This show, at the time of writing this, has released 5 episodes, all of which I have watched. Bear in mind more are to come, and perhaps, miraculously, something will change the fundamental format of this show which will make it less tedious, unfunny and repetitive as it currently is.
However, within the first episode, the viewer is left with a clear image of what's to come, and, thus far, I don't see Hang Ups doing a Spin Around.
I was enticed to watch this little show by a keen interest in new sitcoms, an appreciation for Richard E Grant and the typical excitement of the rumours of all the cameos to be included. I must say, my faith in all three has diminished since.
The problem with Hang Ups (and there are many) for me, first and foremost, is its childishness. I could compare it to Friday Night Dinner in the way it uses AWKWARDNESS and PECULIARITY to create a... laugh? I'm no stranger to the feeling of shock consequently turning into humour, as in A League of Gentlemen, but I think this whole effect is lost when the show is glossy bright- unrealistically bright- and very fast paced. The main character, Richard the So-Called Therapist, is constantly introduced to weird and wonderful victims of his Skype therapy sessions. And either he goes through with the surrealism of the encounter perfectly naturally, or he acts uncomfortably confused.
The acting is very good, as should be expected from such a cast. I believe it's all improvised, and the improv is decent in terms of consistency (each character has their own ark and backstory), but there's no hugely engaging or funny moments in any of the short clips, or 'sessions', with each character. There's a funny tone, you could say, but real jokes and witticisms are completely missing. I suppose it's too much to ask these professional, well-travelled actors and comedians to come up with something innovative to fill our 30 minutes with. As I've said, I like Richard E Grant, but even his segments don't please me.
One innovation, if I could call it that, in Hang Ups is that all the scenes are filmed from the POV of the webcam of whatever laptop, phone or tablet the character being filmed is using. Most of the time. Sometimes a good enough plot device can't be devised to have X and Y be in front of a laptop, so the directors say 'sod it', and just film normally instead. This isn't as confusing as it may sound for the viewer, but, considering its Hang Ups' USP, it's surprising that they'd throw it away so carelessly.
All in all, this show's watchable. I might continue to absorb each new episode from a small desire to see how the plot will conclude, but never would I call what I've previously watched as 'comedy', and certainly not comedy above the maturity of a 17-year-old psychology student.
If you really, REALLY like Green Wing, Hang Ups might be worth a watch-- but otherwise, stay away.
However, within the first episode, the viewer is left with a clear image of what's to come, and, thus far, I don't see Hang Ups doing a Spin Around.
I was enticed to watch this little show by a keen interest in new sitcoms, an appreciation for Richard E Grant and the typical excitement of the rumours of all the cameos to be included. I must say, my faith in all three has diminished since.
The problem with Hang Ups (and there are many) for me, first and foremost, is its childishness. I could compare it to Friday Night Dinner in the way it uses AWKWARDNESS and PECULIARITY to create a... laugh? I'm no stranger to the feeling of shock consequently turning into humour, as in A League of Gentlemen, but I think this whole effect is lost when the show is glossy bright- unrealistically bright- and very fast paced. The main character, Richard the So-Called Therapist, is constantly introduced to weird and wonderful victims of his Skype therapy sessions. And either he goes through with the surrealism of the encounter perfectly naturally, or he acts uncomfortably confused.
The acting is very good, as should be expected from such a cast. I believe it's all improvised, and the improv is decent in terms of consistency (each character has their own ark and backstory), but there's no hugely engaging or funny moments in any of the short clips, or 'sessions', with each character. There's a funny tone, you could say, but real jokes and witticisms are completely missing. I suppose it's too much to ask these professional, well-travelled actors and comedians to come up with something innovative to fill our 30 minutes with. As I've said, I like Richard E Grant, but even his segments don't please me.
One innovation, if I could call it that, in Hang Ups is that all the scenes are filmed from the POV of the webcam of whatever laptop, phone or tablet the character being filmed is using. Most of the time. Sometimes a good enough plot device can't be devised to have X and Y be in front of a laptop, so the directors say 'sod it', and just film normally instead. This isn't as confusing as it may sound for the viewer, but, considering its Hang Ups' USP, it's surprising that they'd throw it away so carelessly.
All in all, this show's watchable. I might continue to absorb each new episode from a small desire to see how the plot will conclude, but never would I call what I've previously watched as 'comedy', and certainly not comedy above the maturity of a 17-year-old psychology student.
If you really, REALLY like Green Wing, Hang Ups might be worth a watch-- but otherwise, stay away.