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 writing is satisfyingly excellent. Dark humour, much as with peep show, causes that pleasingly awful cringe. Where this differs is that the tension arches its back from the first episode to the last, like a malevolent cat performing a tickle stretch.

The level of observational comedy in this is so consistent, I begin to wonder if the writers discovered an unwritten diary of mine labelled "things I half-noticed, but neither properly analysed, nor was diligent enough to write down."

As for the compelling darkness, "Back" opens out intrigues to outdo much "serious" TV drama. These are the shadows of comedy - a perspective on real lives that can handle being pushed into caricature.

One of the best things I've seen on TV.

When the Peep shows long run finally came to an end. It also meant the best sitcom of the last decade ended too. So it's great to the shows two stars Robert Webb and David Mitchell back together in this new comedy. People will argue there characters are the same as in the Peep Show. David something of a failure hopeless with women. Robert equally abject but always able to blag his way through life and with ladies. For me I don't care it's great to see them together in this very funny show. If like me you've been missing the Peep Show then Back will at least fill the void. 9/10

It definitely takes a couple of episodes to bed in, and for you to get the feel of it, but once you do, you will be well and truly hooked.

If you're expecting something similar to Peep show, forget it, this is an altogether different, and individual piece of work.

The one question you'll want the answer to, what exactly is David's game? What's he up to, and what is he after?

The humour is dark, it's bleak, but it is so deliciously satisfying throughout.

I love the characters, they're all great, Geoff is outrageous. I can't think of I've see Penny Downie in a comedy role before, but boy is she good.

I am so glad there's a second series.

I thoroughly enjoyed it, 9/10.

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.