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.

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.

There are so many forms of comedy that you can never call one real and discount the rest. I liked the style of this programme and its not completely obvious humour. I think there are a lot of people who would not enjoy this programme as perhaps they could, but those who did enjoy it are definitely sorry it didn't continue. This is probably more of a programme for girls. If only the fans had stood up and said something rather than just those who wanted to get rid of it. So I do recommend this to others and would say don't just look at the comedy aspect of the programme, look also at the story lines. I hope others enjoy it as much as I did.

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.

Alice and Gil independently wander through life wondering if there is anyone else on the planet who 'get' them...

This is a beautifully observed, hilariously acted set of 6 hour-long episodes, posing the question 'is there really a perfect partner for each of us, and if so, how do we meet them?'. Renwick creates one cringingly funny situation after another, and he is ably served by Tamsin Greig and Michael Landes as Alice and Gil. Greig is particularly wonderful, underplaying brilliantly in the face of one embarrassment after another. Smith and Lombard are also fantastic as Alice's colleagues, and Styler is a revelation as Gil's frustrated neighbour Irene. Occasionally 60 minutes feels a little long, but on the whole an unmissable show. Role on Season 2?