The Nelson Touch

I used to be inspired by Shelley. James not Percy Bysshe Shelley. With a degree in Geography and a Phd I was amazed as a kid how he managed to be on the dole for so long. That takes some doing.

Mr Forsyth turns to a ghostly hue each time Shelley turns up late to sign on for the giro. Shelley was down the pub in the morning although I doubt the dole money was so princely back then that he would be able to afford getting the barmaid a drink. Shelley is appalled that the pub is turning into a theme pub celebrating Admiral Nelson.

At the dole office, the Inspector demand to see Shelley. He is also surprised that someone with his qualifications cannot get a job. It turns out that both have someone in common.

Back at the flat, Shelley is appalled to learn that the sardines he stole from Mrs Hawkins cat is from South Africa. He now has to boycott lunch.

However Shelley is in for a surprise when Fran announces she is pregnant. Shelley now needs to look for a job.

It is notable how much an eye for the ladies Shelley had back then as he flirts with the barmaid. Even in his school days he was not averse to try to put his hand up a schoolgirl's skirt.

The jokes pepper throughout the episode at a good rate yet there is an economy to the writing and the plot.