Bucket

Brilliant. This is a new comedy and on BBC4 so it's quite British and not big-budget at all. Laughed out loud and cried too. Pathos and lots of gags. Familiar in some ways but also really new too, refreshing to see that relationship. Brave and very funny. really hope to see more of this.

I have watched all 4 episodes on BritBox. I was intrigued enough to wait it out, hoping it might get better, as there is great potential in the story line. The character /portrayal of Franny is sad, and while I wanted to like her, I found it hard to have much empathy towards her and her sad-sack way. The Mum, well, she has the part of a "salty old broad" down pat. [Note: She should audition for Curb Your Enthusiasm - she would be a great foil as Larry David's next door neighbor - it would be test to see who could out-cringe the other!] It feels as though this mother daughter duo just met yesterday and started a relationship together, there isn't much past connection/depth to their characters. "Dry" is a good adjective. I would not say it is horrible, but don't cancel a dinner date to stay in an watch this.

OK so it's not perfect probably because it's a lower budget BBC4 show but it's still really great! It's so new and fresh. I loved the chemistry between mad Mim and awkward Fran. There's lots of rude humour and stuff that's uncomfortable but that's all part of the family feeling. Then there's a real emotional pull, a difficult mum and daughter relationship that's brilliantly new to see and brilliantly funny at times. The characters grow over the episode especially Fran - played brilliantly by Frog Stone but is that her real name?!?? I want MORE episodes!!

With a talent like Miriam Margolyes I was shocked by how flat this series feels. The chemistry between the principal characters is non existent. This means that the entire thing is off. I actually think the script is solid and could have been hilarious with the right delivery. I find the daughter character is missing comedic timing and that thing that makes the innuendos funny and naughty instead of crass. I want to believe her exasperation with her larger than life mum but it's all very wooden. I've watched the pilot and half the second episode and haven't laughed once. If this is your kind of thing I would watch Peter Kays CarShare which is literally a laugh a minute.

I hope there is a season two! Characters where well cast. Brilliant story lines. Relateable, heartwarming and funny