The Return of Mr. Bean

“The Return of Mr. Bean” aired on November 5, 1990 on ITV. This episode follows Mr. Bean in three iconic situations: in a department store, in a fancy restaurant, and at the cinema with an unforgettable encounter!

First broadcasts:
November 5, 1990 ITV - February 11, 1997 France 3

Written by:
Robin Driscoll, Richard Curtis & Rowan Atkinson

Cast:
Rowan Atkinson, Dave O'Higgins, Paul McDowell, William Vandyck, John Junkin, Roger Lloyd-Pack, Steve McNicholas, Robin Driscoll, Matilda Ziegler & Tina Maskell

Episode 2

Sources : Casting IMDb - Audience mrbean.fandom - Broadcast INA - Filming locations Findthatlocation - Photo © Tiger Aspect Productions

The store

In this episode, Mr. Bean goes to the Allders department store. On the way, he meets an amateur saxophonist. As is customary, one should tip the performers. Being stingy, Mr. Bean doesn't want to give any. He then starts dancing ridiculously, and a lady puts a coin at Mr. Bean's feet, which he eventually gives to the saxophonist. (Stingy and clever)

In the store, Mr. Bean makes a scene by wanting to try out all the products he wants to buy: a toothbrush, a frying pan, a peeler, a bath towel, and a telephone. He chooses the only working phone… the one in the store. (Stupid)

When it came time to pay, Mr. Bean placed his AMEX next to another customer's, who accidentally took it. The customer then put his wallet in his back pocket. Mr. Bean decided to retrieve it. Suddenly needing to use the restroom, the customer went to the bathroom, and Mr. Bean followed him, his hand in his back pocket. The two men ended up locked in the toilet stall, much to the customer's dismay when Mr. Bean offered him a roll of toilet paper. (Disruptive)

Video

The restaurant

Mr. Bean decides to go to a restaurant to celebrate his birthday alone. He orders steak tartare, but clearly doesn't know what it is. Surprised to see his steak is raw, he even thinks it's still alive! He pretends to the waiter and the maître d'hôtel that everything is fine. (Solitaire)

From then on, Mr. Bean will do everything he can to get rid of the food: hiding it however he can between two slices of bread, in a lady's handbag, and even in the violinist's trousers. (Clever)

That's when the waiter trips over Mr. Bean's table and knocks the tray onto him. Annoyed by the situation, Mr. Bean throws a fit. He's then offered a new table and a new meal… steak tartare! (Stupid)

Anecdotes

• The Ecce homo sound theme appears.

• The opening credits appear, showing Mr. Bean falling from the sky against a black and white background.

• The outdoor scenes take place around Twickenham and Sutton.

• The word Phut is written on the wall next to the saxophonist.

• Robin Driscoll appears twice as a customer in the toilets and as a member of the cinema crew.

• Matilda Ziegler appears in the role of the waitress.

• Mr. Bean twice abandons his tweed suit for a grey suit at the restaurant and a tuxedo at the cinema.

• We can't see his car.

The queen

Mr. Bean is invited to a film premiere with the entire cinema crew. He's practicing how he's going to greet the Queen, whom he'll meet in a few minutes. Stressed by the situation, he wants to make a great impression. Noticing his shoes aren't very clean, he decides to spit on them to make them shiny. He files his nails with his zipper and makes a pocket square out of a postcard! (Clever!)

When the Queen comes to curtsy to Mr. Bean, disaster strikes. He leans over too far, headbutts her, and she collapses! (Violent)

Mr. Bean's suitcase !

What secrets does Mr Bean's mysterious suitcase hold?
A creation concocted with a touch of artificial intelligence.