Back

Just because it's written by Blackwell (writer for Peep Show) and stars Mitchell and Webb, don't expect this to be a Peep Show spin off - lot's of people I've spoken to did, and so got put off when they found out it was a different programme, with different characters, different humour and a different story.

I watched the first episode as I was intrigued into this new story by the Peep Show team, but I knew to be open minded and didn't expect to see Mitchell playing a Mark Corrigan and Webb playing a Jeremy Usbourne.

Instead what you have is a very intriguing piece of comedy drama. I've only seen up until the 4th episode, and I've heard the 5th is we where get all the pay offs and where it gets much darker.

The drama is really clever, to be fair, and unexpectedly dramatic from a sitcom writer and a sitcom duo. There are certainly very funny moments, especially at the end of episode 1 and there were some very funny moments in episode 4, with it being reminiscent of the Mark/Jez conversations of Peep Show, EXCEPT in reverse. Andrew (Webb's character) seems to be an almost perfect foster son, he's a world traveller with a clear mind, good intentions, a cultured palate and wants to live his life the best way. Stephen (Mitchell) whilst still a rule-abiding citizen, over-thinker like Mark Corrigan is more mystified by the world around him, and more of a drinker, and sometimes needs Andrew to dodge some bullets for him (it was the other way round sometimes in Peep Show).

To summarise, don't judge this show at all based off Peep Show. It's not the same, and should be judged by it's own storytelling and merits, and by all factors its been very good so far. I'm about to watch the rest of the episodes, and I feel like all this drama and these questions the audience has are about to be answered (or maybe not).

Give it a try

The main thing to note is if you don't like dry and dark humour that doesn't stop to give you time to process and signal that yes, that was a joke, then you will hate this.

There is a prominent Mitchell and Webb vibe from the show. But it definitely differs in tone somewhat from Peep Show and their various sketch shows. Personally I found this incarnation less appealing than those previous works, but there is no real reason why someone couldn't enjoy this more, it's just a matter of taste.

Overall if you are a fan of the duo then you will probably enjoy this, I think the only thing it lacks is a likeability factor with the mains. You never connect with them properly and there is no mechanism this time to falicitate this despite their apparent dislikablilty. I thought you were supposed to mellow out in your old age as a comedian, not get bleaker!

Better than Peep Show in my opinion. PS seemed a bit too infantile at times, while this has a great story line. Good writing, with funny "down and out" characters. Especially Webb makes a strong performance. A must-see for Mitchell fans.

I'm not sure how exactly to describe it but I'd say it's a worthy-ish evolution of the dynamic duo of Mitchell and Webb.

I'd heartily recommend it to anyone who can appreciate the humor poking its head out from the plot full of dreary yet energetic dysfunction.

Good concept, good characters, and definitely a more intelligent series than (what Mitchell & Webb will always be compared to) Peep Show, but certainly not as funny. It's not a fair comparison really, as the two series are very different, and Back is more of a drama which targets quite sensitive topics and does so well.

Ultimately though, it's not hilarious, and whilst there are definite laughs, usually from Mitchell's pessimism, it's not as enjoyable when Webb plays quite a dislikeable character. It has a good arc which you do invest in, it's worth a watch, but not their best.