About this season
This comedy series, which follows the exploits of employees at London's fictional "Grace Brothers" department store, is full of sexual innuendo, slapstick, visual gags, and double entendres. Much of the show's humor parodies Britain's class system, and many of the show's characters are based on stereotypes of the period, including the effeminate Mr. Humphries and the rich, but stingy, store owner.
Episodes (7)
1. Mrs. Slocombe Expects
Aired 25 February 1977 • 30 min
The staff have kittens when Mrs. Slocombe announces she's expecting a happy event, but it turns out that it's merely her cat that's pregnant; when she refuses to leave Tiddles unattended, she braves the ire of Captain Peacock by smuggling the cat into the ladies' fitting room.
2. A Change Is As Good As a Rest
Aired 4 March 1977 • 30 min
When Mr. Grace announces that he plans on temporarily reorganizing the departments, the staff are indignant, but find that work can be a lot of fun...if you're working in the toy department.
3. Founder's Day
Aired 11 March 1977 • 30 min
To celebrate Mr. Grace's 80th birthday, the staff organize This is Your Department, a spoof of This is Your Life.
4. The Old Order Changes
Aired 18 March 1977 • 30 min
Young Mr. Grace returns from a trip to the U.S. with a host of new sales techniques that he is eager to implement.
5. Take-over
Aired 25 March 1977 • 30 min
The staff prevent another firm's hostile takeover of Grace Brothers by impersonating the shareholders. Mr. Harman gives a rousing speech, and Grace Brothers is saved.
6. Goodbye Mr. Grainger
Aired 1 April 1977 • 30 min
Mr. Grainger's temper has become extremely short. The staff, in a private meeting with Mr. Rumbold, decide he must go. However, when he wins the lottery, his bad mood vanishes and he makes his peace with the staff and stays on.
7. It Pays to Advertise
Aired 8 April 1977 • 30 min
The staff star in a TV commercial for Grace Brothers, produced by Mr. Humphries. Could Mr. Grace's cheapness be the reason for using his staff in such fashion?