[Afamilyatwar-list] Episode 1

[Veit, Richard]

A dozen years have gone by since I last posted a commentary on each of the episodes of A FAMILY AT WAR, from 1 to 52, so it might be fun to do that again now, particularly because we have so many new members in the group. Feel free to give us your own thoughts.

Richard Veit


Episode No. 1, “The Facts of Life”

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How cheerful the Ashton family are when we first meet them, compared to when the harsh realities of war inflict their blows. Jean and Edwin have a warm relationship that sours so gradually over the course of the first two seasons that it is entirely believable and makes them seem like real people. That is painting on a large canvas and bringing it off beautifully. I also marvel at how subtly the writer (our own John Finch) establishes each character in that initial episode, making certain that viewers are aware of the relationships but doing so naturally and without calling attention to the process.

I always enjoy watching the wonderful affinity between Edwin and Sheila, which is just as supportive as a later in-law pairing will prove to be, that of Margaret and Harry Porter. Very special bonds indeed.

I smiled upon hearing Freda’s playful comment that Tony shaved off his moustache. We never do see him with facial hair, so this revelation dates back to her school days, when she had a girlish crush on her older cousin.

There is antagonism between Tony and Sefton, but I also sense a deep-seeded quality of love (and, yes, even respect) that I am certain neither of them would be comfortable acknowledging. Their interaction is one of my favourite aspects of the series — often dramatic and confrontational, but also quite amusing at times. Some of Tony’s cynical lines and facial expressions when conversing with his father cause me to laugh out loud.

The anniversary party is also quite humourous. I enjoy the playful dialogue between Philip and Margaret, and it is amusing to see the fumbling attempts at folding napkins by Philip and Edwin, not to mention the scarcely concealed looks of relief when Tony announces that his father will not be present. On a more serious note, it is affirming to see Margaret’s take-charge attitude around the house, something that will serve her well in later years. The dialogue between David and Sheila about the borrowed dress is quite sad to see.

I was a bit shocked by the Ashtons’ response to encountering John Porter for the first time, but I always figured it was because Margaret had kept her boyfriend a mystery for so long that the others were amused by how shy and unassuming he turned out to be. Margaret’s evident embarrassment during the course of the awkward introductions only added to the others’ need to chuckle — rather like trying to stifle a laugh where one is deemed inappropriate, like at church or a funeral.
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