Ep 1. The Bath

The show Steptoe and Son follows the tumultuous relationship between father and son duo, Albert and Harold Steptoe, as they navigate their daily lives working as rag and bone men in London.

In season 1 episode 1, titled The Bath, we are introduced to the Steptoe’s and their cramped and disheveled home which also serves as their business headquarters. The episode opens with Harold preparing his father’s bath but discovering that the bathtub has a gaping hole in it. This sparks an argument between the two as Albert insists that the tub is still usable while Harold points out that it is a safety hazard.

As they continue to bicker, a potential customer stops by to purchase old newspapers for his shop. Harold attempts to negotiate prices while Albert derails the conversation with a story about his days traveling the world as a seaman. The customer eventually leaves in frustration without making a purchase.

Next, Harold attempts to repair the bathtub himself while Albert insists on overseeing the process and offering his own advice. The repair goes awry as they accidentally break the bathtub completely. This leads to another argument between the two as Harold blames his father for interfering and Albert insists that it was his son’s lack of skill that caused the problem.

As the day comes to a close, Harold frets about the cost of a new bathtub and the loss of potential income from the customer earlier. Albert, on the other hand, is more concerned about the state of his personal hygiene and demands that Harold come up with a solution for his bath.

Eventually, Harold decides to take a bath in the kitchen sink which leads to a hilarious and cringe-worthy scene that involves both father and son. The episode ends with Harold soaking in his makeshift bathtub while Albert watches on, pleased with himself for finding a solution to the problem.

Overall, The Bath serves as a great introduction to the dynamic between Albert and Harold and the obstacles they face as they try to make a living in their unique line of work. The humor is dark and often absurd, but also relatable for anyone who has ever had a difficult relationship with a family member. The episode also touches on themes such as poverty, pride, and the unwavering bond between parent and child. Steptoe and Son will keep viewers invested in the story of the Steptoe’s as they continue to navigate their complicated relationship amidst the daily grind of their rag and bone business.