Mamíferos

James Corden will always be Smithy from Gavin and Stacey to me and I did like him in that role. Then he moved to the USA, got his own show and went all "Hollywood". When I saw that he was starring in this new series on Prime I was going to give it a miss until I saw Colin Morgan's name. I held my nose and pressed play so I could at least watch Colin. I have to say it was far better than I expected. JC was ok (a more serious Smithy) and Colin didn't disappoint (a very different and cute role for him). The first episode hooked me straight away due to the small twist at the end. The scenery, countryside and homes were beautiful. The Tom Jones cameo topped it off.

...from a totally illogical dislike of James Corden. I have no idea why. And it's been going on a long time. Long before he sort of proved me right becoming all ffar too americanny and then with the omelette incident. I've never seen Gavin and Stacey so I have no idea what he was like in that. I just saw clips of car pool karaoke and things like that which made me want to kick my TV screen in. However, he is excellent in this, as is everyone. Melia Kreiling was wonderful in Tyrant and she is equally good in this and sorry, but i have to say, she is truly beautiful to the point of taking ones breath away. I love the storyline, the Coco Chanel thread which is bonkers but works and whoever chose the music throughout has to be greatly commended. This show is really DIFFERENT and it works. I get the feeling it is what Gervais was aiming for with afterlife - the feeling, not the story - and this shows how badly he missed after series one. I put off watching this due to my Cordenophobia - I heartily reccomend you do not do the same as you will be missing a treat.

Assuming many won't watch it because of the lead actor but this is actually quite an enjoyable and entertaining series for a Sunday afternoon in front of the TV.

It's begins with a nice story about to unfold and then bang how it can flip, then slap you in the face before giving you that one final massive and fully deserved kick in the arse .!

What ever about his kak chat show .. James Corden gives a good go in this as the lead and the Tom Jones cameo very well placed in episode one.

Difficult to see how a second series would be warranted but if there is one I am sure I'll give it a watch....

This is well-trod subject material, but the show is quirky enough to make it seem original. The character development isn't spoon fed to the viewer. It gives us a view and asks us to dig deeper. The acting was terrific. I don't understand the criticism regarding James Corden. He gave an accurate portrayal of the spurned husband, and Colin Morgan is always an understated treat whose brilliant micro-expressions flawlessly develop interest and depth. Sally Hawkins' "Lue" was this bizarre, otherworldly character which was done to perfection, and Melia Kreiling was both charming and dastardly in turns as "Amandine". This is one of those stories which sticks with you for awhile and I actually watched the last episode twice just to take it in again.

Sorry, the Tom Jones cameo set me off (he sings Stoke's song and I'm a Vale fan).

Ignore the reviews, honestly it's just people who don't like Corden with a passion, which I don't really get tbh.

I'm not a fan of him nowadays either, I loved Gavin & Stacey and remember he's acted in a load of things back in the day, people seem to forget he was an actor and writer first, so I can't see how they can say his acting is bad.

But he's basically become a plastic yank and a caricature of an English bloke at the same time which is why I'm not a fan. I also think a lot of people don't like his political views (I don't know what they are) since a reviewer on here called him Corbyn...

Anyway back to the review; Genuinely this is pretty good, there is a few laughs and there's some proper drama and I think anyone who's in a relationship really should watch, no spoilers but honestly it will make you think and be warned it gets a bit dark and affected me in a visceral way due to past relationships.

It's filmed well, there's a good supporting cast and I prefer Corden as an actor than a telly host 100% and I think he did an above average performance in this. But there is always the essence of Smithy in there, I have to admit.

If the first episode doesn't grip you then don't bother, but I can almost guarantee it will.

Ignore the troll hate and make your own mind up, but at least give it a go.

7/10.