octothorpe
Friday 7th July 2023 11:50pm [Edited]
49 posts
Haven't shown my head round here for a while so should probably drop my two penneth. While the first episode of the series was watchable enough, and I guessed the twist at the end beforehand, it did seem to show the signs of a show towards the end of its life and struggling, although still remained amusing. Last week's, in contrast, was exceptional I thought, and potentially the best since the time jump six (SIX?!) years ago now. Tonight's was a little weaker, and although it was another episode invoking the trope of Lee and Lucy telling lies and having to run rings to cover up for themselves - which has gotten old now and pretty much defined the last two series - they at least brought Molly into it to liven it up, and was alright. (What I got out of it most, however, was how strikingly similar Selina Griffiths is to her mother, Annette Crosbie, particularly in her voice, facial expressions and mannerisms. I don't think I'll be able to see her in the role the same going back through her earlier episodes).
Am watching linearly so don't have any opinion on the forthcoming episodes (other than, from the synopses, they sound good), but after a disappointing and sagging last couple of series, NGO does appear to be on the rebound again, though is far from able to recapture the magic it once had and is showing signs of tiring. It would be a shame if it was to disappear, however, as it's one of BBC1's last recognisable comedy brands, but if both them and ITV are having to change their approach to comedy in this new era of streaming - in which classic studio audience sitcoms don't appear to fit in anymore - I'm not entirely sure the BBC will be that reluctant if Mack decides to call time. Then again, ratings are up on the last series, so *shrugs*... (yet the move to BBC2 tonight - and maybe even next week - won't help in that regard).
And re: Two Doors Down - without wishing to derail the thread - yes, that's also not the show it once was (it peaked in quality in series 3, and the last series was largely an improvement on the one before), but remains a solid watch and I'm looking forward to it popping up on BBC1 later in the year.