BBC One · Ended

Ever Decreasing Circles

Comedy · 1984

Last aired: S4 E?, New Horizons · 1989-12-24

Martin Bryce lives in a cul de sac in a quiet suburban area. He is the chairman of every club committee going and believes himself to be the pivotal member of the community. The stability of Martin's life is disturbed when Paul moves in next door. He has the poise, looks and self-confidence to dent Martin's self-imposed rule of 'the Close'. His wife, Ann, has tolerated his compulsive behaviour as she knows he is a good man at heart, but Paul is somebody who will test her loyalty to Martin in more ways than one.

Cast

Richard Briers Martin Bryce

Penelope Wilton Ann Bryce

Peter Egan Paul Ryman

Stanley Lebor Howard Hughes

Geraldine Newman Hilda Hughes

Season 4

Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Season 4

E1 Relaxation 1987-10-25 · 30 min The stress of continually seeking perfection, and organising others around him with military precision, finally takes its toll on Martin's nerves. Something has got to be done to make him relax - and soon!

E2 Goodbye, Paul? 1987-11-01 · 30 min Paul plans to leave the area if he can't find suitable premises for his new venture - putting Martin in a difficult position.

E3 Stuck in a Loft 1987-11-08 · 30 min Paul and girlfriend Sarah join Hilda, Howard, Ann and Martin on a weekend away at a country cottage. Martin takes the chance to demonstrate his practical knowledge, but he finds his style somewhat cramped.

E4 Neighbourhood Watch 1987-11-15 · 30 min Domestic sitcom starring Richard Briers as the inept Martin and Penelope Wilton as his long-suffering wife, Ann. Martin tries to co-ordinate the neighbourhood watch.

E5 The Footpath 1987-11-22 · 30 min Martin is incensed when Howard and Hilda are denied their right to use a public footpath by a local farmer. Martin decides to champion their cause and wonders whether he should sort out the country's footpath situation in general.

E6 Jumping to Conclusions 1987-11-29 · 30 min After some poor results in an Open University test, Ann decides it would be a good idea to bounce her ideas off someone in future. However, her choice of study partner causes quite a stir.

E7 Half an Office 1987-12-06 · 30 min The Personnel Department at Mole Valley Valves plan to extend their office, but this threatens Martin's office space. He decides to say nothing - but events take a strange course.

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