The Good Life

- Season 1

(1975)

Tom Good is celebrating his 40th birthday and reflects on life and the lack of satisfaction he's found. He realizes he is searching for 'it' but can't define what that actually means. In a flash of inspiration he discovers needs break the chains and attempt to become self sufficient from the rest of the world. Barbara his wife sees his infectious and agrees to be part of Tom's new world. The neighbor's reaction is far less positive and conflict appears on the horizon

Tom and Barbara have secured a flock of chickens; the behavior of the rooster raises eyebrows until one of the chickens unexpectedly lays an egg. Jerry and Margo cook up a scheme that might see Tom abandon his plans and allow the neighborhood to return to normal. The plan fails and becomes a source of conflict between Margo and Barbara

Tom and Barbara's plans progress as the first of their plants begin to take root. Things look up when they befriend a junk man who sells them an old wood fired stove. Tom is forced to confront one of farming greatest challenges, how to stop birds eating their crop. Barbara becomes combative over the roles she and Tom seem to be developing; she sounds out close neighbors Margo and Jerry only to discover a deeper appreciation of Tom and her relationship

Tom and Margo's simmering disagreement festers to the point that Margo calls in the local residents' association to put a stop to the Goods' self-sufficient lifestyle. The showdown between the two neighbors takes an unexpected turn, and from the outcome a new relationship is forged.

Tom shows off his latest project, a way to produce electricity using the refuse from his herd of pigs. Jerry takes an interest in the concept till Margo and Barbara have words. Later after things have calmed Tom asks Jerry to house sit while the Goods go to scrounge firewood. While away a series of unexpected events occur at the house that see Jerry get the last laugh over the Good's

Tom's former employer, instructs Jerry to invite the Good's to a dinner party. Sir Andrew tries to entice back to work by offering freelance work. After initially saying no Tom reconsiders the offer in the wake of an intimate discussion with Barbara. Tom scheming nearly comes undone as Barbara discovers part of Tom's secret and what it will mean for her

The Leadbetters go on holidays just as twin disasters of Tom injuring his back and extreme weather conditions threaten the Good's dream of self sufficiency to the test. Their first harvest is due to begin any day and Barbara tries to deal with these almost insurmountable problems.