9th February 2012 09:00:00
We Recommend: Roger And Val Have Just Got In
Review of Roger And Val Have Just Got In on BBC2, starring Dawn French and Alfred Molina.
Starting up last night on BBC2, it’s the second series of Roger And Val Have Just Got In, a bittersweet sitcom featuring Dawn French and Alfred Molina as a middle-aged husband and wife dealing with day-to-day life, whilst bigger things bubble under the surface.
Yes, we missed the first series, but this seems the second best place to start. So, was it good? Or are we joining it too late in life?
The domestic sitcom, with no laughter track and a slowly building dramatic subplot, is fast becoming a sub-genre in its own right. We’ve already covered Outnumbered, Him & Her and now this too, and the annoying part is: they’re all pretty funny. I’m sure the terrible knock-offs will arrive soon, but for now, Roger And Val are a welcome addition.
In fact, maybe this is a middle-aged Him & Her, if only for the couple at the centre and the fact the action never leaves the house. But in Roger And Val’s world, there’s even more pressure on them, as there are no sign of any other characters turning up, at least not in this episode. Just the two of them, bouncing off each other and being pleasantly amusing.
Fortunately, the actors are pros. Dawn French is just as good at understated comedy as she was in slapstick, and Alfred Molina is effortless. Even if I can’t stop seeing him as Doctor Octopus from Spider-Man 2. The gently observed sweet moments, rather than clearly signposted punchlines, do somewhat need seasoned actors to make them actually amusing. It’s extremely gentle comedy, but if you like the series mentioned above, I think it deserves a try.
Yes, this is the first episode of series 2, but there’s a decent ‘Previously’ montage at the start, and it’s fairly easy to understand anyway. Jump on board now and you’ll be fine. Although after catching the first episode, I may be seeking out the series 1 DVD. Roger And Val Have Just Got In comes recommended, although it does have a very long title.
Catch the first episode on iPlayer now, and see the BBC official site for more information.
Yes, we missed the first series, but this seems the second best place to start. So, was it good? Or are we joining it too late in life?
The domestic sitcom, with no laughter track and a slowly building dramatic subplot, is fast becoming a sub-genre in its own right. We’ve already covered Outnumbered, Him & Her and now this too, and the annoying part is: they’re all pretty funny. I’m sure the terrible knock-offs will arrive soon, but for now, Roger And Val are a welcome addition.
In fact, maybe this is a middle-aged Him & Her, if only for the couple at the centre and the fact the action never leaves the house. But in Roger And Val’s world, there’s even more pressure on them, as there are no sign of any other characters turning up, at least not in this episode. Just the two of them, bouncing off each other and being pleasantly amusing.
Fortunately, the actors are pros. Dawn French is just as good at understated comedy as she was in slapstick, and Alfred Molina is effortless. Even if I can’t stop seeing him as Doctor Octopus from Spider-Man 2. The gently observed sweet moments, rather than clearly signposted punchlines, do somewhat need seasoned actors to make them actually amusing. It’s extremely gentle comedy, but if you like the series mentioned above, I think it deserves a try.
Yes, this is the first episode of series 2, but there’s a decent ‘Previously’ montage at the start, and it’s fairly easy to understand anyway. Jump on board now and you’ll be fine. Although after catching the first episode, I may be seeking out the series 1 DVD. Roger And Val Have Just Got In comes recommended, although it does have a very long title.
Catch the first episode on iPlayer now, and see the BBC official site for more information.
Comments
To comment you must become a member of The Digital Fix and join thousands of other like-minded users. Already a member? Login here or 
