Ep 1. The Elephant's Child

The Brittas Empire season 7 episode 1, "The Elephant's Child," opens with Gordon Brittas, the well-meaning but disastrous manager of the Whitbury Leisure Centre, receiving a large package at the front desk. Inside the box, he finds an elephant statue and a note from his former boss, who suggests that Brittas may be able to learn something from the "elephant's child" - a reference to the classic Rudyard Kipling story about a curious young elephant who learns through experience.

As Brittas struggles to figure out how the elephant statue fits into his management philosophy, chaos ensues at the leisure center. New employee Julie (played by Harriet Thorpe) is struggling to adapt to her role as the center's secretary, while Linda (played by Pippa Haywood) is dealing with the fallout from an employees' strike. Meanwhile, Brittas's wife, Helen (played by Julia St. John), is busy planning a surprise birthday party for her husband.

The episode is classic Brittas Empire, with a mix of slapstick humor and biting social commentary. Fans of the show will be pleased to see all the familiar characters back in action, from the hapless Carole (played by Harriet Thorpe) to the bumbling Colin (played by Michael Burns).

One of the highlights of the episode is a subplot involving the center's new fitness instructor, Laura (played by Kate Lonergan), who is determined to teach Brittas and his staff the importance of mindfulness and relaxation. When Laura suggests they all take a yoga class, Brittas is skeptical - but soon finds himself transported to a state of total relaxation.

Overall, "The Elephant's Child" is an entertaining and sharply written episode that will delight fans of The Brittas Empire. With its clever writing, hilarious performances, and unforgettable characters, this beloved sitcom is sure to remain a classic for years to come.