To the Manor Born, Vol. 1

Earlier this year, London completely outlawed the private ownership of handguns. When, oh when, will Parliament finally put a ban on "Britcoms" (with the notable exception of Mr. Bean, of course)? Please, before any more innocent viewers become victims of this senseless and disturbing act the English call "humor." Originally shown in the '70's, To the Manor Born is a characteristically banal series featuring impeccably bred characters speaking their lines and waiting for the canned-laughter sign to light up. The story involves a widow who loses her mansion to a wealthy businessman, becomes a ‘renter' (God forbid) of a small cottage on the estate, and pooh-poohs her plunging status in the world. Payback is a you-know-what, and the predictable social snubbing back-and-forth tennis match ensues. The first two volumes, featuring four and three episodes, respectively, are an optional purchase, at best. For those who want to double their misery, volumes six and seven of Are You Being Served, another "classic BBC comedy" series, is also newly available. (N. Plympton)