Agony is a British sitcom produced by LWT for ITV, broadcast from 1979 to 1981. It stars Maureen Lipman as successful agony aunt Jane Lucas, whose own personal life and marriage is a disaster. It was written by Len Richmond, Anna Raeburn, Stan Hey and Andrew Nickolds. Although a comedy, Agony sometimes dealt with taboo issues such as drug use, racism, abortion, interracial relationships, and swinging, and was the first British sitcom to portray a gay couple as non-camp, witty, intelligent and happy people. It also openly mocked the government, the ruling classes, and religion, and occasionally contained dark and dramatic storylines.
Agony (Season 1)
Help (Episode 1)
Air date: 1979-03-11
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Jane Lucas, overworked advice columnist for Person magazine, tries to cope with her usual hectic schedule as she advises a shy transvestite and takes a phone call from her husband informing her he's leaving her.
An Unmarried Couple (Episode 2)
Air date: 1979-03-18
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Jane tries to get use to being alone and to deal with the reactions from an avid press and an overwrought mother.
Conjugal Wrongs (Episode 3)
Air date: 1979-03-25
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Laurence returns when Jane agrees to try some mechanical assistance for their lovemaking.
Wedlock, Deadlock (Episode 4)
Air date: 1979-04-08
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Laurence's interest in another woman at the hospital where he works prompts him to suggest that he and Jane have an open marriage agreement.
Forever and Never (Episode 5)
Air date: 1979-04-15
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Jane tries to balance Laurence's demands for attention with Michael and Rob's need for her to mediate a quarrel.
Too Much Agony, Too Little Ecstasy (Episode 6)
Air date: 1979-04-29
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Jane celebrates her birthday by taking the advice she's been giving to another woman; she leaves Laurence.
Seasons
Episodes 6
Episodes 7
Episodes 7