As Time Goes By

- Season 5

(1996)

Making use of the country house, Jean and Lionel stay in the country for the weekend hoping to get a bit of rest and relaxation. But when they meet the "country set" they learn that there'll be no relaxation had this weekend.

After receiving a letter from her, Lionel and Jean spend an evening with Lionel's ex-wife, Margaret, and her young boyfriend, Gary. Meanwhile, Jean is concerned about Judy, Sandy and Alistair's love lives.

When Jean asks why Lionel has suddenly taken up model boat building, he admits it's because he's been feeling bored lately. In an effort to find a hobby for Lionel, Jean, Judy and Sandy brainstorm ideas and enlist the help of Alistair to cure Lionel's boredom.

After their last encounter with the country set, Jean and Lionel reluctantly sneak back to the country house, hoping for some time to themselves. When they get there however they learn of an 'element' that seems to be terrorizing the village.

The mini-series is due for release very soon in the States. In order to witness the event first-hand, Alistair has offered Jean and Lionel a trip and overnight stay in New York to watch it on the small screen. When they decline, he takes Judy and Sandy instead and Jean and Lionel wait at home to hear how good, or bad, it turns out.

Because she is going in for an operation, Penny is convinced that she will not be around for much longer. In order to console the worrying Stephen, Jean and Lionel agree to look after him while Penny has her operation.

Due to their last encounter with the country set, Jean and Lionel have abolished all hopes of remaining friends with the village people. When they go down to the country for a weekend however, they find that they are the new local heroes with a huge reputation to live up to.