Published by Mason Oldridge, 9 August 2024
CONTAINS SPOILERS!
Danny Dyer stars in Sky’s new comedy created, written and co-led by Plebs and Brassic star Ryan Sampson.
The series follows mild-mannered carpet salesman Glen Campbell as his quiet life with his fiance Kirsty is turned upside down by the arrival of his estranged brother Lee. Sampson demonstrates versatility as he is miles apart from the empty-headed Grumio in Plebs and the confident Tommo in Brassic, whereas Dyer embodies his typical Cockney geezer role.
The comedy falls rather flat, which is quite unfortunate given that’s the genre. Granted, there are some funny moments such as the opening scene of Glen and Kirsty in the car park and Glen and Lee’s dance, but the majority of the comedic material is rather ridiculous and chaotic, specifically surrounding Adrian Scarborough’s character Ian and his newfound obsession with Lee.
However, as the series progresses, the plot somewhat saves the show as more of a comedy-drama, with themes of family and masculinity explored. Glen’s erectile dysfunction and Kirsty’s kleptomania, likely a result of feeling neglected. Lee changing his mind about stealing the wedding fund. Glen attempting to stop Lee committing suicide.
The series concludes open-ended with Kirsty receiving a photo of her and Lee kissing and Glen and Lee embarking on confronting their father, though whether a second series will materialise is yet to be seen as, where the story is there, the comedy is not.
5/10