 The number of subplots on the show grew as more cast members were added . Regular subplots since the 1980s included : Howard and Marina trying to have an affair without Howard 's wife finding out ( a variation of the Wainwright @-@ Partridge subplot of the 1970s ) , the older women meeting for tea and discussing their theories about men and life , Auntie Wainwright trying to sell unwanted merchandise to unsuspecting customers , Smiler trying to find a woman , Barry trying to better himself ( at the insistence of Glenda ) , and Tom trying to stay one step ahead of the repo man . 
