When Social Status Is At Stake, Hyacinth Still Knows How To Keep Up Appearances!

Unstoppable upper-crust hostess Hyacinth Bucket ('Bouquet,' but of course!) is back for the fifth season of this hilariously classy comedy of manners. Hyacinth remains busy terrorizing the neighbors, tidying up her unruly family and fawning over her dear Daddy, yet still finds the time to drag ever suffering Richard on waterfront jaunts and countryside excursions.

Seaside Fun
Hyacinth goes seaside to experience all the fun of the fair and funhouse at a pleasure beach. In her distinctive attire she looks after a travel-weary elderly lady and deals with the advances of an amorous Italian pensioner, Signor Farini.

The Fancy Dress Ball
Hyacinth, although not one to fish for invitations to the Mayor's fancy dress ball, fails to drop through her letterbox. After finagling a couple of invitations, Richard becomes deeply concerned about Hyacinth's plans to attend as Marie Antoinette, with Richard in silk trousers as Louis XIV.

Hyacinth Is Alarmed
Hyacinth is in a sunny disposition, which mystified Richard. The real horror of his situation dawns on him when he realizes that he has forgotten their anniversary and that Hyacinth is beaming in anticipation of a gift which he has yet to buy for her.

Riparian Entertainments
While walking by an idyllic riverbank with Richard, Hyacinth comes up with one of her more ambitious social soiree ideas. Although Richard fails to see what she needs with a word like riparian, Hyacinth soon unveils her plan for a gracious waterside picnic with riparian entertainments.

Sister, Sister
Hyacinth has decided that instead of her usual birthday gift of slippers, she will surprise Richard with a pair of skis, and needless to say he's pleased as spiked punch. When he protests that he has no intention of taking up the sport, Hyacinth intends to cultivate the image by strapping them atop the car. Socially unacceptable behavior from Hyacinth's rag tag sisters does little to cultivate the image.

Country Estate Sale
Hyacinth is most excited about attending a country house sale and "mingling with aristocracy." Richard immediately loses sleep at the prospect of Hyacinth easily going well beyond their spending limits. There's only one thing that can sop her: gooseberry wine.