The Power of Parker

I really enjoyed 'The Power of Parker'. I was expecting a well-written but fairly run of the mill comedy - not so! There's a lot more going on than first appears. As the series progresses, it subtly morphs into a comedy drama, with the plot almost threatening to outdo the comedy. Fortunately 'The Power of Parker' is packed full of funny characters, witty observations and social satire, some cracking dialogue, and a scene stealing performance by Steve Pemberton.

We learn more about Kath (Sian Gibson) and Diane (Rosie Cavaliero) and their respective relationships with the eponymous Martin Parker (Conleth Hill), and Martin's other - potentially deadly - indiscretions are revealed. The backdrop of 1990 is a treat for those of us who remember when wallpaper and rugs really were that beige, and it affords some well-observed satire about gender roles (many of which have sadly not gone out of fashion with the furnishings).

Wonderful writing, well-crafted characters and a gripping narrative. And very, very funny! Recommended!

This was obviously written by someone who lived in Stockport in the 1980s / 90s. The dressing of the sets is spot on. The tea sets, the sofas cars etc etc. It's not perfect some of the writing is not that funny but I've given it 10 stars because it took me back in time and I like many of the actors. It's a very good cast and the script has a lot of northern humour in it that they deliver well. Although, some of the humour may be too nuanced for anyone who is not northern. What is also nostalgic is the choice of music which is a backdrop of chart hits from that era. I'd love a season two to be made.

Martin Parker is a self made man, but he's run into financial difficulties, he's forced to take drastic action. His family life is also complicated, he has a social climbing wife, and a demanding mistress.

When I saw a sitcom starring Conleth Hill and Sian Gibson, I was all over it, I wanted to love it, and for the most part I did.

The best thing, the nostalgia, if you're my age, and grew up in this era, you'll spot so much, the accuracy was amazing. It's the late 80's, early 90's brought to life, the music is awesome.

It's funny, there are definitely a good few laughs, it's not belly laugh humour, but it's amusing, Sian Gibson really does supply a lot of the humour.

The BBC doesn't exactly have a comedy armour right now, I'm not sure Not going out will run for much longer, inside no.9 is ending, it needs good shows, this one has potential to run for a little while.

As well as Hill and Gibson, you'll see plenty of well known faces, including George Costigan and Sheila Reid, it's very well cast.

Very watchable.

8/10.

The Power of Parker isn't going to win any awards for services to television. Having said that, it provides plenty of lighthearted and nostalgic humour (I say that despite not having been born when this was set). If you're a fan of the cast members, you'll be a fan of this.

I watched the series in two sittings, it made me chuckle throughout and I had a smile on my face for most of the episodes. No, it's not a groundbreaking comedy. No, it hasn't got laugh out loud and roll around on the floor in fits of giggles moments. But it IS funny, despite what other reviews may say. The storyline isn't actually that far fetched and there are loveable characters, as you can expect from the names in the cast list.

This is a how for those who are fans of (northern) British humour and TV. The show felt like a warm hug and a good cup of tea on a rainy afternoon. If recommend it and watch it again. Give it a go before you write it off.

Just watched the whole thing in one go. We were entertained throughout, it's not belly laugh after belly laugh but it is funny and engaging.

It looked pretty authentic, loved all the contemporary references especially Rumbelows (for the young ones, think Curry's or the Amazon electrical page)

The acting was great, no Oscars for sure, but it was great to see some actors we hadn't seen for a while rather than the same ol' same ol' faces you see on everything these days.

Overall it's worth a watch. It's not going to tax your brain cells, there were some laugh-out-loud moments and it'll make you chuckle, so give it a go.