Radio Times: Review by:; David Butcher

The fact that actor Geoffrey Hutchings sadly died in 2010 after the first series of this sitcom was made has been worked in gently, as the absence of his character, Grandpa, ripples through the plot. It affects Grandma most, wonderfully played by Linda Bassett. Her desperate refusal to acknowedge emotion – often changing the subject to offer someone fruit – is becoming more extreme.

In the previous episode we learnt that she has taken to stealing china pandas from friends’ houses. Now things get worse as the marital problems of her daughter, the brilliantly horrible Auntie Liz, threaten to engulf the family. (“Do you want a melon?” quavers Grandma, desperately.) That gives scope for Samantha Spiro as Liz to chart the range of her hilariously shifty, two-faced character. It’s her finest hour yet, a cringe-making masterclass, and very funny.

About this programme

4/6. Simon's Tempest rehearsals are going well, opening up the opportunity of dating the play's talented director, but first he has to arrange a visit to the therapist for Grandma. Elsewhere, the quarrel between Liz and Tanya deepens when Clive arrives with upsetting news. Comedy, starring Simon Amstell.