White Gold

I was a huge fan of 'The Inbetweeners' (definitely go watch that if you enjoyed White Gold) so I was pleasantly surprised to see this show on Netflix when I logged in today. Very funny, very entertaining, and if you enjoy British and sarcastic humor you will enjoy this show. I told my friends my recommendation to them that it had a bit of "the big short" mixed in.

You know your getting old when they start making shows from an era you grew up in. As you watch it you start to point out the cars, clothes, music and haircuts the 80's really were the time that fashion forgot. The makers of the show have nailed that period in time superbly, and the script by Inbetweeners creator Damon Beesley is equally good. Anyone who lived through that period would have come across the lead character Vince Swan played by the impressive Ed Weswick. In the case of White Gold we have double glazing salesman all pushing for that big end of month bonus. But it could just as easily been Estate Agents Car Salesmen the 80s were all about excess and earning as much money as you could and that's really the premise of the show in a nutshell. There are natural comparisons to the Inbetweeners as Joe Thomas and James Buckley play pretty much play the same characters Jay and Simon in this show, nothing wrong with that the Inbetweeners was one the funniest sitcoms of recent years. And whilst White Gold may not reach those dizzy heights it's not far behind.

I really liked Season 1, great set up, however it really did seem to drop the ball in season 2. Season 2 wasn't terrible, but as far as writing goes seemed quite lazy. It looks great, something that can be said for both season's, and has a very strong 80's feel to it - clothing and all that really well done. With a shift to the aspect ratio I might even have believed it could have been made in the 80s.

Season 1 is an easy 8/10. Season 2 more 6/10 (liked the characters, however the story lost its legs a bit).

I would like to see a season 3, though I wouldn't know where they'll go with it. End of season 2 didn't feel as though it was open to a season 3 that could include all of the same characters. I won't say why.

I would say if you like things like Benidorm (first couple of season), and or the Inbetweeners, then this might be up your street.

This is an enjoyable easy watch with many laughs, sometimes vulgar under the belt. A little trashy and filled with eighties nostalgia. There is no refinement, subtleties or finesse. Just raw spot on cynical comedy without political correctness. Be warned.

It is a fun way to spend some time off watching this if you have lots of free time to fill. Each episode is also short so easy watch now and then.

Some might love this kind of humour, others will be a bit offset by the crude style and dialogue.

Update 010619: After

Lets see more of these UK shows on Netflix. There's a huge expat market in the USA and we miss the type of telly we know and love from the UK.

No one from England should have any trouble understanding an Essex accent. I saw the review where someone had trouble understanding the dialog. Bless.