A Fine Romance
British sitcom about the simple relationship between Mike (Michael Williams) and Laura (Dame Judi Dench), two fairly unlikely individuals who come together and form an unmarried union. Nearing 40, Laura appears perplexed most of the time; Mike sports a perpetual grin. They first meet during a party at the insistence of Laura's younger sister Helen (Susan Penhaligon), and Mike's sweet, inept, and endearing character sparks something in the bossy, stubborn, big-softy Laura. They never quite hit it off, but something is there that keeps them together.
- 1981-1984
- 4 seasons
- PBS
- Comedy, Drama
British sitcom about the simple relationship between Mike (Michael Williams) and Laura (Dame Judi Dench), two fairly unlikely individuals who come together and form an unmarried union. Nearing 40, Laura appears perplexed most of the time; Mike sports a perpetual grin. They first meet during a party at the insistence of Laura's younger sister Helen (Susan Penhaligon), and Mike's sweet, inept, and endearing character sparks something in the bossy, stubborn, big-softy Laura. They never quite hit it off, but something is there that keeps them together.
Season 1 Episode Guide
7 Episodes 1981
Episode 1
First Meeting
26 mins
Helen wants to find a boyfriend for her socially inept sister Laura. Mike is a last-minute invitee to Helen's party and just as nervous as Laura. They discover they share a dislike of being fixed up and leave the party together so Helen won't object to them leaving.
Episode 2
Different Answers
25 mins
Next morning Laura and Mike are invited - separately - for Sunday lunch to tell how they got on the previous night. To please Helen and get her off her case Laura lies, describing a passionate night. Mike tells the truth, nothing happened , but changes his story so as not to make Laura appear a liar. Afterwards each apologizes to the other and they go to the pub and a possible first date.
Episode 3
The Restaurant
25 mins
Laura and Mike go to a museum, where they form an alliance against a pretentious couple Laura met at the party and then on to a French restaurant, where they causer chaos when Laura loses a contact lens. This leads to them being thrown out and to their first, tentative kiss.
Episode 4
Unlucky in Love
25 mins
Laura has decided that Mike is nice but she would prefer a date with the more exciting Ben, whom she met in Brussels - and is shocked to learn that he is married. Mike comes to comfort her and when Ben turns up with an excuse for his behaviour, Mike is ready to prove him a liar, having met Ben and another bit on the side earlier in the day.
Episode 5
How to Avoid Bankruptcy
26 mins
Learning that Mike's business is in trouble Laura persuades him to ask for a bank loan and cleans up his work place for the banker's visit. When the loan is refused Laura offers to put up her own money but Mike sells his house instead and moves into his garden centre.
Episode 6
Keep Them Apart
26 mins
Laura and Mike are now more or less dating, despite her irritation at having to pay the fine when his van is parked on yellow lines outside her flat. However they are yet to spend a night together and Helen attempts to make them jealous of each other by introducing them to other prospective partners. In fact it brings them closer together.
Episode 7
Playing Games
After they have spent the night together Laura is concerned that Mike may not want to see her again so he proposes they meet for lunch. However when a client calls he has to cancel and Laura, suspecting the worst, agrees to a date with Helen's house guest, the boring Harry, whose wife has left him. It all ends with a confrontation and the fine romance between Laura and Mike back on again.