Series 1, Episode 1 - Plough Your Own Furrow
Further details
On Tom Good's 40th birthday he awakes with a new zest for life - just not the one he has. He realises that he is not satisfied with his quality of life and that it is time for something new. He attempts to explain the strange feeling building up inside him to his wife Barbara but fails as he himself is not quite sure what it is yet.
We see, for the first and only time, an insight into Tom's working life as a draughtsman. As the day passes Tom begins to question how grown men can be so enthusiastic about designing plastic toys that are found in cereal packets. When told that the company's new 'blockbuster idea' is a giraffe toy, Tom can no longer take his job seriously.
Tom and Barbara try to diagnose and solve the problem of 'it' in their living room. This culminates at three in the morning with Barbara (in a nightgown, coat and wellingtons) pacing the garden in deep thought finally deciding she will support Tom in his crackpot new idea: to become self-sufficient in Surbiton.
The following morning, next-door neighbour and best friend Jerry Leadbetter is informed of the plan before their normal carpool commute. Tom is confident in his idea whilst Jerry thinks he is mad for even suggesting it.
Notes
Margot is not seen in this episode, but her voice is heard.
Broadcast details
- Date
- Friday 4th April 1975
- Time
- 8:30pm
- Channel
- BBC One
- Length
- 30 minutes
Cast & crew
Regular cast | |
---|---|
Richard Briers | Tom Good |
Felicity Kendal | Barbara Good |
Paul Eddington | Jerry Leadbetter |
Guest cast | |
---|---|
Reginald Marsh | Sir Andrew |
Norman Atkyns | Commissionaire |
Martin Neil | Brian |
Penelope Keith | Margo Leadbetter (Voice) |
Writing team | |
---|---|
John Esmonde | Writer |
Bob Larbey | Writer |
Production team | |
---|---|
John Howard Davies | Director |
John Howard Davies | Producer |

Supporters and subscribers get more
Additional content and tools are available across the site for Supporters and BCG Pro subscribers. On this page you can:
- Broadcast details of 55 further repeats of this episode
- BCG Pro business users can see additional crew credits
If you join BCG Pro business, you can see composer, make-up designer, editor, lighting designer, production designer, costume designer & production assistant credits for this episode.
Already a donor or Pro user? Sign in