Radio Times: Review by:; David Butcher

If you’re among the small, devoted following who do love this series, it’s still easy to see why most people don’t.

It’s obvious why the part-sitcom, part-tragedy is not everyone’s cup of tea. The wry, melancholy tone can come across as twee. The marital micro-tiffs can seem nothingy.

Tonight, the way our lovable, super-sensitive couple are struggling to stay upbeat (the episode starts with good news) but keep tripping up each other’s mood is inspired, and horribly recognisable. On the face of it, however, not a lot happens between the opening revelation and another, a whopper, later on.

If you’re thinking of giving Roger and Val… a go for the first time, tonight probably isn’t the night. If you love it already, it’s essential viewing.

About this programme

3/6. An e-mail from afar prompts a shocking confession that could change the couple's lives for ever, and a verdict for Roger leads to a noisy seafood meal, during which the pair find that geography has a bearing on manners. Comedy, starring Dawn French and Alfred Molina.