I really liked it. Not too sure why people are focusing on the impressions. It's not an impressions show. It's about a guy that uses them as a crutch.
Thought Jo Hartley was brilliant. She always plays quite dowdy characters so it was nice to see her in a role like this for a change.
I disagree you cannot put an impressionist in a show and then not expect the emphasis not to be about the impressions.
I just don't think it worked having an impressionist in a drama like that.
Personally I think the OP is absolutely right. The focus isn't the impressions themselves but how they are used to "escape" from a humdrum existence (as illustrated in the letterbox bit, doing his own improvised voice-over to the penguin documentary and talking to Jean about how he pretends to be Irish) and mask his inadequacies like being timid/weak (illustrated by using Al Pacinos voice to get his own way in the newsagents which wasn't happening while being himself and mimicing the HR guys voice over the intercom at work after being knocked back for a promotion).
I actually think its a very, very clever way to use an impressionist instead of the typical tired, and usually poor, sketch format. The juxtaposition between the sadness of his ordinary life and some of the stuff he comes out with while doing his voices is very well done and balanced. I also like how the character also recognises his own inadequacies and uses others voices to comment upon it (like talking about being unimportant in the voice of Alan Carr, and, in the voice of David Attenborough: "People working all hours for other people that neither notice them nor give a sh*t. [...] Painting never ending walls.").
It also surprised me how good an actor Terry Mynott is, he plays the character absolutely spot on.
I think the reason you didn't think it worked is because you're mistaking it for a drama. While its not strictly a comedy either (although I did find myself cracking up during a lot of it), its definitely not a drama. In fact I think its quite hard to pigeon-hole the show, and for that I like it even more. Its something out of the ordinary, something new. Its got me hooked anyway, and I can't wait to see the next episode.
glad someone understood my post :o)
Did you find that the characters real voice was kind of similar to David Walliams Lou from the Lou and Andy bits from Little Britain?
@DJShades you got it absolutely spot on, I couldn't have put it better myself. I love this show, it's extremely well written and Terry Mynott plays the character fantastically. I'm glad it's not a mimic show, as I'm not keen on mimics (in fact it's surprising that I even gave this a look), but I have a massive soft spot for Martin Hurdle.
shareI absolutely agree. It's true to say that lots of people don't feel comfortable when they can't categorise something satisfactorily.
This isn't a sketch show, isn't a comedy, isn't a drama, isn't a stand-up show. As far as I've seen, it's broken the mould and I love that.
True, not all his voices hit the spot (James Earl Jones, for instance), but for me, the emphasis isn't completely on his impressions. There are enough other engaging characters in this show to entertain me, I really like Neil and Jean.
I'm glad to see writers and channels taking a chance on something different. I found this show refreshing and enjoyable.
"It's not an impressions show. It's about a guy that uses them as a crutch."
yeh, that's a really good point. I liked it, it'll grow on me and I think it's got potential. The bit where he said he can't go in the pub cos he's Irish in there, that is a really funny running gag to have there, I'd love him to bump into people or go in shops and suddenly realise he's got to put on an accent, in fact that'd be funnier than just coming out with the celebrity impressions with a tenuous link.
Was expecting it to be a downright mimic show, but just like Derek isn't just comedy this show is like derek,mainly a drama
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Bobbins is that a compliment what did everyone think of episode 2 btw
shareI too agree with OP and DJ, the impressions are just a way to hook people in, I've just watch episode 4 or 5.. And got to say I was quite emotional - it's full of pathos sad one minute then amusing the next. Channel four have hidden it away I feel and no one I know seems to have heard of it which is a shame cos it deserves a bigger audience
shareAgreement here aswell. I'm glad it wasn't just another impressions show. I like the way Martin uses the voices in his repetoire in his everyday life - it gave the programme a nice, original touch. I thought this series was a smashing little gem tucked away unassumingly in the schedules. It was slightly melancholy but also a gently funny watch on a Wednesday night and I'll miss it now it's finished.
shareIt's nice, gentle comedy that isn't just about the impressions but how he uses them to escape humdrum reality. The bit where he is berating himself for being a fake, in a wood in episode 5, is brilliant. Poignant ending to that episode (which appears to be the season closer) and the way it sidestepped the television debacle was nice too. Not at all predictable.
shareThis series has gotten stronger with each episode.I actually care about the characters and the way they interact.Nothing over the top,and quite touching...especially,the father,son,and sadly dying mother.It's clear whats going on with just photo montages as in the end of the last episode....it doesn't need all talk to know whats going on and the acting is natural and flowing.There must be a longer 2nd series channel 4!
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