Fans of 'The Office', 'People Just Do Nothing' and 'Summer Heights High' will recognise the mockumentary format and enjoy the unapologetic realism of Charlie and Daisy May Cooper's 'This Country'.
We follow the lives of Kerry and Kurtan Mucklowe, two cousins living in a rural Cotswolds village. Much of the show's humour centres on the love/hate relationship between the cousins (played by real-life siblings and show creators, Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper), who typically squabble over the most seemingly insignificant things; anything from the spelling of 'Justice' to who gets what space in the oven. Despite their differences, the two are fiercely loyal to one another, and this is exemplified by the way they often band together against the trappings of their pastoral locale.
Across the episodes, we are introduced to a host of colourful characters; from a terrifying neighbour with a licence to ink, Mandy, to the unfailingly patient locale vicar, Reverend Seaton, who does his best to keep the wayward cousins on the straight and narrow. It's a real microcosm of rural life that attempts to add more depth to the cultural stereotypes put forward by the likes of 'The Vicar of Dibley'.
For though there are laughs aplenty throughout the show, there are also subtle and often heartbreaking moments that resonate long after the laughter stops. Kerry's unrequited affection for her father, for instance, or Kurtan's foiled romantic endeavours. These are characters we grow to love and feel sorry for, which, in a six-episode run is something of a feat for a mainstream writing debut.
Quite what the future holds for this series is anyone's guess. I think there are more stories to tell and more characters to meet. One thing is for certain, however: Daisy May and Charlie Cooper have embroidered themselves into the rich tapestry of British comedy, and have proved to be formidable writers and actors with lots more to offer.
Watch the show by any means necessary.
