Benidorm 4x01

When the Garveys return to the Costa Blanca in Spring they learn to their stunned surprise, surprise that Madge’s luxurious villa has been bought by none other than (famous British singer and comedy actress) Cilla Black. In their search for Janice’s mother, they also discover that Madge sold the Benidorm Palace. Mick, Janice and Michael have to check into the Solana and continue looking for Madge. They find her mobility scooter on the market, on sale, with her new cell phone number. She’s down and out, over her head in debt, living in a trailer park. Through all of it, she still clings on to her stubborn pride. It’s heart wrenching.

Naturally the insinuating swingers Donald and Jacqueline are on the spot, minding everybody else’s business. Only half of the grumpy gay muppets, Gavin, arrives at the Solana, while Troy remains home to care for his dying father who hardly knew. Gavin does bring his gayer-than-thou salon employee Kenneth and their arguing from the start. There are new vacationers, too, lovely Natalie and her foul-mouthed friend Samantha. Mel’s former employee, cross-dressing Les, finds employment behind the bar, to Mateo’s great dismay. Les’ socially awkward son has a blinding crush on Natalie, who apparently had an affair with Mateo last year.

Then Scary Mary shows up at the hotel’s poolside with two hoodlums demanding debt Madge owes her. The showdown between Madge and Mary is as hilarious as it brings tears to your usually cynical Cricket’s eyes. “Oh, yeah, I heard all about yours,” Madge chides when Mary argues it’s not about the money anymore, but about her reputation. “Scare Mary, the Benidorm Bike. I’ve heard you’ve given more rides than the donkey on Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Only you don’t charge quite as much.” Les, Mateo, Mick and Michael all budge in defending Madge, and when the hoodlums have been taken out of commission, Janice storms in and knocks her head firmly against Scary Mary. “Nobody, nobody, threatens my mother,” she intones menacingly. Brilliant!