Ep 7. One Foot in the Algrave

One Foot in the Grave is a British television sitcom that aired from 1990 to 2000. The show follows the life of a retired security guard named Victor Meldrew and his long-suffering wife Margaret. Throughout the series, Victor finds himself in various situations that test his patience and provoke his tendency to complain about the world around him.

Season 4 episode 7, titled "One Foot in the Algrave," finds Victor and Margaret on a much-needed holiday in Portugal. However, their trip doesn't go entirely according to plan when they discover that their travel agent has booked them into a rundown hotel in the Algrave region. The hotel is far from the luxury getaway that they had hoped for and they find themselves surrounded by a variety of eccentric characters, including a group of loud and rowdy holidaymakers.

Victor is not impressed by the hotel or his fellow guests and his mood only worsens when he discovers that the hotel room is infested with ants. Despite his complaints to the hotel staff, Victor finds no relief from the pests and decides to take matters into his own hands. This results in an epic battle between Victor and the ants, and ultimately leads to a surprising discovery about the hotel.

Meanwhile, Margaret is in her element, soaking up the sun and enjoying the local cuisine. She is determined to make the most of their holiday and encourages Victor to join her on a sightseeing trip to a nearby castle. However, their visit takes an unexpected turn when they become trapped inside the castle after it closes for the day. As night falls, Victor and Margaret find themselves locked in and forced to spend the night in the ancient building.

As the episode progresses, Victor's frustration with the situation mounts and he becomes increasingly determined to get out of the castle. Margaret, on the other hand, finds the experience romantic and begins to enjoy the adventure. The couple's differing attitudes towards their predicament lead to some comical and touching moments that highlight the depth of their relationship.

Overall, "One Foot in the Algrave" is a classic episode of One Foot in the Grave that showcases the show's trademark blend of dry humor and heart. The episode is particularly memorable for its setting and the way that it plays with the conventions of the holiday genre. Fans of the show will enjoy seeing Victor and Margaret in a new environment and witnessing their reaction to the challenges that they face.