The Good Life

- Season 3

(1976)

Tom and Barbara are in conflict with Margo over the early starts they have been making to ensure all their crops have been planted. Tom comes up with the idea of sleeping as soon as it gets dark, and making maximum use of sunlight.

Barbara manages to get her hands on a horse, Tom is opposed to the idea because he thinks the animal will consume more resources than it supplies. Margo hears of the conflict and turns the whole subject in a feminist cause.

Margo is in an uproar when her maid and gardener leave unexpectedly for a holiday. Barbara and Tom need some ready cash urgently for a project and agree to replace the servants for a month.

Tom and Barbara come under the influence of Mr Wakeley a local prize winning marrow grower. He explains to them the value of talking to your plants and vegetables. They decide to try it much to the derision of others in the neighborhood.

Tom becomes concerned when he hears she is planning to build a wind break. He can see a major problem with the further growth of his fruit crop.

Tom and Barbara decide to sweep their chimney and,in the process,get covered in soot. They go next door to the Leadbetters for a bath but subsequently discover that they have fleas,causing Barbara to act very strangely towards the postman. Fearing that they have brought an infestation upon Margo and Jerry Tom calls in pest control expert Mr Bulstrode and he tells them that the fleas come from a dog - not just any dog but the pet of a woman with whom Margo is canvassing for the Conservatives at the upcoming election.

Nostalgic for the days when she wore pretty clothes Barbara feels that Tom is consistently taking her for granted, especially when he fails to compliment her on her only posh frock - which gets torn. Matters come to a head when a glamorous school-friend of Barbara's comes for dinner in a designer dress and Tom cannot take his eyes off her. It takes Jerry to talk some sense into Tom and make him realise that Barbara deserves rewards for the sacrifices she has made for him.