Loaded

I just watched Loaded and I enjoyed it tremendously.

Looking when Season 2 will be released I got quite a shock.

I wanted to write because I think it was great! Some critics said the characters were to mean and unlikeable, but I would like to disagree. They were human, and most humans are not very likeable. The decisions of the characters and their flaws were portraited very believable and that is what good writing should be. I am looking forward to see more great shows like Loaded even though it won't be season 2.

Adapted from an Israeli series - Loaded is the story of four friends who design a mobile game and become multi-millionaires. Released in the age of austerity it likely rankled with its wild depictions of spending excess but the real heart of the series is the relationship between the central four - it can be clunky but the chemistry between them is palpable and it's a series I've always been oddly fond of. It should also be said that even after three years the depiction of mobile gaming is very dated (NO MICRO TRANSACTIONS?!?) but the central themes of "selling out" and artistic vision are still quite relevant.

The real draw here for me is the rarely-seen Jonny Sweet as the hyper-nervy anxietylord Ewan. His comic timing is glorious and although he appears a fair amount on BBC radio you rarely get to see his magnificent visage. Additionally there's some great Brit comedy cameos. Underrated I'd say.

Four friends Josh, Leon, Watto and Ewan become loaded after selling their app game Cat Factory. They start spending their money in wild and crazy ways. Josh is their mild mannered leader obsessed with his ex. Leon is the aggressive one. Ewan is the often ignored co-founder. Watto is the mercurial one. Their new American boss Casey (Mary McCormack) arrives demanding changes.

This is essentially the British Silicon Valley. The difference is really the characters. I don't find these guys particularly loveable. At times, I find them infuriating especially Josh and Leon. At other times, I do find them cluelessly hilarious. The arrival of Casey does help to soften their edges. She's a good foil for them to gain some likeability. I grow to like them somewhat but the show is cancelled quickly after only one season.

First episodes are usually bad. This pilot shows promise but by no means is the best. So my review is comparing it to other comedy pilots.

This is for fans of comedy like Uncle, Witless and Phoneshop.

I noticed one other review from someone clearly not a comedy fan nor a nerd. This is for those that get British sarcasm. The lady reviewing clearly doesn't get awkward comedy, sarcasm, word play and dark comedy. It should be noted she also classes the latest Bridget Jones' movie as good and thinks tropes and clichés of girl power make for good stories. That should tell you something about their ability to review.

This is a loving laugh at the games industry and how a country famed for games devs is now reduced to mobile phone games. Also deals with the litigious nature of IPs.

great acting with a natural script.

I absolutely loved Loaded. The first episode was really good and the series got better as it went along. There were, of course, some silly British moments in it, which were great and had me laughing out loud on the train. I really didn't want this programme to finish and only hope the writers are completing another series right now.

Does anyone know if there will be a second series ? Loved it !!