Stan & Gran

Bats the Way I Like It is a cheeky little episode from the long‑running British family series Grandad & Co., starring the ever‑lovable Stan (played by Michael Gough) and his feisty Gran (Maggie Smith). The duo live in a cosy cottage with a cluttered shed that, every summer, becomes a roost for a colony of bats. When the bats mysteriously vanish, Stan and Gran set out on a mission that’s half wildlife rescue, half suburban caper. The plot kicks off with the pair discovering the shed eerily quiet – no squeaks, no fluttering, just a stale, bat‑free air. Determined not to let the local ecosystem go kaput, they enlist the help of a quirky nocturnal‑expert neighbour, a teenage eco‑club, and a rather stubborn local council officer. Their plan involves everything from homemade bat‑call devices to midnight stake‑outs, all while trying not to wake the whole neighbourhood. It’s a tidy blend of gentle humour and a dash of environmental awareness, without ever getting preachy. Honestly, the episode feels a bit dated – the set design screams early‑2000s, and the special effects for the bats are a touch ropy. Still, the chemistry between Stan and Gran is proper charming, and the script has a warm, almost nostalgic vibe that reminds you of classic BBC children’s slots like The Adventures of Portland Bill. If you’re after a light‑hearted, feel‑good story with a dash of British eccentricity, it’s worth a watch; if you expect high‑octane drama, you’ll be a bit disappointed. Rated U, suitable for all ages, though there are a few mildly spooky moments that might unsettle very young kids. First terrestrial broadcast this Thursday on BBC One.