The Hand of Fate

The first episode of S3 of the show, and it's a good if unspectacular affair.

Mr Humphries was getting more prominent as a character by this point, and the plots were getting a bit broader.

The idea of a possible promotion and how it would impact all the members of staff was a reasonably new idea for the show at this point, though later it would be reused quite heavily.

I don't think this is the best episode, but it does have its moments.

OK, so clearly any foreigner that came to Britain in the seventies was either a sinister killer or just plain silly, AYBS obviously opted for the latter, with poor Mr Kato, there isn't much you can say I guess, other than to note that attitudes have changed somewhat over the years. Ric Young was a familiar face for many years.

The episode itself is truly funny from start to finish, and when Mr Humphreys showcases his skills for palm reading, all manner of problems and misfortunes occur at Grace Brothers. When a member of the board leaves, everyone, from Mr Rumbold to Mr Lucas eyes an opportunity to climb the ladder. Even Mrs Slocombe is given a prophecy by Mr Humphreys, she is destined to have a man at her feet.

By this stage the show was flying, viewing figures were rocketing, and Series 3 would consist of 8 episodes rather then the 5 that were offered in the first two series. From now on the scripts would become bigger and crazier, this highlights a turning point.

Wendy looks amazing here, that must have been a lot of hair lacquer.

Bags of fun.

8/10.