Amandaland

I was wondering if this would be as good as Motherland and it absolutely was. I binge watched all 6 episodes in a day and loved it. All characters were great and it was fab having Amanda being Amanda.

There's a lot more of Joanna Lumley which is good to see. Both Amanda and Felicity really grow on you in this spin off. I really hope there is another series to come and it would be nice to see some of the other Motherland characters turn up in the future. Ann is her usually funny self and Della, Fi and Mail are a great addition.

I can't believe it's had negative reviews I loved it and would definitely recommend.

This started off quite slow then found it's rhythm ... it's probably better to try and not compare this to the truly Amazing Motherland ... I did actually LOL and Sniggered quite a lot ... Johannes was an odd character ... I kept waiting for him to come out as some type of Scammer ... The Anne Character held firm and was a Strong part of the Episodes ... I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed Amandaland This started off quite slow then found it's rhythm ... it's probably better to try and not compare this to the truly Amazing Motherland ... I did actually LOL and Sniggered quite a lot ... Johannes was an odd character ... I kept waiting for him to come out as some type of Scammer ... The Anne Character held firm and was a Strong part of the Episodes ... I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed Amandaland.

Most of the poor reviews are from people who barely watched the first episode. Seems they were determined not to like it from the start. It's utterly brilliant. Amanda isn't likeable, that's the point, but she shows a few sparse moments of vulnerability, of needing to be loved, of shedding the aspirational veneer. People are missing the point! Lucy Punch is brilliant, as is Philippa Dunne. I split my sides as Anne recognises Amanda outside the school. Her reaction? Priceless and so funny. The new cast had a lot to live up to but they do so splendidly. Mal is a perfect foil to Amanda; I'm sure we will see more of the two of them if there is another series. Yes, I miss Kevin, who wouldn't, but these bite-sized, half hour episodes are perfect for a post-work pick me up. Whoever can't find this series hilarious or at least funny needs a personality reset. Don't believe their humbug and watch it all - right to the end! LOVED IT!

In short:

It's hard to root for Amanda, She needed a redeeming moment straight away so we could champion her, so unfortunately she's still the horrible person we saw in motherland.

Motherland is better, but I wouldn't be against watching a 2nd series.

I wrote quite a detailed, slightly negative review of this originally that took a lot of time and effort and for some reason it was deleted, hmmmm..

So that's why I gave the quick review up top.

And for the synopsis:

Recently divorced Amanda must navigate parenting teenagers in new surroundings after downsizing and moving to South Harlesden in London...

Too many people are expecting it to feel the same which in many ways, it does. It's got the same humour and little glimpses of Amanda's old life crack through.

I think it definitely needs to be long term as it was really funny.

However, the kids need some good acting classes because some of it was abysmal at times..

Episode One is really the only one I would miss on a re watch as the actors begin to find their feet. It's got a good story but it isn't as funny as the rest of the series.

Lucy Punch is brilliant in the role and it's nice to see her back on our screens. We just need a few cameos in the future from Liz and Julia. And maybe Kevin but he's a bit annoying...