Ep 5. Barbara's Finally Had Enough

In The Royle Family season 2 episode 5, titled "Barbara's Finally Had Enough," the audience is once again invited into the living room of the Royles, a working-class family from Manchester, England. In this episode, tensions run high between Jim and Barbara Royle as they argue about Jim's snoring, something that has been bothering Barbara for years. Despite countless attempts to remedy the situation, including everything from sewing tennis balls into Jim's pyjamas to using nasal strips and sprays, nothing seems to work.

As the argument over the snoring intensifies, Barbara reaches her breaking point and declares that she's had enough and will be sleeping in the spare room from now on. This prompts a discussion amongst the rest of the family, including Denise (their daughter), her boyfriend Dave, Antony (their son), and his new girlfriend, Emma, about the pros and cons of separate sleeping arrangements.

As the night wears on and everyone prepares for bed, the Royles try to adapt to their new sleeping arrangements. Denise and Dave are relegated to sleeping on the sofa bed in the living room, Antony is forced to share a bed with his girlfriend who he's only just met, and Jim is left alone in the master bedroom. Without Barbara's presence, the family dynamic shifts and things start to get a little awkward.

The next morning, tensions are still high as the family comes together for breakfast. Jim tries to make amends with Barbara by buying her a box of chocolates, but his gesture falls short when the chocolates turn out to be stale. As the day wears on and the family goes about their usual activities, it becomes clear that Barbara and Jim's argument has had a ripple effect on everyone else.

Throughout the episode, the audience is treated to the familiar banter and witty dialogue that has made The Royle Family such a beloved and enduring show. The writing is sharp and observant, capturing the nuances of family life in a way that is both funny and poignant. Despite the mundane setting and everyday situations, the show manages to be both relatable and entertaining, thanks in large part to the talent of the cast.

As the episode draws to a close, it's clear that the Royle family has weathered yet another storm, as they always do. Whether they're arguing over snoring or simply watching TV together, they have a bond that is unbreakable. It's this sense of solidarity and family that makes The Royle Family such a beloved show, even after all these years.

Overall, "Barbara's Finally Had Enough" is a funny and heartfelt episode that captures the essence of the Royle family. With its charming characters, clever writing, and relatable situations, it's no wonder that the show has become a classic in British television history. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, this episode is sure to leave you laughing, crying, and feeling grateful for the people you call family.