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 3 Episode Guide
6 Episodes 1983
Episode 1
Missing
25 mins
Having informed them of her pregnancy Helen invites her parents to visit and to meet Mike. Unfortunately Mike is late in arriving, having been carried past his bus stop whilst helping a woman with a pram and with a nose-bleed following a fight. He does not make a good impression - until Laura points out that he was brought up in an orphanage, which changes everything.
Episode 2
The Hotel
25 mins
When Laura goes on a weekend conference to Brighton Mike accompanies her and they book into the hotel as a married couple. Whilst Laura is at her seminar Mike has a dispiriting game of crazy golf and on return to the hotel finds that everybody assumes they are married. When Laura points out otherwise and it appears that the other married delegates have brought women who are not their wives she and Mike debate as to whether they should come clean.
Episode 3
The Dinner Party
27 mins
Laura and Mike are about to host their first dinner party, inviting Helen and Phil and a couple she vaguely knows through work, Jill and Frank. Unfortunately the party is interrupted when Mike hears that his elderly assistant Charlie has been rushed to hospital and he and Laura decide that they must go to see him. On their return they learn that, even without their presence, the evening has been a huge success.
Episode 4
Business Problems
25 mins
With Charlie laid up Mike is running himself ragged to keep the business going but is determined to keep the old man's job open for him - until he has a visit from Charlie's sister. Mike also erroneously believes Laura to be pregnant when he finds her reading baby books - in her efforts to help Helen. Then she makes a confession.
Episode 5
Parenthood
26 mins
Mike advertises for a new assistant and ends up with a dilemma - should he interview recently redundant, middle-aged and middle class Mr Robinson, whose business contacts might be of use or young, fit Terry - whose CV includes being in a porn movie - and brings his baby girl to the interview ? Laura would also like a baby - with Mike - but he is less enthusiastic.
Episode 6
Extreme Measures
25 mins
Having employed both Mr Robinson and Terry Mike's business is going well. The domestic situation however is less happy as Laura still wants a baby and Mike thinks they are too old to be parents, bringing their arguments to an uneasy Helen and Phil. Then Laura makes a snap decision which shocks all three of them and involves a new job - in Brussels.