Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em The Psychiatrist (1973–1978) Online

This episode (The Psychiatrist) from the popular 1970's British Sitcom "Some Mother's Do 'Ave ' Em" showcases the outrageous comedic and impressive physical talents of its main character Frank Spencer (Michael Crawford). Fans of the British sitcom television genre oftentimes point to classics like "Benny Hill" and "Monty Python" as fine examples. However, this particular series mustn't be overlooked. We can see striking similarities between comedy champion successors like Homer Simpson. Pay close attention to the bowling alley scene which substantiate Michael Crawford's ability to always stay in character. Even if British comedies are not your "cup of Java" you owe it to yourself to spend a few minutes at the head shrinker's office with Frank Spencer.

This hilarious installment of the series is also monumental due to its pivotal use of flashbacks that will slowly make you fall in love with the entire cast. It goes on to provide some critical background information in turn adding the necessary character dimension required to understand future episodes. Frank Spencer is the classic underdog and an archetypal epitome of a wonderfully inept buffoon and be assured that you will also be intrigued at Spencer's, Jackie Chan-like physical prowess as he also performs many of his own stunts.

If you have never seen or heard of this series, then the episode entitled "The Psychiatrist" is a fantastic first step that will have you hooked in no time searching for lost episodes and not holding your breath for the next "Austin Powers" or "Bean" movie release!

Convinced that he is a failure ( what on Earth made him think such a thing? ), Frank goes to a psychiatrist, Webster ( Bernard Hepton ), and relates the story of how he came to meet Betty. Apparently they were riding in the country, when he lost control of his horse. She was sufficiently charmed by this helpless character to begin courting him. When Frank's auntie tells her nephew off for bringing home a 'birdy doll', the romance is sealed.

Frank then tells how he first met Betty's mother ( Jane Hylton ). She mistook him for the gas man, and he proceeded to wreck her cooker.

The more Frank tells the psychiatrist, the more the man is convinced that he was right in his original prognosis...

One of the highlights of Season 1. It clears up the mystery of how Frank and Betty met ( though why she both courts and marries him is something we can only guess at ), and contains wonderful 'Spencer' moments such as him going to a bowling alley and sliding head first into the machine, and being knocked downstairs by an out-of-control vacuum cleaner.

Bernard Hepton's bow-tie wearing shrink seems to be a dry run for his later role as 'Mr.Fletcher' in Eric Chappell's 'The Squirrels'.

Funniest moment - Webster asking Frank what was his relationship to his mother. After a pause, Frank says: "I was her son!".

Second funniest moment - Webster assuring Frank that he is likable, all the while struggling to keep his temper.