

Ever Decreasing Circles
1984–1989 · BBC One · 30 min · 4 seasons
S04E07 · Half an Office
Mon, 7 Dec, 6:15 am
The Personnel Department at Mole Valley Valves plan to extend their office, but this threatens Martin's office space. He decides to say nothing - but events take a strange course.
About
Martin Bryce lives in a cul de sac in a quiet suburban area. He is the chairman of every club committee going and believes himself to be the pivotal member of the community. The stability of Martin's life is disturbed when Paul moves in next door. He has the poise, looks and self-confidence to dent Martin's self-imposed rule of 'the Close'. His wife, Ann, has tolerated his compulsive behaviour as she knows he is a good man at heart, but Paul is somebody who will test her loyalty to Martin in more ways than one.
Episodes
- E01
Relaxation
Mon, 26 Oct· 30 minThe stress of continually seeking perfection, and organising others around him with military precision, finally takes its toll on Martin's nerves. Something has got to be done to make him relax - and soon!
- E02
Goodbye, Paul?
Mon, 2 Nov· 30 minPaul plans to leave the area if he can't find suitable premises for his new venture - putting Martin in a difficult position.
- E03
Stuck in a Loft
Mon, 9 Nov· 30 minPaul and girlfriend Sarah join Hilda, Howard, Ann and Martin on a weekend away at a country cottage. Martin takes the chance to demonstrate his practical knowledge, but he finds his style somewhat cramped.
- E04
Neighbourhood Watch
Mon, 16 Nov· 30 minDomestic sitcom starring Richard Briers as the inept Martin and Penelope Wilton as his long-suffering wife, Ann. Martin tries to co-ordinate the neighbourhood watch.
- E05
The Footpath
Mon, 23 Nov· 30 minMartin is incensed when Howard and Hilda are denied their right to use a public footpath by a local farmer. Martin decides to champion their cause and wonders whether he should sort out the country's footpath situation in general.
- E06
Jumping to Conclusions
Mon, 30 Nov· 30 minAfter some poor results in an Open University test, Ann decides it would be a good idea to bounce her ideas off someone in future. However, her choice of study partner causes quite a stir.
- E07
Half an Office
Mon, 7 Dec· 30 minThe Personnel Department at Mole Valley Valves plan to extend their office, but this threatens Martin's office space. He decides to say nothing - but events take a strange course.
- Special
New Horizons
Mon, 25 Dec· 25 minMartin is organising the annual summer fete but unexpected news at work and at home finds him, for the first time ever, having to admit he has too much on his plate. Where should his loyalties lie? If he moves could the community manage without him?
Cast

Richard Briers
Martin Bryce

Penelope Wilton
Ann Bryce

Peter Egan
Paul Ryman

Stanley Lebor
Howard Hughes

Geraldine Newman
Hilda Hughes