Firstly I must state that I binge watched all 6 episodes, in one day, on the anniversary of my wife's death 3 years ago. the trailer had led me to believe that it was just a comedic romp & I did not realise there was so much "real grief" in it so, some of it was rather too personal and difficult for me. However, I loved what they did with it.
To all those reviewers who have slated it I can only say, "where is your appreciation of satire" because, apart from the scenes of heartrending grief ( I know about that) The rest is pure satire: from the insensitive bank clerk (on the phone) who does absolutely nothing to help and finishes the conversation with the scripted (& irritating) "Is there anything else I can help you with today?" to the worldly & knowing, 16 year old daughter who suddenly finds that she can't articulate the word "sperm". The use by Alice (Keeley Hawes) of extremely coarse language, at just the right moments is superb & highlights the feelings of someone in her position.
One of the series greatest achievements is that there is not one single character about whom one can be ambivalent. Every single character from the detestable Mother, the obnoxious Gerry, the hateful George, the delectable Charlotte, the hilarious Roger (Havers), the unspeakable Graham, to the totally shattered, dipsy, confused & grief-stricken Alice, are all totally engaging and such brilliant caricatures of people I've met in my life (I'm old).
This series does not try to make comedy out of death; what it does is to show how people use humour & satire in the midst of terrible grief, to cope with tragic situations & to keep on keeping on. I met my wife immediately after the accidental death of her first husband so, believe me, I'm very well qualified to comment on this.
I have to admit that I was disappointed that this was just series one and I would have to wait for a continuation but the way it was left, there is so much scope for a wonderful second series. I can't wait.
To all those reviewers who have slated it I can only say, "where is your appreciation of satire" because, apart from the scenes of heartrending grief ( I know about that) The rest is pure satire: from the insensitive bank clerk (on the phone) who does absolutely nothing to help and finishes the conversation with the scripted (& irritating) "Is there anything else I can help you with today?" to the worldly & knowing, 16 year old daughter who suddenly finds that she can't articulate the word "sperm". The use by Alice (Keeley Hawes) of extremely coarse language, at just the right moments is superb & highlights the feelings of someone in her position.
One of the series greatest achievements is that there is not one single character about whom one can be ambivalent. Every single character from the detestable Mother, the obnoxious Gerry, the hateful George, the delectable Charlotte, the hilarious Roger (Havers), the unspeakable Graham, to the totally shattered, dipsy, confused & grief-stricken Alice, are all totally engaging and such brilliant caricatures of people I've met in my life (I'm old).
This series does not try to make comedy out of death; what it does is to show how people use humour & satire in the midst of terrible grief, to cope with tragic situations & to keep on keeping on. I met my wife immediately after the accidental death of her first husband so, believe me, I'm very well qualified to comment on this.
I have to admit that I was disappointed that this was just series one and I would have to wait for a continuation but the way it was left, there is so much scope for a wonderful second series. I can't wait.