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.
Joe is having a bad day and decides not to go to work, causing Faith to worry about him.
Liza leaves her job as Vista's editor, paving the way for Bill to take over the magazine's top job.
Faith finally has enough of her offspring's demands and decides to move out to teach them a lesson.
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.
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.
Faith comes over all protective when Joe starts college. Meanwhile, Richard organises a charity week at the wine bar.
Faith discovers her ex-husband, John, is coming to England for their goddaughter's wedding.
Joe prepares to take his driving test, while Bill anticipates the board's decision on confirming his position as the magazine's editor.
Hannah endeavours to console a distraught Faith, who is in shock after discovering Bill and Liza in a compromising situation.
Bill is determined that all is over between him and Faith and moves in with Richard permanently.
Bill and Faith are reconciled, but Faith suggests they take their relationship one step at a time, beginning with a romantic courtship.
Bill takes Faith to Scotland to spend a weekend with his mother.
Domestic strife returns when Bill and Faith decide to add a conservatory to the rear of their premises.
Faith gets very excited over Joe's eighteenth birthday. But will her plans for a big family occasion be spoiled?
Hannah begins a relationship with the wine bar's new pianist, who just so happens to be married.
While collecting her daughter from university, Faith is shocked to discover that Hannah has been sleeping with her boyfriend.
What with Bill worrying about his image and Hilary's new toy boy, Faith is beginning to feel old.
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.
Faith and Bill spend a night away from home in a nearby hotel in the hope of a romantic break.
Bill is fed up with Joe being inconsiderate, and Faith contrives to reunite Richard and Marjorie.
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.
When Faith finds out Bill is coming home for a few days, she plans a romantic weekend for them both.
Now redundant, Bill decides on a complete change of career, starting with a bit of DIY.
Faith asks Richard to give Bill his job back, while Bill is considering moving upmarket.
Liza has been appointed editor of Vista, much to Bill's dismay. Meanwhile, Richard seems to have found a new vocation in life.
Liza gets taken in, Joe gets a job, and Bill gets a year older.
Bill's doctor advises him to relax, but with Hannah having boyfriend troubles, it's not that simple.
Hannah's fainting in the wine bar causes Richard to set Bill thinking about what may be the cause of it.
Everyone is dismayed by Joe's decision to marry Louise. Could an old face from the past change his mind?
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.
Faith is worried that she has been neglecting Hannah and Joe by spending too much time with Bill.
Faith is not enjoying teaching Hannah to drive, and challenges Bill to attempt the task.
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.
Bill cuts all his ties with his bachelor lifestyle when he decides to sell his flat to Liza.
With Hannah and Joe growing up, Faith contemplates having a baby with Bill.
Richard offers Bill the opportunity to launch Vista magazine in America, which would mean emigrating.
With Hannah about to leave for university, Faith, Bill and Joe are keen to acquire her soon-to-be-vacant bedroom.
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.
Faith is looking forward to having some friends from Australia over to dinner.
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.
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.
Bill and Faith attempt to marry again. Will it all go according to plan this time round?
Faith introduces Bill to her children as they prepare to move in together.
In spite of Liza's interference, Bill and Faith are reconciled and Faith suggests Bill goes to watch Joe playing football.
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.
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.
When Bill is taken ill with food poisoning, he learns what it's like being with Faith twenty-four hours a day.
With certain areas of the house in need of decoration, Bill is given a preview of what living with two teenagers will be like.
Bill and Faith decide to take the plunge and marry forthwith. But they find that such split decisions often have repercussions…
| Location | |
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| Language | English |
| Release | 1991-05-03 |
| Producer |