Playback is currently unavailable for S3 E1 · The Early Birds. Episode details remain available below.
The Good Life
Tom and Barbara Good escape the rat race and pursue a self-sufficient lifestyle in Surbiton, much to the concern, frustration and sometimes envy of their neighbours Margo and Jerry Leadbetter. Entitled ‘Good Neighbors’ when shown in the USA.
- Created by:
- John Esmonde, Bob Larbey
- Cast:
- Richard Briers, Felicity Kendal, Paul Eddington, Penelope Keith
- Language:
- English
- Country:
- United Kingdom
- Network:
- BBC One
Episode guide
Seasons
Season 3
Episodes
E01
Episode 1
★ 8.0The Early Birds
1976-09-10 · 30mThe pressure of work sowing the new season's crops requires the Goods to make the most of the daylight hours. The disturbance of their early morning work sours their friendship with the Leadbetters, and their attempts to go to bed early meet with a variety of frustrations.
Current episode
E02
Episode 2
The Happy Event
1976-09-17 · 30mPerky gives birth to her litter, which includes a runt, in the middle of the night, observed by the Goods & Leadbetters. Sentimentality overcomes practicality, and they decide to try to help the runt survive. Jerry is stopped for speeding on the way to hospital to obtain some oxygen.
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E03
Episode 3
★ 8.0A Tug of the Forelock
1976-09-24 · 30mThe need for some means of transport to replace the broken trolley causes Tom to modify the rotavator. To pay for its fuel, the Goods decide to take temporary work as domestic staff... with the Leadbetters.
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E04
Episode 4
I Talk to the Trees
1976-10-01 · 30mA fellow allotment holder claims that talking and playing music to his plants gives better yields, so Tom decides to do a scientific experiment, enlisting Barbara's help. Unfortunately, playing music to the crops in the back garden threatens to sour their relationship with Margo, who is standing for election as president of the local amateur operatic society.
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E05
Episode 5
The Wind-Break War
1976-10-08 · 30mThe Goods are furious when they learn that Margo is planning to put up a large wind-break that will shade their new fruit patch. Mix-ups occur when they ask her to site it elsewhere. To repair their friendship, they have dinner accompanied by bottles of the Goods' Peapod Burgundy, causing them to regain their sense of humour.
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E06
Episode 6
Whose Fleas are These?
1976-10-15 · 30mThe Goods find they have fleas, which they initially believe are from their animals. Then they remember that they have just been next door to the Leadbetters.
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E07
Episode 7
★ 10.0The Last Posh Frock
1976-10-22 · 30mVarious people mistake Barbara for a man, causing her to doubt her femininity, and when she accidentally tears her last good dress, she becomes distraught. Tom compounds things by fawning over an elegantly dressed dinner guest, but then tries to make up by buying her another dress.
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Richard Briers
Tom Good
Felicity Kendal
Barbara Good
Paul Eddington
Jerry Leadbetter
Penelope Keith
Margo Leadbetter
