A Comedy On This Day: As Time Goes By - Animal Magnetism (6 August 2000)

 There are very few domestic scenes that can't be made more interesting to watch by the introduction of a dog, and this enjoyable episode - in which Jean and Lionel are adopted by a stray - is no exception.
 

 We've moved on a bit in the thirty years since 'H. G. Wells', Patrick Cargill's St. Bernard, used to leap all over the performers in Father, Dear Father, and As Time Goes By has more in the way of resources and time to fully integrate Dexter (a Beardie-Border collie cross) into the story. The cur is first seen on location, following Geoffrey Palmer down some rather cold-looking Eastcote streets, in some pleasingly mobile follow shots that accentuate the drama and pathos of the situation.
 
 The combination of advances in editing technology and highly professional animal training mean that the hound really comes into his own in the domestic studio sequences, sitting, running, climbing, etc. in always perfectly realised actions. Even with an animal as well-drilled as Dexter, though, reacting to a dog will always reveal something spontaneous about the performers beyond their characters, encouraging a benevolent mood in the viewer.
 

 Dexter himself was clearly a top pedigree professional, with more credits to his name over his career than plenty of minor players in British TV dramas and comedies have enjoyed. The only problem with his appearance is that he dominates the action, and the plotty business that he catalyses - an encounter between the daughter and a policeman old boyfriend of the secretary- is a good deal less edifying than everyone's reactions to Dexter. Of greater interest is a reminiscent speech by Lionel that the reclaimed dog inspires about an old stray that he adopted in Kenya. It doesn't really serve much immediate purpose, but is an obvious gift to the two star actors to make something of, and creates a satisfying conclusion to the episode.