It is the 1970's and Danny Baker's (Laurie Kynaston) parents are thoroughly estate people. In the states we would say to be nice they live in subsidized housing or to be a bit unkind, they live in public housing. His dad Fred (Peter Kay) is a bit of a wheeler dealer (not a thief but not one to pass up a good deal even if it might skirt the law) and one of the boys; his mom Bet (Lucy Speed) longs for a more regular and "moving up" life. Frequently it is dad's down to earth quality that saves the situation. Or exacerbates it but general with "good" consequences, not always but . . . . The series has some of the characteristics of a picaresque novel as Fred (Spud) relies on his wits to move along, has a tough time holding on to a job, and while in the later episodes there is a story arc (making sure the daughter has a nice wedding), by and large the adventures—especially of Danny —are incidents from his life growing up South London and are meant to amuse.
Danny and his friends get in and out or trouble with usual high spirits, but on occasion a consequence can be serious: one such ends up with the death of a mate (friend). I know, this doesn't sound like a comedy but it is. When Danny goes to a show with his sister and her boyfriend, he is looking forward to it as the cast (Hair) has nude scenes. But when the dancers go offstage (completely nude), and Danny gets hit on the cheek by a loose penis, I just about fell off the chair laughing.
And watching Fred and the other dock workers try to outwit the new breed of dock security workers before the docks begin to shut down is bittersweet as they try to liberate some sherry but confuse sherry with sherry vinaigrette.
While Danny might not be a fan of school, he is a fan of the "future studies" class taught by the smoking hot Miss Blondel which sets up a conflict of choices between football (soccer) and the possibility of being in the photography darkroom with Miss Blondel. And when you find out how Teddy Arsewhole got his nickname, you will be laughing so hard you will be in tears.
What we have is a nostalgic look at a time (not unlike any cultural/economic shift) when manual jobs were being lost; and the incursions of newer technology (VCR's for example) had not yet had a major impact. You don't have to be British to enjoy this series but some of the thicker accents could make an American wish for subtitles in English. Regardless, it's a great show in the vein as "Moone Boy," The IT Crowd," or "Spy" (Darren Boyd). If you get a chance to see it then be sure to catch it. Currently running on Acorn TV. And the soundtrack is beyond great.
I understand a second series has been commissioned; but this really works as a one off.
Danny and his friends get in and out or trouble with usual high spirits, but on occasion a consequence can be serious: one such ends up with the death of a mate (friend). I know, this doesn't sound like a comedy but it is. When Danny goes to a show with his sister and her boyfriend, he is looking forward to it as the cast (Hair) has nude scenes. But when the dancers go offstage (completely nude), and Danny gets hit on the cheek by a loose penis, I just about fell off the chair laughing.
And watching Fred and the other dock workers try to outwit the new breed of dock security workers before the docks begin to shut down is bittersweet as they try to liberate some sherry but confuse sherry with sherry vinaigrette.
While Danny might not be a fan of school, he is a fan of the "future studies" class taught by the smoking hot Miss Blondel which sets up a conflict of choices between football (soccer) and the possibility of being in the photography darkroom with Miss Blondel. And when you find out how Teddy Arsewhole got his nickname, you will be laughing so hard you will be in tears.
What we have is a nostalgic look at a time (not unlike any cultural/economic shift) when manual jobs were being lost; and the incursions of newer technology (VCR's for example) had not yet had a major impact. You don't have to be British to enjoy this series but some of the thicker accents could make an American wish for subtitles in English. Regardless, it's a great show in the vein as "Moone Boy," The IT Crowd," or "Spy" (Darren Boyd). If you get a chance to see it then be sure to catch it. Currently running on Acorn TV. And the soundtrack is beyond great.
I understand a second series has been commissioned; but this really works as a one off.