Second Thoughts

Second thoughts is a British sitcom that ran from 3 May 1991 to 14 October 1994. It was broadcast on ITV and made by LWT. It was followed by a sequel, Faith in the future. Second thoughts followed the lives of two middle-aged divorcees, Bill MacGregor and Faith Greyshott, from very different backgrounds trying to develop a relationship, despite the pressures pulling it apart. Second thoughts was based upon the real-life relationship of the writers, husband and wife Jan Etherington and Gavin Petrie. It originally aired as a radio series on BBC Radio 4 broadcast between 1 November 1988 and 23 July 1992. The radio series consisted of four series and a Christmas special broadcast in 1992 with a total of 31 episodes. The radio scripts were used for the television series on ITV. The fifth series was considered weaker than the first four series; it was the only series not to be based on the original radio scripts. Second thoughts ended on 14 October 1994, but has since been repeated on ITV3. The original radio series is often replayed on BBC7.

Comedy

Seasons

1. Found and Lost

Air Date: 1991-05-03

Faith introduces Bill to her children as they prepare to move in together.

2. Match of the Day

Air Date: 1991-05-10

In spite of Liza's interference, Bill and Faith are reconciled and Faith suggests Bill goes to watch Joe playing football.

3. Night Moves

Air Date: 1991-05-17

Bill decides it's time he spent the night at Faith's house. But with two children and a dog to contend with, it's not going to be easy.

4. She Who Hesitates

Air Date: 1991-05-24

Bill asks Faith to go out with him for the evening. But when she is unable to because of her commitments at home, he criticises her lack of spontaneity.

5. Nursing a Conscience

Air Date: 1991-05-31

When Bill is taken ill with food poisoning, he learns what it's like being with Faith twenty-four hours a day.

6. The Late Late Show

Air Date: 1991-06-07

With certain areas of the house in need of decoration, Bill is given a preview of what living with two teenagers will be like.

7. Marriage of Inconvenience

Air Date: 1991-06-14

Bill and Faith decide to take the plunge and marry forthwith. But they find that such split decisions often have repercussionsâ€¦

1. Rebel without a Pause

Air Date: 1992-01-03

Faith is worried that she has been neglecting Hannah and Joe by spending too much time with Bill.

2. Overtaken by Events

Air Date: 1992-01-10

Faith is not enjoying teaching Hannah to drive, and challenges Bill to attempt the task.

3. Health and Efficiency

Air Date: 1992-01-17

Bill gives Faith a weekend at a health farm for a birthday present, leaving him in charge at the house on his own for the first time.

4. The Rhythm of Strife

Air Date: 1992-01-24

Bill cuts all his ties with his bachelor lifestyle when he decides to sell his flat to Liza.

5. Maybe, Baby

Air Date: 1992-01-31

With Hannah and Joe growing up, Faith contemplates having a baby with Bill.

6. Love and Hisses

Air Date: 1992-02-07

Richard offers Bill the opportunity to launch Vista magazine in America, which would mean emigrating.

7. Room with a Queue

Air Date: 1992-02-14

With Hannah about to leave for university, Faith, Bill and Joe are keen to acquire her soon-to-be-vacant bedroom.

8. Foreign Exchange

Air Date: 1992-02-21

Now that Hannah has left for university in Liverpool, Faith, enjoying the extra space, is none-too-pleased when Joe is keen to accommodate an Italian exchange student.

9. Recipe for Disaster

Air Date: 1992-02-28

Faith is looking forward to having some friends from Australia over to dinner.

10. Affair Assessment

Air Date: 1992-03-06

Bill has been working late almost every night recently to cover up for the adulterous Richard, and it is beginning to affect his home life with Faith.

11. Come as You Were

Air Date: 1992-03-13

Faith has a heart-to-heart with Richard and convinces him to end his affair for Marjorie's sake. Meanwhile, Liza finds a new man.

12. Love, Honour and Delay

Air Date: 1992-03-20

Bill and Faith attempt to marry again. Will it all go according to plan this time round?

1. Sleeping Partner

Air Date: 1992-10-18

While collecting her daughter from university, Faith is shocked to discover that Hannah has been sleeping with her boyfriend.

2. Youth and Consequences

Air Date: 1992-10-25

What with Bill worrying about his image and Hilary's new toy boy, Faith is beginning to feel old.

3. Vice Principle

Air Date: 1992-11-01

Bill decides to work on ideas for a new magazine at home for a week. But with Faith working there as well, there are problems abound.

4. Double Booked

Air Date: 1992-11-08

Faith and Bill spend a night away from home in a nearby hotel in the hope of a romantic break.

5. Is Everybody Happy?

Air Date: 1992-11-15

Bill is fed up with Joe being inconsiderate, and Faith contrives to reunite Richard and Marjorie.

6. Occupational Hazard

Air Date: 1992-11-22

Faith is looking forward to having a holiday with Bill, but her plans may have to be put on hold when news of Bill's new business venture comes through.

7. Hello, Goodbye

Air Date: 1992-11-29

When Faith finds out Bill is coming home for a few days, she plans a romantic weekend for them both.

8. Labour of Love

Air Date: 1992-12-13

Now redundant, Bill decides on a complete change of career, starting with a bit of DIY.

9. Short Change

Air Date: 1992-12-20

Faith asks Richard to give Bill his job back, while Bill is considering moving upmarket.

10. Sobering Thoughts

Air Date: 1993-01-08

Liza has been appointed editor of Vista, much to Bill's dismay. Meanwhile, Richard seems to have found a new vocation in life.

11. Old Problem

Air Date: 1993-01-15

Liza gets taken in, Joe gets a job, and Bill gets a year older.

12. Heartburn

Air Date: 1993-01-22

Bill's doctor advises him to relax, but with Hannah having boyfriend troubles, it's not that simple.

13. Faint Possibility

Air Date: 1993-01-29

Hannah's fainting in the wine bar causes Richard to set Bill thinking about what may be the cause of it.

14. Otherwise Engaged

Air Date: 1993-02-05

Everyone is dismayed by Joe's decision to marry Louise. Could an old face from the past change his mind?

15. Management Decision

Air Date: 1993-02-12

Bill and Faith's relationship is going through a sticky patch. Matters aren't helped when he and Liza are sent on a management training course in Wales.

1. Last Words

Air Date: 1993-10-29

Hannah endeavours to console a distraught Faith, who is in shock after discovering Bill and Liza in a compromising situation.

2. Into the Fire

Air Date: 1993-11-05

Bill is determined that all is over between him and Faith and moves in with Richard permanently.

3. One More Time

Air Date: 1993-11-12

Bill and Faith are reconciled, but Faith suggests they take their relationship one step at a time, beginning with a romantic courtship.

4. Auld Acquaintance

Air Date: 1993-11-19

Bill takes Faith to Scotland to spend a weekend with his mother.

5. Mr. Fixit

Air Date: 1993-12-03

Domestic strife returns when Bill and Faith decide to add a conservatory to the rear of their premises.

6. Whose Birthday is it Anyway?

Air Date: 1993-12-10

Faith gets very excited over Joe's eighteenth birthday. But will her plans for a big family occasion be spoiled?

7. Playing Away

Air Date: 1993-12-17

Hannah begins a relationship with the wine bar's new pianist, who just so happens to be married.

1. What's New?

Air Date: 1994-08-26

Joe is having a bad day and decides not to go to work, causing Faith to worry about him.

2. Work Experience

Air Date: 1994-09-02

Liza leaves her job as Vista's editor, paving the way for Bill to take over the magazine's top job.

3. She's Leaving Home

Air Date: 1994-09-09

Faith finally has enough of her offspring's demands and decides to move out to teach them a lesson.

4. Mortal Thoughts

Air Date: 1994-09-16

Faith's new job for a health magazine makes her more aware of health-related issues, and she begins advising everyone else on how they should eat and live.

5. Dress Circle

Air Date: 1994-09-23

Faith has a temperature and has to stay in bed. As a result, Bill has to search for someone else to accompany him to the magazine's annual dinner.

6. Sporting Chance

Air Date: 1994-09-30

Faith comes over all protective when Joe starts college. Meanwhile, Richard organises a charity week at the wine bar.

7. Full House

Air Date: 1994-10-07

Faith discovers her ex-husband, John, is coming to England for their goddaughter's wedding.

8. Friday the Thirteenth

Air Date: 1994-10-14

Joe prepares to take his driving test, while Bill anticipates the board's decision on confirming his position as the magazine's editor.

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Rating

6.6/10

Release Date

1991-05-03

Episodes

49 (5 seasons)

Status

Ended

Cast