Introduction
Are You Being Served? is a British sitcom that ran from 1972 to 1985. It follows the lives of the staff members of Grace Brothers department store. The show was known for its clever writing and social commentary on topics such as class divisions, gender roles, and changing technology. In season seven, episode eight — “The Dailymotion Connection” — the staff of Grace Brothers must deal with the introduction of a new computer system.
The purpose of this article is to explore the social commentary and cultural references in this episode of Are You Being Served?. We will look at the plot summary, characters and humor, and how these elements are used to make social and cultural points about the times in which it was made. We will also review the episode and discuss its relevance today.
Recap of Are You Being Served? Season 7 Episode 8: The Dailymotion Connection
In “The Dailymotion Connection”, the staff of Grace Brothers is introduced to a new computer system called “Dailymotion”. The system is meant to help with inventory management and customer service, but it turns out to be a bit too complex for the staff to use. As they attempt to learn how to use the system, chaos ensues.
The episode features a few of the show’s regular characters, including Mrs. Slocombe (Mollie Sugden), Mr. Humphries (John Inman), Mr. Rumbold (Norman Beaton), and Mr. Lucas (Trevor Bannister). The episode also introduces a few new characters, such as the computer programmer, Harry (Christopher Biggins).
The episode makes use of humor to highlight the difficulties the staff have with the new technology. For example, when Mr. Humphries attempts to use the computer, he accidentally deletes all the inventory records. This leads to a series of humorous misunderstandings and mishaps.
Analysis of Social Commentary in Are You Being Served? Season 7 Episode 8
The episode is set in the early 1980s, and as such, it reflects the attitudes and values of the time. One of the main themes of the episode is the difficulty that older people have with adapting to new technology. This is highlighted through the antics of the Grace Brothers staff, who struggle to understand how the computer works.
The episode also touches upon the class divisions of the era. Mrs. Slocombe is the only one of the staff who is able to understand the computer system, and she is portrayed as being more educated and intelligent than her colleagues. This reflects the fact that in the 1980s, computers were still relatively new and were mainly used by those with higher levels of education and income.
The episode also makes use of cultural references to emphasize its points. For instance, when Mrs. Slocombe is trying to explain the computer system to the other staff members, she compares it to the game “Space Invaders”. This reference emphasizes the idea that computers were still relatively new and that most people had limited knowledge of them.
Review of Are You Being Served? Season 7 Episode 8: The Dailymotion Connection
Are You Being Served? Season 7 Episode 8: The Dailymotion Connection is a classic example of the show’s clever writing and social commentary. The episode highlights the difficulties that older generations have with adapting to new technology, as well as the class divisions of the era. It also makes use of cultural references to emphasize its points.
The episode is still relevant today, as many people still struggle to keep up with the rapidly changing technology. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding how technology works and how it can be used to improve our lives.
Conclusion
Are You Being Served? Season 7 Episode 8: The Dailymotion Connection is a classic example of the show’s clever writing and social commentary. The episode highlights the difficulties that older generations have with adapting to new technology, as well as the class divisions of the era. It also makes use of cultural references to emphasize its points. Overall, the episode is still relevant today, and serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding how technology works and how it can be used to improve our lives.
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