the_curious_tongue

Basically, without spoiling anything, if you've seen anything by Dan Clark (like How Not To Live Your Life or the shorts he did for Comedy Central/Paramount channel) then you'll know what to expect. It isn't "surreal", if you want that then go watch Mighty Boosh, but is very clever. It's the choice of words. It has one-liners that you'll find yourself quoting again and again, ala "HNTLYL".

The show itself and it's content is fairly obvious. It's about Estate Agents (the English term for people whom sell property). You probably can work out the set up - as estate agents, in any country, are competitive. It is an adult comedy (with naughty words) and can be a bit low-brow. Having said that, it isn't a gutter comedy such as Two Pints, Coming of Age or the terrible show known as Grown Ups. Nor is it a canned laughter laden show with no progression or development, like My Family or Not Going Out. This is why I use How Not TO Live Your Life as a guide - it's the only comedy of it's type. So my advice is watch it. Laugh. Love. Then go see Dan Clark (the writer and creator and star) in person in his tour (spring 2011 - UK)

In short it is him still working out his comedy style and a stepping stone to the amazing and genius "How Not To Live Your Life". If you don't like that show, you probably wont like this.

OK so let's start with the obvious. What is Vexed? Vexed is a new BBC2 hour-long comedy focusing around two newly partnered DCIs (Detectives for USA,) Kate (Lucy Punch) and Jack (Toby Stephens.)

The outline is simple. They go solving crimes in their own way. With Jack being an arrogant, self centred, shallow man and Kate being a neurotic, violent and yet endearingly cute at times.

I like the fact that they are new partners, it gives license to explore what first impressions they give each other, and also is a very clever way of introducing the characters as they can ask questions about each other without it being strange, helping the viewer.

The comedy in the show is very British. Irony, sarcasm and quick-wit. Sometimes immature. The acting is first class. I rarely say that but this time it's spot on. Punch's and Stephens' on screen chemistry, or rather purposefully the lack of it, is near genius.

The stories are original and well thought out.

The only problem is that this show needs, and I mean needs, to be given time. 3 episodes should get you. Unfortunately this will probably be cancelled because it's not some two pints/coming of age rip off. Or rather because it hasn't got the now annoying Russell Howard.

If you love sarcasm and irony. Love misogynistic jokes being torn apart by a woman, enjoy good acting, well written stories and some genuine laugh out loud moments then you'll love this.

If you love arse and tit jokes along with ott accents and slang - then go watch repeats of two pints on Dave or Gold.

This is an episode written by Kathy Reichs. Fans will know who she is, as she not only is the inspiration but the female scientist in Tempy's books also bares the same name, as homage. I don't read her books, as I already am working through many books and will start with her after all the Gemmell and Peter Morwind novels have been read. I have however read much about her, and she is basically a bloody genius! She is a certified forensic anthropologist. Dr. Reichs is one of only eighty-two forensic anthropologists ever certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology. I mean com'on! If she doesn't know a crime scene and the workings of the lab who does?!?

I am not gonna put any spoilers. This is just information.

The script is good, with good banter which is indicative of Bones.

The plot is very good, with some truly funny moments. Though it may not be the best ever episode is is interesting to see Dr Reichs' spin on the show. Which was a little different to normal.

My only problem is that like many other episodes, this is a stand-alone ep. Though there are moments that will have ripples into the next episode, there isn't a great enemy like other seasons. Maybe they need to do another Gorgonzola type (I don't mean another one, but just a bad guy who is more than a 1 part episode, which ends up being a crime of passion or greed. Maybe something pure evil, for the joy of killing, like past ones.... also the Gorgonzola is on purpose)

All in all though worth the watch, and though the rating seems low, IMDb members can be harsh at times.