Ep 3. Expansion Plans

Desmond's is a British sitcom that premiered in 1989 and ran for six seasons. The show revolves around Desmond Ambrose, the owner of a barbershop in the fictional neighborhood of Peckham, London. The series explores the dynamic between Desmond, his employees, loyal customers, and the wider community.

In season 1, episode 3 entitled "Expansion Plans," Desmond decides to expand his business by opening a new barbershop across town. However, his grand plans hit a snag when he discovers that the shop he had his eye on has already been taken. Determined to still expand his business, Desmond sets his sights on a different location, which happens to be in the middle of a rival barber's turf.

Meanwhile, the employees at Desmond's barbershop are dealing with their own challenges. Porkpie, one of the barbers, is struggling financially and decides to take a job at a fancy salon to make ends meet. However, his new job comes with its own set of problems, including a prima donna boss and snobbish customers. Matthew, the young apprentice, is also feeling the strain of working long hours and dreams of becoming a famous hairdresser.

As Desmond continues on his quest to expand his business, he runs into a host of obstacles, including it being the wrong sort of area for a new shop, problems with neighboring shop owners, and increased competition from other barbershops. Despite these challenges, he is determined to succeed and carve out a place for himself in the competitive world of barbering.

The episode is a classic example of the sort of humor and charm that made Desmond's such a beloved show during its original run. The characters are colorful and relatable, and their various misadventures provide plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments. The episode is also notable for its depiction of the struggles faced by working-class people in London during the late 80s, with themes of unemployment, poverty, and gentrification woven throughout the storyline.

Ultimately, expansion plans may fall through, but the bonds of community and friendship that hold Desmond's barbershop together remain strong. Despite the challenges they face, Desmond and his team of barbers weather the storm, always with a smile on their face and a joke at the ready. It's this sense of camaraderie and resilience that make Desmond's such an enduring piece of British comedy history.