Fortysomething

I've just seen the third episode tonight, and this really is the most staggeringly brilliant comedy I've had the pleasure to view in a great many moons. Quite why ITV has decided to move it to the 11pm slot on a Saturday night I know not, but I would thoroughly recommend that you check out the rest of the series and then rush to acquire a copy as soon as it's released on DVD or video.

The characterisation, script, performances and plot are all excellent - Hugh Laurie, Anna Chancellor and Peter Capaldi are all at their very best, and there's some quite stunning physical comedy from Mr Capaldi in particular. All the supporting roles are excellently played as well, particularly the three sons, their two inane girlfriends and Ms Chancellor's employer (the ever-wonderful Sheila Hancock).

All of which may sound a tad hyperbolic, but if I'd just said "Well, it's about this doctor facing a midlife crisis, he's worried that his wife may run off with someone else, his practice partner is psychotic and obsessed with his wife, his teenage sons can't stop either thinking about, or having, sex, and meanwhile he can't remember the last time he actually had any himself," I'd never really have got it out of my system, now would I?

I found this little gem when I was desperately searching Netflix for anything Benedict Cumberbatch had ever done. Lo and behold, Hugh Laurie is the star, though after watching him on House, he sounds dubbed speaking with his real British accent! You have to really appreciate what a wonderful actor he is - for House, he has lowered his voice as well.

Fortysomething is about a family of crazies - Hugh Laurie plays Paul Slippery, a doctor; his pretty wife Estelle, played by Anna Chancellor, is a headhunter; her boss is lesbian Gwendolen Hartley (Sheila Hancock).

The Slipperys have three hormonal sons: Rory (Cumberbatch), Daniel (Neil Henry), and Edwin (Joe Van Morland). Daniel has stolen Rory's girlfriend Lucy (Siobhan Hewlett) while Rory was away, and Rory's girlfriend and her sister Laura (Emma Ferguson) seem to be living at the house.

Paul's partner (Philip Manikum) is a complete maniac after Estelle, sending her sexy emails which have been erotically answered by son Daniel.

Fortysomething is a bit chaotic, as families are, and very, very funny. When Paul admonishes Daniel for just walking in his parents' bedroom without knocking, saying, "We might have been..." -- Daniel looks at him and laughs as if the idea is absurd. Paul has just as bad a time at work, as does Estelle.

This series streams on Netflix. Unfortunately, it only ran a season in Britain; I understand the time slot was changed or something. Delightful to see these actors.

I first watched Fortysomething 3 years ago, and I soon purchased it, which is rare for me. I'm not a particular fan of comedies, but this one's really smart and huge fun, and it's got heart. The characters are hilarious and engaging, and whoever cast this did an amazing job. I hadn't seen some of the actors before, but they're all just what's needed. Peter Capaldi's Ronnie Pilfrey is a particular joy. Other standouts are Hugh Laurie, Anna Chancellor, and Sheila Hancock. A young Benedict Cumberbatch is fun, although under-utilized in his role. If you enjoy re-watching favorite series, this is definitely one to check out. Like some other classics, it holds up well to that. It's also got lots of heart. I'm not sure why this only ran for a season; it may have been because Hugh Laurie was cast in House. Or perhaps it was scheduled/promoted wrong. But thank goodness Fortysomething exists. Sex is a recurring theme, so you may not want to watch it with small children, only so you don't have to explain it to them. It's deftly-handled, though. If you weren't offended by the subject in Friends, it won't bother you here.

Although I agree that 40sthg was funny and well acted, and that it was a shame that it was demoted to a later timeslot, it did begin to pall after the first few episodes. I don't know, I think that the project was strung out too much; maybe the episodes should've been fewer or shorter, or it should've been a movie rather than a series. When you have several irritating characters I think you have to expect that the viewing public will also begin to get irritated, well before the denouement arrives to make it all seem worthwhile.

We all know that aging isn't easy. But I surely don't know any story that shows us all the fun parts during this process!

We meet Paul Slippery and his family in a time that Paul starts to become pretty obsessive about his wife Estelle. He feels something important is missing in his relationship.

A feeling that is getting stronger by the day, due to all the changes their family is experiencing. His sons are starting their careers, while exploring all fun parts of their young adults life. With three grown sons Estelle decides to start her own career, which Paul has a hard time getting any grip on. And on top of all that, one of his colleague's is really getting on his nerves.

A really fun story unfolds, with all kinds of misunderstandings on Paul's part. It contains lot's of crazy stuff and plots, that grows more complicated as Paul gets more confused.

Whether you're younger, older or actually "fortysomething", if you're in for a good laugh, this show is a "must see". I watched it several times and will for sure watch this "feel good" series again.

For those who know Hugh Laurie only as Gregory House, remember he is actually English, as is this series. Even though he's a doctor in this series too, his character is in no way comparable with House. Those two elements may cause you to either love or hate Paul Slippery and his family.

Besides taking the main role in this series, Hugh Laurie also directs three of the episodes.