About this season
Agony is a British sitcom produced by LWT for ITV, broadcast from 1979 to 1981. It stars Maureen Lipman as successful agony aunt Jane Lucas, whose own personal life and marriage is a disaster. It was written by Len Richmond, Anna Raeburn, Stan Hey and Andrew Nickolds. Although a comedy, Agony sometimes dealt with taboo issues such as drug use, racism, abortion, interracial relationships, and swinging, and was the first British sitcom to portray a gay couple as non-camp, witty, intelligent and happy people. It also openly mocked the government, the ruling classes, and religion, and occasionally contained dark and dramatic storylines.
Episodes (7)
1. From Here to Maternity
Aired 18 January 1981 • 30 min
Jane encounters a broad range of opposition when she decides to stop working and be a full time wife and mother.
2. Arrivals and Departures
Aired 25 January 1981 • 30 min
Jane and Laurence wait for their baby while attending a baby care class run by a strange woman and trying to help Michael deal with a fight with Rob.
3. Hospital Romances
Aired 1 February 1981 • 30 min
Jane continues helping people from her hospital bed as a black nurse faces the anger of her superior and Val runs off with Andy Evol.
4. Communications Breakdown
Aired 8 February 1981 • 30 min
Jane's investigation into group therapy uncovers a problem in her marriage and in that of Val and Andy.
5. Holy Wars
Aired 15 February 1981 • 30 min
Jane and Laurence's quarrel over having young Michael circumcised uncovers hidden prejudices.
6. Lucas v Lucas
Aired 22 February 1981 • 30 min
Jane and Laurence grow farther apart when their baby is kidnapped by a disturbed man.
7. Rings Off Their Fingers
Aired 1 March 1981 • 30 min
Laurence tries to win Jane back and she throws a New Year's Eve party that promises to change many people's lives.