Rising Damp

The gloomy new tenant, Mr Gray, moves into Rigsby's boarding house, where the surroundings are decidedly dingy. He proves so depressed that he is even unable to notice the filth of the boarding house, creating the premise for a classic comedy starring Leonard Rossiter.

The Good Samaritan is a televised programme delivered as a single episode. Classified within the comedy genre, this installment follows the series’ typical format, presenting a self‑contained narrative that fits neatly into the show’s overall style. Its structure mirrors that of many British television episodes, offering a concise story that aligns with the programme’s established framework. The episode centres on a newly arrived boarder named Mr Gray, who moves into the boarding house overseen by Rigsby. From the moment he steps through the door, Gray appears profoundly downcast, his gloom so pervasive that he scarcely registers the shabby, uninviting condition of his new surroundings. His melancholy dominates his early interactions, casting a noticeable pall over the everyday bustle of the house. Rigsby’s boarding house is portrayed as a modest, somewhat dilapidated accommodation, its walls bearing the wear of countless previous occupants. This setting provides a clear contrast between the ordinary rhythm of the household and the despondent mood of its newest resident, creating a backdrop that highlights the comedic potential of such a mismatch. The visual dullness of the environment underscores the character’s inability to notice his surroundings, reinforcing the episode’s central premise. Presented as a classic comedy, the story derives its humour from the characters’ reactions to Gray’s persistent sadness and the boarding house’s less‑than‑glamorous atmosphere. The comedic approach stays true to the programme’s overall tone, delivering light‑hearted moments even as the protagonist remains entrenched in his melancholy.