Fresh Fields. Set 1

This sweet British comedy series follows the Fields—Hester (Julia McKenzie) and William (Anton Rodgers)—in their daily domestic exploits. The series was originally broadcast in the mid-1980s, and some may think the premise a bit dated: Hester's search for new challenges and self-improvement as a middle-aged empty-nester. However, whether she's learning fencing (and fending off her instructor), using her cooking skills at a local restaurant, or dealing with her unwed pregnant daughter (who is never seen and participates on the show only through telephone conversations), Hester manages to make each day an adventure. Though the plots are a little predictable, there is a nice innocence about the story lines and great chemistry between the costars. This set features the first of the show's four seasons and is guaranteed to elicit lots of smiles. Perfect for public libraries where British comedies are popular.—Joan Greenberg, Warminster, PA