Chance in a Million: Complete Collection

Comic coincidence on a massive scale is the conceit driving this vintage British sitcom, which ran for three series (six episodes each) from 1984-86. Simon Callow plays Tom Chance, a man who has been so regularly plagued by unlikely circumstances—mistaken identity, accusations of crime, encounters with weird people—that he's become blasé, even when strange situations draw in anyone else who is caught in his orbit. In the first episode Tom meets Alison Little (Brenda Blethyn)—each mistaking the other for somebody else, of course—but despite the confusion the pair go off to dinner together. From that point on the couple suffers through one slapstick catastrophe after another, often brought on by Chance's blustery demeanor, until a happy conclusion (that is naturally marred by a series of calamities). Chance in a Million is essentially a one-joke show, but the scripts serve up plenty of funny variations. And while the laugh track can grow annoying, Callow and Blethyn make a charming pair, with his outgoing manner contrasting to her nervousness and timid delivery. Compiling all 18 episodes, DVD extras include select episode commentaries with Callow and series' writers, and an alternate pilot. Recommended. (F. Swietek)