Our take
The show's first Christmas episode and a fine template for the rest: a crowded flat, a family who are not sure about the lodger, and a parlour game that goes badly wrong. It is early, flat-share era Not Going Out, quick-fire and silly, with Miranda Hart doing the cooking. The murder mystery gives the gags a shape, and the family tension is the real crime being solved.
What happens
Lee has a plan to spend some time alone with Lucy at Christmas, but it is threatened from every side. Her brother Tim is there, so is Daisy, so are Tim and Lucy's parents, and even Barbara has been drafted in to do the cooking. For a while all seems to be going well. Then the after-dinner entertainment turns out to be a murder mystery game, and it brings the family's tensions to a head.
Can the kids watch it?
Rated 12 by the BBFC for infrequent strong language, so best for 12 and over.
Cast and crew
Starring
- Lee Mack as Lee
- Sally Bretton as Lucy
- Tim Vine as Tim
- Katy Wix as Daisy
- Miranda Hart as Barbara
- Deborah Grant as Wendy
- Timothy West as Geoffrey
Guest stars
- Simon Dutton as Guy
Writers
- Lee Mack
- Paul Kerensa
- Andrew Collins
- Peter Tilbury
Director
- Alex Hardcastle