Spoiler: Keeping Up Appearances Season 2 Overview
In Season 2 of Keeping Up Appearances, the hilariously delusional Hyacinth Bucket (played by Patricia Routledge) continues her relentless pursuit of social status, and her desperate efforts to maintain an image of wealth and sophistication only lead to more outrageous and comical situations. This season sees her attempts at climbing the social ladder becoming even more absurd, especially in her efforts to impress both her neighbors and her family.
One of the standout episodes of the season centers around Hyacinth’s attempt to host a garden party that she envisions as an elegant affair attended by the high society. However, her plans go awry when her eccentric family, particularly her father, crashes the event. To Hyacinth’s horror, her father, the epitome of everything she wants to distance herself from, arrives unannounced and steals the spotlight with his crude behavior and uncouth remarks. Hyacinth’s mortification as she tries (and fails) to cover up her father’s blunders becomes a memorable moment of the season.
Another source of humor this season is the strained relationship between Hyacinth and her long-suffering husband, Richard, played by Clive Swift. Richard is frequently dragged into Hyacinth’s plans, often reluctantly participating in her high-society events, despite having no interest in them. One memorable scene shows Hyacinth pressuring Richard to take part in an exclusive event, much to his discomfort. His sarcastic remarks and awkward expressions only add to the absurdity, highlighting the tension between Hyacinth’s unrealistic expectations and Richard’s reluctant compliance.
Hyacinth’s obsession with appearances remains a core theme in this season. She frequently exaggerates her importance, calling herself a “lady of distinction,” despite the stark contrast between her self-image and her actual circumstances. Her insistence on pronouncing her last name as “Bouquet” in an attempt to sound more refined always creates uncomfortable moments and emphasizes her need for validation. These moments are a consistent source of comedy, as Hyacinth’s delusions lead to social missteps that are both cringeworthy and hilarious.
The season also highlights Hyacinth’s obsessive need for cleanliness and order, especially in her home, which she decorates to reflect her idea of luxury. She goes to extreme lengths to maintain a pristine environment, only for Richard’s occasional clumsiness and the overall chaos of their life to disrupt her ideal setting, creating a contrast between her meticulous efforts and the messy reality.
Supporting characters, including Hyacinth’s carefree sister Daisy, bring a delightful contrast to Hyacinth’s uptight nature. Daisy’s disregard for appearances and Onslow’s working-class charm only highlight Hyacinth’s obsession with status, leading to a series of awkward yet funny interactions. This season also introduces Violet, another sister, whose unexpected visits stir up tension in the family, as Hyacinth desperately tries to maintain her composure in front of her sisters.
Despite the constant chaos and embarrassment, Hyacinth’s optimism never falters. She remains convinced that her relentless pursuit of social standing will eventually pay off, even though it often leads to failure. Season 2 deepens the show’s satire of social climbing, portraying Hyacinth’s misadventures as a comedic exploration of the absurd lengths some will go to in order to maintain a certain image.
With its mix of slapstick humor and sharp social commentary, Keeping Up Appearances Season 2 continues to offer a hilarious look at Hyacinth’s chaotic life and her determination to impress others, no matter how disastrous the results.
