Butterflies: Series 1

You don't need to be a lepidopterist to enjoy this amiable 1978-1983 BBC-aired Britcom about a middle class couple and their two live-in 20-something sons, set in the transitional years dividing the last Old Labor government from the High Thatcher era. As wispy and delicate as the titular insects, the show's focus is on the midlife crisis of Ria Parkinson (sprightly Wendy Craig), who feels increasingly unfulfilled by her housewifely duties toward hubby Ben (Geoffrey Palmer, famous for his perpetually hangdog expression) and their freewheeling, goof-off boys. Temptation enters the picture in the form of a recently-divorced businessman who takes a shine to Ria and begins to pursue her (in a nice, unthreatening way, of course). A sitcom toying with the theme of potential adultery might have been provocative a quarter-century ago, but today--when desperate housewives rule the airwaves--it seems positively benign. Still, while the humor is mostly of a rather dated domestic sort and the delivery (especially by Craig) sometimes smacks too much of a standup comedy routine, the interplay between her and Palmer (in particular) works nicely and makes for pleasant viewing. DVD extras on this first season, six-episode disc include a recent interview with series writer Carla Lane. Recommended. (F. Swietek)