Back

Back review

Simon Blackwell's comedy about a suspected cuckoo in the nest was surprisingly touching without veering into sentimentality. Bring on series two.

Preview - Back

David Mitchell and Robert Webb's new sitcom concludes tonight, with revelations presumably on offer.

Final episode of the Mitchell and Webb comedy with a mysterious edge, and Andrew has a bizarre reaction when his fellow foster kids attend a memorial for Laurie. Naturally, his unease only makes Steven more determined to find out whether the self-styled prodigal son has something to hide - cue a stint in the library, where he makes a shock discovery. A strong ending to what has been a darkly comic series, and one that leaves the door ajar for another run.

Back, episode 6 review: deserves a second series

Even if you like your comedy dark, Back (Channel 4) can still leave you reeling. Starring Peep Show's David Mitchell and Robert Webb, the six-part series has explored childhood trauma, jealousy, small-town anxiety and, above all, self-loathing. Fortunately, it is also very, very funny.

Penultimate episode of the unofficial Peep Show reunion, and Andrew continues to usurp Stephen at the John Barleycorn. When disaster strikes at the pub - rather conveniently, perhaps - Andrew buys Cass's shares in order to undertake renovations. While the influence of Jez and Mark looms large, Back is tight and watchable in its own right, with the possibility that Andrew could be a manipulative sociopath - or, at best, a Walter Mitty type - adding some edge.

Stephen and Andrew head out on the road together to let the pub's suppliers know about their dad's demise. Along the way they make a few unexpected discoveries, Stephen almost has a romantic encounter and, thanks to some expert mind games from Andrew, even starts to bond with his scheming foster brother. While they're away, Geoff steps in to manage the pub, ushering in some old traditions. Suffice to say that things really don't end well. It's scorchingly funny.

Is the comedy duo Mitchell and Webb really 'Back'?

In all honesty, I don't care if there's always a little bit of Mark and Jez in Mitchell and Webb's work. Peep Show's popularity means the show will forever be referenced when talking about the comedians.

The sitcom, starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb as brothers returning to their home town, continues enjoyably. It doesn't push them out of their comfort zones (as Stephen, Mitchell is an amiable curmudgeon paralysed by emotion; Webb's Andrew is an untrustworthy narcissist), in the tradition of Peep Show. Tonight, Andrew suggests a makeover ("Church pews, library chairs") in the pub, but leaves Stephen to break news of an accompanying staff makeover.

"I'm humbled and I'm proud," says Andrew of being included in his former foster father's will, to a disgruntled Stephen, who scoffs at the logical inconsistency. Business as usual in one way, then, for the Robert Webb/David Mitchell team in episode two of Simon Blackwell's dramedy, which involves a sly pop at the practice of baptism and sees Andrew stage a festival to help keep the pub afloat, while ramping up the sibling rivalry several notches.

TV preview: Back, Episode 2, C4

When writer Simon Blackwell's new series starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb was launched last month publications were sent an episode-by-episode breakdown. But shortly afterwards we were asked not to publish it as it was felt it would give too much away in advance. Having now seen the second episode I think I can see why.