Only Child

Just finished binge watching the first series and having read poor reviews felt compelled to add my own. Thought it was understated, utterly charming and funny. The two main characters had good rapport, mainly due to the actors' portrayal and you could certainly identify with them. The humour was risky in parts which really made me laugh, but this was cleverly combined with an unassuming sensitivity. Despite their conflict and exasperation with one another, a genuine affection eventually broke through. It was extremely well written, a little reminiscent of After Life and I certainly hope that there will be a second series.

I really wanted to like this with two actors having such good pedigree. Gregor Fisher and Greg McHugh (Rab C Nesbitt and Gary Tank Commander) but their past triumphs probably gave me high expectations that this would be funny.

Whenever I see a description now that says gentle or warm hearted comedy I expect to be disappointed and this lives up (or down) to my expectations.

I've watched two episodes and that's enough. If those have not raised a smile I don't think any masochistic additional viewing will help.

Pity.

It's alright going for pathos but don't call it a comedy if it doesn't raise a laugh.

Richard pays a visit on his dad Ken, twelve months after his mother Jean died. Keen to pay a flying visit, Richard discovers his dad needing a little bit of care and support.

Are some of the reviews based solely on the first episode, that's what it looks like, a first episode that sets the scene, introduces the character and situation, but fails to provide the laughs, from episode two onwards, it finds its feet.

Gregor Fisher and Greg McHugh are great as the father and son combination, they bounce off one another well, I just loved the odd job man in episode two, he was hilarious.

Give it a chance, it may not always be side splitting, but it has its moments, and at times it can be rather moving.

Is it me or has Gregor Fisher transformed into Frank Carson, if ever a role comes up to play the famous comedian, Fisher gets the job.

The best new BBC comedy for a long time.

8/10.

I loved this. The acting was great. Also if you have gone through any of the trials and tribulations of a parent/child or indeed child/parent relationship in the let's say twilight days you will fully appreciate the subtle humour.

In my opinion don't expect side splitting humour. Do expect a gentle warm feeling, and if you do so you will have a wonderful show. Remember the tv doesn't have to 'shout' at us, it sometimes can be a nice warming feeling.

The relationships in this story show a kind of sad bent of lost love, promised love and the danger of losing it again to pursue something that may give us a sense of achievement but at what cost?

This will hit home hardest with those who have/are experiencing the central theme that this show revolves around.

Hopefully it will get a 2nd series so that the storylines laid out can be explored.

The acting is very good. There is a lot of scope for the world created in these 6 episodes.

Cons: Some of the comedy one-liners are predictable. The writing could be sharpened.

There's not much more to say. I'm just filling up the character count now. I have to go for a sigmoidoscopy tomorrow morning. I've spent most of this evening on the lav after gulping down a jug of laxative. I'm not having sedition for the procedure tomorrow as I have to drive. Pfft. I dunno. I'm not looking at the screen. I have no interest in what's up there; because I know what comes out.