When Bob returns from his honeymoon in Norway - with the traditional splint on his foot, allegedly from missing a step on the aircraft - Terry is getting ever-closer to Susan, Thelma's sister. Susan, is engaged to an accountant called Peter in Canada and is due to fly home, having spent the last five years there.
Terry, the erasable bachelor - even though he married in Germany and is separated - is torn between the prospect of a life of supposed suburban bliss if Susan chooses to stay, and his more eclectic, traditional lifestyle. They joke with Bob's mother pretending Susan is pregnant, before acknowledging she will return to North America and a promising life with Peter.
The script is, as usual, wonderful, full of bathos and pathos - the married Bob, now touting a night of social and sexual adventure at a local dive, whilst in reality only fantasising about it. Whilst Terry, having experienced two weeks with Susan in Bob and Thelma's new semi on the aspirational new private estate, is almost tempted to down tools (literally) and follow in Bob's footsteps - once the splint comes off his leg. Each seemingly coveting the others lifestyle.
Society now has less opportunities for social advancement or 'levelling up' as the current Government calls it. But in those days of comic gold, there were always opportunities for advancement, engagement and fulfilment - as Terry finds with a stewardess after bidding Susan farewell at the airport.
Whatever would have been, wouldn't be. At least, not on this occasion.
Terry, the erasable bachelor - even though he married in Germany and is separated - is torn between the prospect of a life of supposed suburban bliss if Susan chooses to stay, and his more eclectic, traditional lifestyle. They joke with Bob's mother pretending Susan is pregnant, before acknowledging she will return to North America and a promising life with Peter.
The script is, as usual, wonderful, full of bathos and pathos - the married Bob, now touting a night of social and sexual adventure at a local dive, whilst in reality only fantasising about it. Whilst Terry, having experienced two weeks with Susan in Bob and Thelma's new semi on the aspirational new private estate, is almost tempted to down tools (literally) and follow in Bob's footsteps - once the splint comes off his leg. Each seemingly coveting the others lifestyle.
Society now has less opportunities for social advancement or 'levelling up' as the current Government calls it. But in those days of comic gold, there were always opportunities for advancement, engagement and fulfilment - as Terry finds with a stewardess after bidding Susan farewell at the airport.
Whatever would have been, wouldn't be. At least, not on this occasion.