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Private Notes
Behind the scenes look of the making of the hit BBC 2 sitcom.
Writer Simon Amstell and his real life mother provide commentary for episode 5 of the opening series of the BBC 2 sitcom.
When Simon tells his mum Tanya that he's quitting the entertainment show he presents, she is less than happy. While Simon struggles to make his mum realise that her new boyfriend Clive might not be the right man for her, Grandpa has discovered something that will leave Grandma in a panic. Meanwhile, Auntie Liz is struggling with her son Adam who appears to be starting a teenage rebellion.
Simon has brought his mum, Tanya, an extravagant gift which she refuses to accept. He's also trying to convince her that maybe she shouldn't marry Clive. Meanwhile, it's Liz's birthday but nobody seems to care. Grandad has news from the doctor about his cancer scare and Simon has decided he might write a play for the theatre. However, his family isn't impressed.
Simon has fallen in love. He's also read a book that leads him to believe that he might be able to control the universe. The family isn't impressed though. Meanwhile, Grandpa has invited Deborah Adler to visit but Grandma doesn't like her and is less than happy. And Liz has had to take extreme measures to try to get her son, Adam, into a new school.
Simon is having a life crisis and is depressed. The situation is exacerbated when a guest he interviewed on his show attacks him in the press. Tanya moves into Clive's house, much to Simon's irritation. Meanwhile, Grandma and Grandpa plan a cruise.
Simon has been on a life-changing course and has decided it's his job to heal the family. He starts by giving his Granddad an exercise ball. Tanya has had a realisation that maybe Clive isn't the man for her, and when the family discover that Simon has organised a surprise for them, they are fearful what Grandma might do to him.
When Grandpa is taken ill, it's unsure whether Tanya and Clive will be able to get married today. Grandma takes on the responsibility of trying to resolve the situation, but is she right to advise Tanya to get married? Meanwhile, Liz has a favour to ask of Simon which might help Adam sort out his schooling problems.
It has been six months since the death of Grandpa, and Simon is living with Grandma. He has lost his presenting career and London flat, but is now set to act in a low-key BBC comedy. Tanya and Liz haven't spoken to each other since their father's funeral, and Grandma makes an underhanded attempt at bringing them back together. Meanwhile, for the sake of the reunion, man-of-the-house Simon needs to get rid of an interesting young visitor and an uncomfortably persistent Clive
Simon has been living with Grandma in Gants Hill for some months now and is beginning to feel it. Liz's husband Barry makes a rare appearance as they strive to spend some quality time together. Simon learns that Barry's firm has a flat in London but must negotiate a way around Barry's personality in order to escape. Meanwhile, as Clive attempts to impress Tanya with his work on the roof, Adam discovers something from the past.
Having landed a role in The Tempest, Simon is focusing on trying to cry. Meanwhile, Grandma is having trouble coming to terms with the death of her husband and Tanya has arranged a thrilling surprise for her own birthday. Also, unbeknownst to the family, Clive wakes up in Grandma's loft due to issues with alcohol.
Simon's rehearsals for The Tempest have been going well. There seems to be chemistry between him and the talented actor/director Ben Theodore, and there's even talk of a possible date tonight. The rift between Liz and Tanya threatens to deepen as Clive arrives with some rather upsetting news. Meanwhile, Simon has also arranged for his Grandma to see a therapist due to her unresolved grief and ensuing kleptomania
Tanya is thrilled when Simon finally makes his big TV comeback, albeit a short interview to promote his play. Simon is starting to feel validated as an artist - however, a tiny off-the-cuff comment he made about an opera singer's tumour has been picked up by a popular newspaper, who really don't like that sort of thing.
It's Tanya and Clive's wedding day again, but Simon has other concerns as he is given a lesson in tough love. His play is also in jeopardy since director Ben Theodore has suddenly dropped out. Meanwhile Barry has gone missing, Adam finds new love, and all of Simon's problems could be resolved as Ben arrives with wonderful news.
