Ep 1. Bills, Bills, Bills
- TV-PG
- September 14, 1998
- 29 min
-
7.9 (178)
In the first episode of The Royle Family, titled "Bills, Bills, Bills," we are introduced to the Royle family, who reside in a small house in Manchester, England. The episode takes place over the course of one day, and follows the family as they go about their daily lives, while being bombarded by a never-ending stream of bills.
The Royle family consists of parents Jim and Barbara, their daughter Denise, her husband Dave, and their son Antony. They are a working-class family, and much of the episode revolves around their struggles to make ends meet. Jim is unemployed and spends his days watching TV, while Barbara works part-time at a bakery. Denise is a hairdresser, and Dave works as a factory worker.
Throughout the episode, various bills arrive in the mail, and the family's financial struggles become increasingly apparent. They argue over how to pay the bills, and tensions rise as they each try to figure out a solution. Meanwhile, the family engages in banter and jokes, with each character's unique personality shining through.
One of the most memorable parts of the episode is when the family gathers to watch their favorite TV show, "Family Fortunes." They each provide hilarious commentary and make fun of the contestants' answers. This is a recurring theme throughout the series, as the family often watches TV together and criticizes the programs they are watching.
As the day progresses, we get a glimpse into the individual lives of each family member. Denise has a strained relationship with her husband Dave, while Jim and Barbara reminisce about their past. Antony, who is shown to be somewhat of a troublemaker, causes some chaos by setting off fireworks in the backyard.
Despite their struggles, the Royle family is shown to be a close-knit unit, with each member looking out for the others. They may not have much money, but they have each other, and that seems to be enough.
Overall, "Bills, Bills, Bills" is a strong start to the series. It sets up the characters and their relationships well, while also giving us a glimpse into their everyday lives. The humor is subtle and natural, and the actors all give strong performances. If the rest of the series is anything like this first episode, it's easy to see why The Royle Family has become such a beloved British sitcom.