One Foot in the Grave
One Foot in the Grave

One Foot in the Grave (1990)

"Who would have thought retirement could be so chaotic?"

7.6 (84 votes)
6 Seasons
January 4, 1990
English
Comedy

Synopsis

One Foot in the Grave is a BBC television sitcom series The series features the exploits of Victor Meldrew and his long-suffering wife, Margaret. The programmes invariably deal with Meldrew's battle against the problems he creates for himself. Living in a typical household in an unnamed English suburb, Victor takes involuntary early retirement. His various efforts to keep himself busy, while encountering various misfortunes and misunderstandings are the themes of the sitcom. The series was largely filmed on location in Walkford, near New Milton in Hampshire, although several clues show that the series may have been set in Hampshire – possibly Winchester. Despite its traditional production, the series supplants its domestic sitcom setting with elements of black humour and surrealism.

Network

BBC One

Episodes

Alive and Buried
E1

Alive and Buried

Jan 4, 1990
29 min
10.0

Victor Meldrew, 60 years old, is at last retiring from the rigors of his security guard job at Watson-Mycroft. Replaced by a talking machine, Victor soon discovers that retirement will give him just as many reasons to be grumpy.

The Big Sleep
E2

The Big Sleep

Jan 11, 1990
28 min

As retirement throws more problems for Victor Meldrew's retirement, including a next-door neighbour's noisy party, a disturbing and puzzling rash and an atheist funeral, has Victor bitten the bullett?

The Valley of Fear
E3

The Valley of Fear

Jan 18, 1990
29 min

After being mugged whilst photographing badgers, and having his house sprayed with the phrase 'The Man Who Lives Here Is A Turd', Victor decides to hold a crime prevention meeting.

I'll Retire to Bedlam
E4

I'll Retire to Bedlam

Jan 25, 1990
29 min

After being stuck in the shed for over three hours, then forced to spend an entire day with his eyes closed after a visit to the optometrist, Victor cannot bear the trials of babysitting.

The Eternal Quadrangle
E5

The Eternal Quadrangle

Feb 1, 1990
29 min

Although Margaret is glad that Victor finally has a hobby to occupy his time, she is less pleased to discover that it involves painting nudes.

The Return of the Speckled Band
E6

The Return of the Speckled Band

Feb 8, 1990
29 min

Following a food poisoning incident, problems with the electricity man, the Meldrews embark on a well deserved holiday, however this is only the start of their problems?

Cast

Trailer

Details

Original Title

One Foot in the Grave

Status

Ended

Seasons

6

Episodes

36

Production

BBC