Ideal

I have recently started watching series two. It took a little while to get into - there is a very loose plot line and the characters are not very deep - but hey it's a sitcom not a historical epic!!

After watching around four episodes, I have to admit I am hooked. This vehicle is perfect for Johnny Vegas - not like the awful "Sex Lives of the Potato Men". The scripts are witty with the odd comic twist and some of the one liners delivered by Vegas are cutting. I have just bought the first series on DVD and must admit it doesn't get into its stride very quickly, but by series two it is up and running and a must have on a Tuesday night - my wife hates it, so it definitely appeals to people who are slightly off the wall.

This show is extremely unique, because it's a drama/soap opera. I would never really label it as a comedy. Watch it though, the plot is incredibly intriguing, but just isn't as funny as anything else on telly.

Superb comedy focusing on the goings on in the life of bong bashing cannabis dealer, Moz and his girlfriend Niki. It focuses on the day to day interaction they have with various people from all walks of life who visit their flat to score weed. All 4 series's promise equally standard by way of strong character dialogue and are accompanied by a superbly chosen, very fitting and often eerie choice of music.

Each new cleverly written episode and series alike see's the relationships between characters strengthen and realistically move forward in relation to their experiences and how it has affected them. It introduces a few new characters and looses a few along the way but its always accurately timed when character intro's and exit's occur.

It certainly throws in a few shock moments when you will find yourself saying 'I really didn't expect that to happen' and although consistently chilled in its overall delivery style, you quickly learn not to allow yourself to be lulled into a false sense of security as you never know what might just happen next and it may very well unexpectedly stun or shock you.

Ideal is a gritty, down to earth, brilliantly thought out, well researched and totally unique concept for a comedy series. With its quick wit and originality, the viewer may find they experience many emotions as each episode twists and turns offering no assurance of a traditional or predictable conclusion. Each series of ideal is equally as strong as the last and you'll find that they flow beautifully on from one another.

There will be characters you recognise in people you know, some that you will probably identify with and the ones that you perhaps don't, you'll definitely want to get to know more about...and you do!!

I'm confident that you wont find any other modern day comedy offering such utter brilliance! Ideal is pure comedy GENIUS!

I have to admit that I first watched this as there was very little else on - it was late and everything else was a repeat. I also have to admit that 5 minutes into the first episode I thought I probably would not watch it again. Fortunately, I did. The story-line/plot is a bit patchy and the same themes do recur again and again, but generally speaking it is a very witty and actually insightful comedy. I actually live near to where this show is 'set' and can vouch that in many respects this show is very true to life! No doubt, it is not to everybody's tastes and some of the acting is far beyond over the top, but that simply adds to the charm. 3 out of 4 stars

The show truly reflects the life of a weed dealer. People who won't leave, people who shut up, people who never have any money. No cash no hash! Not to mention he never leaves his apartment for the most part. There is hyperbole and drama to the extreme, but the world and characters graham duff created are original and hilarious. And clearly the premise is grounded in personal experiences.