To its eternal credit, BBC 4 have just shown the first episode of `The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin.`  It was first shown in 1976 and so is very much `of it`s time.`  In fact I would not be surprised if, before showing it, BBC 4 announced that `some viewers might be offended by the following programme, which has references to sexual innuendo, misogyny and attempted suicide.`

But seeing it again after 45 years has recaptured the plotline - man fed up with the conformity and pointlessness of the modern world decides to end it all.....but actually doesn`t.   But in the process of living his life like groundhog day he comes across a remarkable set of characters - his adoring wife, his companions on the daily commute from suburban-land, his boss, CJ, who didn`t get where he is today by being hilariously stereotyped, his fantasy secretary and his work colleagues, to whom everything is either great or super.  

Reggie turns up late most mornings to begin his shift at Sunshine Desserts claiming his tardiness is due to passengers boarding and alighting at Bromley South or signal failure at Herne Hill.  He sees the company doctor for his imagined ailments only to find that the doctor doesn`t really do medical practice.   And so on and so on....

The whole point in me posting this in the hope that it might encourage you to watch the next episodes (assuming BBC4 have the courage to continue with the series) is that the legacy of Reginald Perrin is that its apparent absurdity actually brings a degree of sanity to today`s insane world.  It is highly recommended - Tuesday, 8.30, BBC4.