The Vicar Of Dibley Series 1, Episode 5 - Election - British Comedy Guide (original) (raw)

The council elections are impending, and David's standing for re-election. When Geraldine unknowingly criticises his performance, the locals decide she'd be a far better candidate. For a woman with no political intent it's a daunting prospect, but David could be willing to strike a bargain...

Further details

The local elections are coming up and Geraldine asks who the useless local councillor is: it's David, and he's rather offended by her aspersions! Hugo unwittingly reveals that his father is constantly making continental trips to scout out possible 'twin' towns and villages for Dibley - coincidentally, many are on the south coast of France.

Meanwhile, Geraldine notices the many shortfalls in Dibley's provisions which ought to be dealt with by the local councillor. For example, there are no longer any bus services to other nearby towns or villages; and the ageing Women's Institute require a minibus for their trips.

With his failings as district councillor fresh in their memories, David seems to dash his re-election hopes by giving a rather insulting speech at Frank's birthday party. The villagers are furious, and insist that Geri should run against him, even concocting their own 'dirty tricks campaign' to smear the Horton name.

As the popular support of Dibley residents swells behind the vicar, David grows exasperated. Geraldine, however, has a proposal: she has absolutely no political aspirations whatsoever, and promises David that she will instruct everyone to vote for him if he accompanies her around the village, being pleasant to his constituents and promising to fulfill their needs if they vote for him.

Predictably, the elder Mr Horton finds himself returned to the council in a landslide victory. However, he's soon to dash all hopes of keeping his promises to the villagers, citing budgetary constraints. Geraldine ropes in the entire community to play slowly (not to mention badly) through David's favourite golf course, effectively holding him to ransom. It's not long before he's resolved to keep his original word!

Broadcast details

Date

Thursday 8th December 1994

Time

8:30pm

Channel

BBC One

Length

30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast

Guest cast

Writing team

Production team