Episode 22: Descent into Maelstrom

Margaret collapses from nervous exhaustion, which has been building up for the past 35 years. After a few days under Victor's "care," involving burning a hole in the ironing and giving a homeless person the video player after mistaking him for the repair man, she decides that going to work would be more restful. Fortunately for Margaret, Mrs. Warboys visits, bringing Andrea Temple, whom Margaret knew as a girl, and Andrea's baby. Victor looks after the baby for a while, mangaging to stop its crying with his hand-painted garden gnome. Margaret tells Victor that because of Angela's terrible upbringing, she is happy to see that she has developed well. Victor is then horrified to discover in the newspaper that Angela has in fact escaped from a mental institution and kidnapped the baby. He tries to keep the truth from Margaret so as not to upset her, but she finds out anyway. The baby's real parents call round to say thank you for rescuing their child, Victor and Margaret discovering his father bears striking resemblance to a garden gnome.

Cast
Victor Meldrew - Richard Wilson

Margaret Meldrew - Annette Crosbie

Mrs Warboys - Doreen Mantle

Nick Swainey - Owen Brenman

Guest Cast
Andrea Temple - Helen Lederer

Unemployed Man - Stephen Ley

Woman - Joanna Bacon

Mrs Ashcroft - Laura Cox