Year of the Rabbit

Like Marmite, you will either enjoy this or you'll hate it. It's not perfect. I have watched the first three episodes. It works well as a parody of historical crime dramas, it is surreal and has a good sense of camp. The writing has a wonderful turn of phrase. It is definitely not everyone's jar of London fog, but it's worth a look.

I'm a huge Matt Berry fan anyway but I loved this show, very funny with great characters and all set up for a second season until channel 4 pulled the plug on it. I think this could be one of those series that people didn't really know existed but wouldn't be disappointed once they stumbled across it.

I laughed so much watching this off beat comedy and what they did with the John Merrick (Elephant Man) character was hilarious.

I'll just have to watch it again.

I'm obsessed. This show has been on my queue for a while and I don't like watching things with one season because if I enjoy them, I'm devastated when they aren't or haven't been renewed. But this show and it's full cast of characters was absolutely brilliant! The stories worked well and the humor was there. It is rare that I write these review unless something is TERRIBLE or ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC. This was the latter, it's understandable that Covid cut network budgets but honestly this is one of those shows I would sign each and every petition for because it worked on so many levels. Everyone's performance had me on the floor. I am just going to watch it on an endless loop until Britbox, Hulu or any steamer renews it.

This ribald romp has the reassuring benefit of a terrific cast who know what they are doing. Matt Berry is at the helm and it is very difficult to imagine anyone else in the role of "high functioning fried breakfast" Inspector Rabbitt. Susan Wokoma and Freddie Fox as Rabbitt's police colleagues are wonderful, as is Alun Armstrong as their Guv'nor and Mabel's Dad.

I would love to see much more of David Dawson's fantastically arch Elephant Man and the sublime Ann Mitchell (of blessed 1980's Widows memory).

People who are unable to cope with the odd rude word (ok, lots of rude words) should perhaps look elsewhere.

I do hope Year of the Rabbitt will be recommissioned by Channel 4 and that it will not suffer the fate of BBC Victorian medical comedy Quacks, which was inexplicably pulled after only one series.

Clever writing, intelligent use of language (obscure, period based and obscenities) are all timed and delivered beautifully. Great acting, uniquely scripted and very well casted. All the characters are perfectly chosen for their roles and do it so very well. I can only think those who don't like this show obviously do not appreciate Matt Berry humour. Loved him in IT Crowd, he was awesome in Action Team and in this one he really shines.

I cannot wait for more of this series. Deserves Nine Stars, Year of the Rabbit is a return to clever British comedy that keeps you engaged with every episode.