The Power of Parker

I really enjoyed 'The Power of Parker'. I was expecting a well-written but fairly run of the mill comedy - not so! There's a lot more going on than first appears. As the series progresses, it subtly morphs into a comedy drama, with the plot almost threatening to outdo the comedy. Fortunately 'The Power of Parker' is packed full of funny characters, witty observations and social satire, some cracking dialogue, and a scene stealing performance by Steve Pemberton.

We learn more about Kath (Sian Gibson) and Diane (Rosie Cavaliero) and their respective relationships with the eponymous Martin Parker (Conleth Hill), and Martin's other - potentially deadly - indiscretions are revealed. The backdrop of 1990 is a treat for those of us who remember when wallpaper and rugs really were that beige, and it affords some well-observed satire about gender roles (many of which have sadly not gone out of fashion with the furnishings).

Wonderful writing, well-crafted characters and a gripping narrative. And very, very funny! Recommended!

Six episodes of this new comedy.

It's a very entertaining show. The laughs come quickly and the two lead woman are excellent.

Season two already being filmed and season three commissioned and I'm not surprised.

Coupled with the soundtrack it's pure entertainment with some risqué jokes.

We laughed all the way through. I never received facsimiles that Parker did. What a shame.

Some of the jokes are toilet humour but that sits fine with us. Maybe we are an immature audience.

I'm surprised there were low reviews as it's easy viewing at only 30 minute episodes.

Can't wait for the new season.

As a big fan of Sian Gibson and Conleth Hill I had high hopes for this new comedy. And in parts it hits the spot, especially in the first couple of episodes.

But I got the feeling as it progressed that the writers were caught between creating a straight comedy and a light, romantic drama. It's rarely laugh-out-loud yet equally doesn't carry sufficient weight in the drama stakes.

Gibson brings her usual charm to the role, with Sheila Reid in good form too, but I felt overall the plot overstretched and at times plodding to fill six episodes. A three-part series would, I think, have given ample time to tell the story and better pacing.

The Power of Parker isn't going to win any awards for services to television. Having said that, it provides plenty of lighthearted and nostalgic humour (I say that despite not having been born when this was set). If you're a fan of the cast members, you'll be a fan of this.

I watched the series in two sittings, it made me chuckle throughout and I had a smile on my face for most of the episodes. No, it's not a groundbreaking comedy. No, it hasn't got laugh out loud and roll around on the floor in fits of giggles moments. But it IS funny, despite what other reviews may say. The storyline isn't actually that far fetched and there are loveable characters, as you can expect from the names in the cast list.

This is a how for those who are fans of (northern) British humour and TV. The show felt like a warm hug and a good cup of tea on a rainy afternoon. If recommend it and watch it again. Give it a go before you write it off.

This was obviously written by someone who lived in Stockport in the 1980s / 90s. The dressing of the sets is spot on. The tea sets, the sofas cars etc etc. It's not perfect some of the writing is not that funny but I've given it 10 stars because it took me back in time and I like many of the actors. It's a very good cast and the script has a lot of northern humour in it that they deliver well. Although, some of the humour may be too nuanced for anyone who is not northern. What is also nostalgic is the choice of music which is a backdrop of chart hits from that era. I'd love a season two to be made.