Victor Meldrew, a security Guard, is replaced by a box, and do starts years of moaning and fighting life's little injustices.
Irritation number 1, made redundant too young. The real crux of the comedy in these early years was that he was too fit and young too be out of work, the main source of irritation.
Irritation number 2, Mrs Warboys, she would torment Victor for many years, so innocently, Doreen Mantle is a joy.
Irritation number 3, Nick Swainey, another innocent who would later return to haunt Victor even more.
Even in these early days we get the contrast of funny and sad, it would make the show unique, and one of the best.
Surreal, hilarious, comedy at its out and out best, it would get darker, but always remained super funny. A pity they didn't go back to Victor and his magic at a later date, it added a lighter side to him.
It just works. 10/10