Series 1

​

A New Life

​

First broadcast: Friday 19th April 1985

Henry was divorced seven years ago and apart from the daily visits of his cleaning lady has grown used to living alone. The sudden arrival of Matthew disturbs the quiet, orderly running of the home.

​

 

Bad Apples

​

First broadcast: Friday 26th April 1985

The differences of age and taste between Harry and his son, Matthew, reach new heights when the subject of education is raised. There is more to education than academic achievement but which school to choose raises some problems...

​

 

All You Need Is Love

​

First broadcast: Friday 3rd May 1985

A girlfriend is introduced in the home. Naturally, Henry objects to his son's choice, but it is Mrs T. who finds the incriminating evidence in Matthew's bedroom.

​

 

Suspect

​

First broadcast: Friday 10th May 1985

Henry Willows' next door neighbours' son returns from college. Comparisons are inevitable between Matthew and the student. A great sportsman, industrious, considerate and well-mannered he may be, but Matthew proves all that glistens is not gold.

​

 

Dating Henry

​

First broadcast: Friday 17th May 1985

There is wine in the cooler and candlesticks on the table, and Henry has shave and changed, but who is coming to dinner? Matthew attempts to find out.

​

 

Small Change

​

First broadcast: Friday 24th May 1985

Like all young people Matthew is desperate for money, but his father refuses to support him in his chosen career as a guitarist. Instead he insists that he visits the job centre...

​

 

The Way We Were

​

First broadcast: Friday 31st May 1985

It's Henry's wedding anniversary, but after seven years of separation there is nothing to celebrate, so he goes to the club. While he is out, Matthew welcomes a special guest into his father's home.

 

​

Series 2

​

Protest

​

First broadcast: Friday 5th September 1986

Matthew becomes a vegetarian, but what is in the cardboard box, and why is Henry brandishing a poker?

​

 

Plastic Dreamworld

​

First broadcast: Friday 19th September 1986

Matthew finds an easy way to make £10, by opening a new bank account. But how long can he withstand the myriad temptations of cash dispensing machines and credit cards?

​

 

Acting Out

​

First broadcast: Friday 26th September 1986

Henry is stunned to find Matthew wearing make-up, and even more stunned when he finds out that Matthew now wants to become an actor.

​

 

The Test

​

First broadcast: Friday 3rd October 1986

Henry suffers every father's nightmare when he has to teach Matthew how to drive. But how long will Henry's new 1800 stay in mint condition and which driver does Mrs T. prefer?

​

 

Any Questions?

​

First broadcast: Friday 10th October 1986

Henry stands for the Council as an independent candidate. But where do Matthew and Mrs T. stand - and why is the female Labour candidate in the house?

​

 

Julie

​

First broadcast: Friday 17th October 1986

Matthew thinks things are running smoothly between his father and himself. Then his sister Julie decides to stay with them - proving decisively that three is a crowd.

​

 

Series 3

 

Getting On

​

First broadcast: Saturday 5th December 1987

A visit to the opticians and an ear surgeon makes Henry feel his age. Matthew decides he ought to do more for the aged so adopts Shady Gray - but is Shady all he seems?

​

​

Christmas Special: Family Ties

​

First broadcast: Saturday 26th December 1987

Henry plans an intimate Yuletide break with girlfriend Cynthia. But then his children land on the doorstep wanting a family Christmas.

​

​

Series 4

​

Bridge Of Sighs

​

First broadcast: Friday 1st December 1989

A voice from the past sets Henry thinking of his lost youth - can Matthew help?

​

​

Front Runner

​

First broadcast: Friday 8th December 1989

Henry suggests that Matthew might find a holiday job to eke out his meagre grant. But then Matthew turns up at his office.

​

 

Return To Clagthorpe

​

First broadcast: Tuesday 5th December 1989

Instead of a foreign holiday, Henry decides to take Matthew back to their old holiday spot, Clagthorpe - much to Matthew's horror.

​

 

Leaving

​

First broadcast: Friday 19th January 1990

As Matthew prepares to leave for college, beleaguered father Henry can't wait to return to a self-styled bachelor existence.