TV series

Butterflies

Name: Butterflies
Released: 1978
Cast: Wendy Craig, Geoffrey Palmer, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Andrew Hall, Bruce Montague

1978–1983· 4 seasons· 30 min episodesTV-PG★ 7.2Ended

On BBC Two

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Where to watch

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Synopsis

Ria Parkinson is a bored housewife and mother. She spends her time daydreaming, and meets regularly with wealthy businessman Leonard to relieve the monotony. Husband Ben, a dentist and avid butterfly collector is oblivious to it all, and her unemployed grown up sons, who both live at home also have other things on their minds, especially girlfriends.

Themes

adultery housewife family dentist sitcom bored housewife butterfly collector affair

Episodes

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E1 When Ria Met LeonardNext upNov 10, 1978 · 30 min
Synopsis
Adam has crashed his car and Ben and Russell have not spoken to each other in almost a year. In a cafe she meets charming businessman Leonard Dutton, who makes her feel good about herself. After a second,accidental meeting he suggests they go back to the cafe again next day. Ria arrives but feels guilty and leaves before Leonard turns up.
E2 Breaking the SilenceNov 17, 1978 · 30 min
Synopsis
One reason that makes Ria feel less than good about herself is that she is a bad cook. She has to use emotional blackmail to get the family to eat her apple sponge but her latest culinary disaster at least gets Ben and Russell speaking to each other. She meets Leonard again but is not keen to see him on a regular basis.
E3 Thinking About a JobNov 24, 1978 · 30 min
Synopsis
Ria feels stifled at home and would like to get a job but Ben is not supportive. He got angry when he discovered the boys busking. Leonard is arrested for speeding,having given Ria a lift when her car broke down. He loses his licence and Ria applies to be his driver but the job goes to the discreet and worldly Thomas.
E4 How About Lunch?Dec 1, 1978 · 30 min
Synopsis
Leonard leaves a note on the windscreen of Ria's car,suggesting they have lunch together. Unfortunately the car is being used by her sons,who are puzzled by the note and it never reaches her. Leonard tries again to contact Ria but without success. Ria finally confronts Ben and accuses him of not being spontaneous,so he drags her off to go camping in a tent.
E5 The LoversDec 8, 1978 · 30 min
Synopsis
Russell feels very strongly that a sculpture The Lovers,being exhibited locally,should not be sold to an American millionaire. After another row with Leonard,Ria joins Russell at the gallery where they chain themselves to the statue in protest,attracting the press. Whilst Ben is annoyed that the papers got his age wrong Ria gets a call from Leonard to say he has bought The Lovers to ensure it stays in England.
E6 He'll Have to GoDec 15, 1978 · 30 min
Synopsis
Adam has had a poodle perm and has taken to wearing a crash helmet around the house so that Ben does not find out. However Ben has been told by a male patient that,in order to keep a wife on her toes,he should be unpredictable,so he stays out until midnight,annoying Ria. Ria goes to chat with Leonard,admitting that she wishes that her life was ordered. She sees him as one of its complications and wonders if he'll 'have to go'.