Review of The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin

"The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin" lasted a relatively small number of episodes and was spread over three seasons. The series aimed at being as much a satire as well as that of a sitcom. The leading role gave character actor Leonard Rossiter one of the defining moments in his distinguished career and his performance is both funny as well as a bit manic. Such a character like Reginald Perrin called for a considerable amount of energy and Rossiter had it to spare. I still recall seeing a few episodes back in the early 1980s on a TV recording and I enjoyed the series then. From the opening credit sequence and the rather melancholic music, it immediately becomes apparent that this was not going to be just a typical sitcom. The premise about a man who is experiencing a mid life crisis, is one of the most serious you will ever come across. However, the creator behind this series, David Nobbs, was able to derive humour from such a situation in a person's life. It is unfortunate that the series lost its way by about halfway through the second season. It seemed to have abandoned the initial premise by striving for something totally different. This ended in failure and the last several episodes really don't work. A kind of comic fantasy seemed to have taken over "Reginald Perrin" and nothing seemed remotely steeped in reality. Reggie Perrin is a man in his mid 40s. He has a good job, a loving family, a few friends and a respectable home. However, none of the above seems to satisfy him or to imbue him with feelings of fulfilment. From the opening episode, Reg feels he is living on the edge of his nerves and is nearing breaking point. He often fantasies about how he wishes his life and the people in it could be, could be and these moments are hilarious. The first series focuses on Reg struggling to cope with his predicament and how there doesn't seem to be any way out. But things change. He seems so alone in his conflict, he feels he has no one to turn to. I wouldn't change anything about the first series, it is marvellous. The second series is pretty good but then disappointment sets in. When "Reginald Perrin" is good, it is quite original as well as being funny.