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.

A Comedy On This Day: As Time Goes By - A Deeply Personal Problem (30 July 2000)

 Each time that I see an episode of this, I get a dislocated sensation that's peculiar to watching very minor material performed to the highest level. This week's plot - Lionel and Jean try to cover up a visit from her daughter's estranged boyfriend by making up a story about a mysterious 'personal problem' of Lionel's, and then having to cope with the embarrassing consequences - could hardly be more ordinary. You don't often see Judi Dench performing in such small beer as this. Its interesting to see qualities distinct to her - very quick responses, sense of an individual moral understanding - put to service in something so routine.

 One benefit of the high production values of this series is that the initial scene (of the two daughters dropping their keys in the street and getting soaking wet) includes the most convincing artificially induced rain that I've seen in a television programme. Normally something that looks a bit wrong on television, seeing it realised so well is surprisingly exciting.

A Comedy On This Day: As Time Goes By: The Affair (26 March 1995)

 It might just be because this is a rather dull episode with far too little happening between the two leads, but it does leave me wondering just how well 1990s 'quality television' values operate when applied to sitcom. For all the well-heeled aspirational lifestyles on show, I can't help but think that the base metal of this storyline (woman jealous of her partner spending the day at home with glamorous young secretary, irritating and insensitive relative turning up and spoils everyone's plans) would actually be rather funnier if they were rendered as a cheap 'n' cheerful LWT 25 minute sitcom.

 The synthi-orchestral arrangement of the theme is remarkably ugly, especially when you consider that it’s setting out to convey a mood of sophistication.