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 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.

You need to allow this vehicle to grow on you. The first episode is a bit difficult as it tries to introduce the family and their various problems. Hugh Laurie plays a sexually needy doctor married to a very attractive wife but he can't recall the last time they had sex and he wants sex. His sons are either all sexually involved or want to be. His wife isn't opposed to sex but the viewer isn't sure what she wants to happen. About the middle of the second episode you begin to chuckle and by the third episode you begin to laugh out loud. For a House devotee it can be disconcerting to see a bumbling Hugh Laurie speaking with an English accent but once you accept Laurie as a completely different character in ludicrous situations this comedy will tickle your funny bone.

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.