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One Foot in the Grave

  • 1990–2000
  • 6 seasons
  • Comedy
  • 7.7

Who would have thought retirement could be so chaotic?

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. Despite its traditional production, the series supplants its domestic sitcom setting with elements of black humour and surrealism.

Episodes

6 episodes
  1. 1The Executioner's Song

    30 minOct 16, 2000

    Victor has a new job as a window-cleaner. Meanwhile, Patrick's plans for a quiet birthday are ruined after an unfortunate misunderstanding involving a modern art painting and Pippa finds herself in an adulterous affair.

  2. 2Tales of Terror

    30 minOct 23, 2000

    In Mr. Swainey's production of 'Nosferatu: The Vampire', the actor who was supposed to play the vampire doesn't show up so Nick asks Victor to take the part. He does. Later, blood is found in Victor's digestive system during a test. After fearing the worst, the doctors discover that the blood was from an under-cooked black pudding that was earlier given to Victor by Mrs Warboys! While on their way to visit the dreaded Ronnie and Mildred, the Meldrews are shocked to discover that Mildred has killed herself while playing a game of 'Happy Families' - they are even more shocked to discover that her body is still hanging outside the house!

  3. 3The Futility of the Fly

    30 minOct 30, 2000

    Margaret regrets hiring an attractive cleaner to help around the house. Meanwhile, Mrs Warboys has a couple of nasty frights.

  4. 4Threatening Weather

    30 minNov 6, 2000

    During a power cut, Victor realises that he had been right through the middle of an area affected by a siege as it happened. He has the misfortune to have a light fitting drop right onto his privates, a cigarette stubbed out on his cap and a mysterious pain that leads him to think that he had been shot during the siege. Things are made worse by the arrival of the incontinent, fat and irritating elderly neighbour, Mr. Smedley.

  5. 5The Dawn of Man

    30 minNov 13, 2000

    Victor's new fishing hobby leads to an unfortunate encounter with a fly-tipper. Meanwhile, a visit from Patrick's gay twin brother leaves Pippa feeling mentally and physically exhausted, especially when Patrick sits on a cork.

  6. 6Things Aren't Simple Any More

    30 minNov 20, 2000

    In the very last episode of 'One Foot in the Grave', Victor's decision to attend a school reunion unwittingly delivers him into the hands of fate. Margaret deals with the aftermath with the help of her new friend, Glynis.

Where to watch One Foot in the Grave

Stream

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Availability from JustWatch, via TMDB. Full listing for United States

Series cast

Richard WilsonVictor Meldrew36 episodes
Annette CrosbieMargaret Meldrew35 episodes
Doreen MantleMrs. Warboys15 episodes
Owen BrenmanNick Swainey12 episodes
Janine DuvitskiPippa10 episodes
Angus DeaytonPatrick10 episodes
Gordon PetersRonnie3 episodes
John RutlandWilfred2 episodes
Enn ReitelVoice on Phone (voice)2 episodes
Jonathan KyddMarket Stall-holder2 episodes
Peter CoreyMr. Prout2 episodes
Damaris HaymanElderly Lady2 episodes
Christopher RyanPlumber2 episodes
Hilary MasonMrs. Stewkley2 episodes
Annette KerrLady in Tea Shop2 episodes
Nick MaloneyLaverick2 episodes
Valerie MinifieWoman2 episodes
Katharine PageMargaret's Mother (voice)2 episodes

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