Love Soup

This is a very funny series and much cleverer than the standard so-called comedy fare we are force fed these days. It will appeal to anyone who actually thinks about things and the angst that accompanies this risky practice. This is a comedy very much about the good manners of the main characters and the lack of them in the people they come across (and their inability to see past their self-obsessed noses). This is all handled in a very understated manner and never patronises the viewer and actually treats us as adults (not even any canned laughter!). I think the people who didn't get this series possibly struggled because they are the people this terrific show is poking fun at. Perhaps they should watch again and you never know it might just help them to be nicer people.

(Series 1) Beautician Alice Chenery and writer Gil Raymond are totally perfect for each other, the only problem is their paths are deemed never to meet. Alice is slightly awkward, slightly staid but kind hearted and generous. Gil is an American perplexed by life, living next door to cougar Irene.

I think Love Soup was somewhat ahead of its time, it had it all, it was hilariously funny, deeply moving and emotionally engaging, by the end of the series my love for the characters grew hugely.

Definitely shades of One Foot in The Grave throughout, if you're a fan you'll recognise the humour traits.

How good an actress is Tamsin Greig, the whole series in fairness hangs on her performance, she's just wonderful, her acting in Series 2 when she hears the news of Gil's fate was genuinely fantastic.

Series 1 was fantastic from the off, I never tire of it, the most memorable moment I can remember is Trudie Styler's speech to Gil in the opening episode, it's one of the most moving things I have ever seen.

Series 2 is a mixed bag, I think the opening 5 episodes are excellent, the latter 5 are a little dull in comparison, I didn't think Alice was brilliantly written for towards the end, but in the scheme of things, it's still a great watch.

David Renwick I salute you, 9/10.

I had looked forward to this based on loving both One Foot In The Grave and Tamsin Greig in Black Books, and I wasn't disappointed. The two main characters are, in many ways, younger, softer versions of Victor Meldrew and they suffer all the petty indignities that modern life can throw at us such as, and this had me laughing from the opening minutes until a good five minutes into the first episode, plastic ring-pulls on milk cartons which don't work. Cut to the next shot of Alice with a bandaged finger and you have the style of the programme right there- don't show the moment of agony, just let the audience work it out. The main actors are great but what I really enjoyed was how good the incidental characters were; the nurse with her low-key words of wisdom on finding a mate and marrying them was beautifully understated, and the estate-agent's comment that the living-room "is...15'3" because there are no other distinguishing features is just so subtle and so perfect: just like the rest of the show.

Was really excited that they are making a Love Soup 2. Can't wait for it. Hope Michael Landes is also in it, he's not listed in the credits for it.

This is a really well-done mini-series with very likable characters. The acting is excellent, too.

Grieg plays a very different role than that of her iconic Fran Katzenjammer in Black Books. In fact, her "Love Soup" Alice couldn't be further away from Fran. Alice is thoughtful, organized, positive, hopeful and loyal. And very funny.

The DVD, which is only available in the UK (but can be viewed on multi-regional players) is great and the extras are very fun. Tiny tidbit: The actress who plays Chloe originally read for the role of Millie.

I am very excited about the upcoming sequel -- I really wanted more, I enjoyed it so much.

Love soup is screening for the first time in New Zealand (Feb 2007). In a country where television is increasingly dominated by (mainly) brain dead American trash, I am heartened that some enlightened buyer has purchased a program that appeals to people with a brain. I would not describe it as a comedy perse. The humour is subtle and not obvious to anyone who has not been "through the traps". My fascination is due to usually being totally wrong when trying to predict what happens next. I mean how many girls do you come across with a full body tattoo? Like many well written works, the series touches on many of the taboos that we all eventually experience to some degree or other.