Mr. Sloane

I found this show quite by accident. I was looking to see what other work Brendan Patricks had done other than being Evelyn Napier in Downton Abbey, and found Mr Sloane. The rest of the cast implied it was going to be a good watch, and I wasn't disappointed. What I am disappointed in is that only one series was made.

I love discovering these lesser known gems in the wilderness.

Nick Frost has a very natural warmth to his performance style that I find heartwarming. Even when he's doing standard comedy like Hyperdrive, he still comes off as an everyman.

Here, Frost plays Mr. Sloane. An everyman looking for a break from the relentless, crushing reality of life. Sloane isn't a saint, he's certainly contributed to the unhappiness in his life in one way or another, he definitely shoulders some of the blame but is still incredibly sympathetic.

It's a great performance and an absolute shame it didn't continue beyond the first season. I guess TV needed to make room for the endless stream of soulless nonsense like The Job Lot or yet another mockumentary/fly on the wall style rehash of the month.

I am already a fan of Nick Frost - I love him in the Cornetto trilogy - but I must say this didn't bias me at all.

Mr Sloane is subtle; it does not rely on crudeness or vulgarity. Moreover, Nick Frost's consistently unlucky character is likable and very well acted might I add.

The main story is set in the late 1960s about a very unlucky man called Mr. Sloane simply searching for some luck. His plight is funny, touching and heart-warming, and some believable and equally likable characters are introduced such as his friends (including the wonderful Peter Serafinowicz), Robin the pretty American lady who woos Sloane etc. The fantastic Olivia Coleman plays the part of Sloane's soon-to-be ex-wife who has left Sloane to "find herself".

It is well written, well filmed and well edited. All in all, it is a lovely gem of a TV show which definitely deserves a go!

All the parts are here; a lovely varied set of characters with room to grow, a solid comedic premise, and an "out of time" satirical wink and nod. 6 episodes of pure whimsy with touches of guffaw and the occasional heart string tug. That this was not taken out for a second spin is madness.

I love anything with Nick Frost in, and Mr Sloane is no exception. Olivia Coleman also shines, as she always does. Fantastic cast, brilliantly written, and superbly acted. A breath of fresh air amongst all the same-old same-old drivel on TV at the moment. One of the few things I look forward to watching. Sloane is a tremendous character that could have been written with Nick Frost in mind. I watched the last of the series last night and genuinely hope there are many more to follow, it was left open for more to come, I'd like to see what happens next to all the characters. Well done to all involved. Please come back soon with more.