Review for Miss Jones and Son - The Complete First Series

Have you seen Miss Jones? No? Well, until now, neither had I, despite having been a fan of 'Man About the House', also featuring Paula Wilcox, and also created by the same writing and production team. Like so many slight series, this one failed to take a lauded place in history, despite running for two short series (6 x 30 minute episodes a piece). Which is a shame, because it's actually rather good.

Paula Wilcox, curiously attractive despite (or perhaps because of) the prominent teeth, a feature of the seventies, before everyone became homogenised by vanity dentistry, plays the part of an unmarried mother, Elizabeth Jones. After a four year relationship her man has left her, not knowing that she was pregnant. She decides to bring up the child herself in London while she continues to freelance for a teenage magazine, creating romantic picture stories.

Naturally her parents are horrified (played out as typical provincial middle-class) though before long she settles into a routine that also involves close neighbour Geoffrey.

It's difficult to imagine that the attitudes that fuel the conflict, and therefore the comedy, would hold water today. But 30 years ago comedies like this one did much to alter such prejudiced views.

But before I get side-tracked into the social context of the piece too much, it's worth mentioning that this gentle comedy is terribly entertaining, despite never quite reaching the dizzy heights of 'Man About the House'.

Episodes included in this set include all 6 from Series 1 on a single disc.

1. FROM HERE TO MATERNITY

In common with first episodes, this one is all about setting up the dramatic conceit and introducing the characters. It starts with a heavily pregnant Elizabeth and then moves swiftly on to labour, birth and beyond, all with affectionate high comedy reducing the seriousness of the story.

2. BABY TALK

Having a baby certainly complicates life - as well as bringing something special! Elizabeth realises she can no longer have the social life she was used to and also has to work out a way to work from home.

3. A KID FOR THREE FATHERS

Oh dear! Great Aunt Bronwen (yes - she's Welsh) is due to visit to see the new member of the family. At 84, with Victorian attitudes, her visit makes Elizabeth feel that she needs to pretend that the baby has a legitimate father - which means someone acting as Husband. Now who could that be I wonder?!!

4. FOR WHAT WE ARE NOT ABOUT TO RECIEVE

It's all happening now. Not only does Elizabeth learn the hardships associated with single-parenting, with little time left to earn a decent income, she discovers that she is too late to apply for supplementary benefit. Add a health visitor who is (unfairly) less than impressed with her and you can see why she is reluctant to join a rally with the unmarried mother' society.



5. BAPTISM UNDER FIRE

An episode based around a christening. Firstly there's the name (how does Roland Desmond Geoffrey Jones sound?), then which church, who should be god-parents and all the fun in choosing a christening robe.

6. AND FATHER CAME TOO

Geoffrey persuades Elizabeth to enter her son into a baby contest, which would be fine. Except her new man doesn't know she has a baby and she's worried that it might put him off. Only he's a single father with a child worrying about the same thing.aaah!

The series looks in great shape for a studio based video recording (rather like Man About the House) and audio is fine throughout. You won't remember it looking any better than this.

For those who liked 'Man About the House' and 'The Lovers', you'll know what to expect from Paula Wilcox who neither disappoints or surprises. This is good old fashioned cosy situation comedy where the farcical jokes can be seen a mile off, though are no less enjoyable for that.

Recommended!