crumbling under the weight of their own ambitions and desires. It becomes evident that beneath the surface, everyone is susceptible to the human frailties of pride, jealousy, and a longing for social acceptance.

As the episode comes to a close, the residents of Tilling are left to ponder the consequences of their actions and the true meaning of friendship and community. Amidst the laughter and chaos, lessons are learned, friendships are tested, and the bonds between the characters are strengthened.

With its witty dialogue, colorful characters, and beautifully depicted 1920s setting, "Au Reservoir" offers a delightful and heartwarming installment in the Mapp and Lucia series. It captures the essence of the original novels by E.F. Benson, providing a charming and humorous glimpse into the eccentric world of Tilling.