Ep 13. Thirty Year Itch

Desmond's is a British comedy television series that aired from 1989 to 1994. It follows the lives and adventures of the Ambrose family, who own and operate the Afro-Caribbean barbershop Desmond's in Peckham, London. The show delves into the everyday interactions and hilarious misadventures of the diverse characters who frequent the barbershop.

In the thrilling season 2 finale, titled "Thirty Year Itch," the Ambrose family and their beloved barbershop face a number of unexpected challenges. As tensions rise, they must navigate a series of obstacles that threaten to shake the very foundation of Desmond's.

The episode opens with Desmond Ambrose, the charismatic and kind-hearted owner of the barbershop, realizing that his business is in jeopardy. A new high-end salon has opened just down the street, attracting many of Desmond's regular customers. Faced with declining revenue, Desmond must come up with a plan to win back his loyal clientele and keep his barbershop afloat.

Meanwhile, Desmond's wife Shirley, a strong-willed and no-nonsense woman, finds herself questioning her own happiness. Celebrating their thirtieth anniversary, she begins to wonder if she has missed out on opportunities and experiences in life. This internal turmoil leads Shirley to contemplate whether she is truly satisfied with her role as a wife and mother.

As the episode unfolds, the viewers are introduced to the daily struggles of Desmond and Shirley's children. Sigourney, their ambitious daughter, is wrestling with her desire to pursue a career in law while balancing familial expectations. Michael, their talented son, is faced with a difficult decision regarding his future as a musician. These personal dilemmas further contribute to the mounting tension within the Ambrose household.

In the midst of these challenges, the tight-knit community that frequents Desmond's barbershop rallies together to support the family during their time of need. Eccentric and lovable regulars, including Porkpie, Matthew, and Lee, work together to devise creative and often humorous strategies to draw customers back to the barbershop. Their unwavering loyalty and dedication to their cherished hangout spot adds a heartwarming element to the episode.

While "Thirty Year Itch" primarily focuses on the Ambrose family, it also sheds light on the wider themes of gentrification and cultural identity. Desmond's barbershop serves as a symbol of community and Afro-Caribbean culture in a rapidly changing neighborhood. As the encroachment of the high-end salon threatens to erase the familiar and comforting presence of Desmond's, the characters must confront the impact of change on their lives and heritage.

Throughout this dramatic and comedic season finale, "Thirty Year Itch" skillfully weaves together the personal struggles of the Ambrose family with larger social issues. As the episode reaches its climax, Desmond, Shirley, and their children must confront their deepest fears and make difficult choices that will shape their futures.

With its relatable characters, witty writing, and insightful exploration of social and cultural dynamics, Desmond's has become a beloved sitcom that showcases the rich diversity and resilience of the Afro-Caribbean community in 1990s London. Fans of the show will eagerly anticipate the resolutions and surprises that "Thirty Year Itch" brings, while newcomers will find themselves drawn into the heartwarming world of Desmond's barbershop.