Daddy Issues

The worst thing about 'Daddy Issues' has to be the title. To my mind, it hints at a much crasser, less emotionally intelligent show than the wonderfully sweet and hysterically funny comedy that it is. And I don't even dislike the title that much, but I wanted to start this review with a bit of tension because the rest of it is going to be nothing but glowing praise. How boring.

David Morrissey and rising star Aimee Lou Wood are perfectly cast as estranged father and daughter Malcolm and Gemma. Just like her standout performance in Netflix's 'Sex Education', Wood delivers the comedy lines with perfection and handles the emotional drama just as well. She really is very, very good and brilliantly funny. But I knew that already; the surprise for me was David Morrissey. I had no idea he could turn in a performance like that!

When we first meet Malcolm, he's separated from Gemma's mum and living in a dilapidated bedsit. He is - with all due respect, Malc - a bit useless and pathetic, doing his shopping at the local garage and hanging out with other bachelors like the cringe-worthy 'king' Derek (played with relish by David Fynn). It's the most purely comic performance I've ever seen Morrissey give and it's stunning in its simplicity and humanity. We all know a bloke of a certain age like Malcolm, who wouldn't survive 5 minutes without his wife or his mum or - in Malcolm's case - his daughter. Morrissey captures the subtitles of the character beautifully and can play the big moments for laughs without ever becoming a caricature.

Gemma and Malcolm's relationship is the heart of the show - in more ways than one - and it's rare to see a comedy (and this is definitely a comedy more than a comedy-drama) handle big emotions so well, or even have the guts to take them on. It's all down to series creator Danielle Ward's fantastic writing and the brilliant performances by the two leads and wonderful ensemble cast.

At about 25 minutes per episode, this six-episode series is immensely bingeable. I've just watched the whole thing tonight! Every episode is laugh out loud funny and the finale will have you in tears. But happy ones.

This is a warm hug of a show, the sort of series that is quintessentially British with the humour coming from real situations. The humour isn't forced, making the best lines real laugh out loud moments.

David Morrisey is outstanding as the hapless Dad, and provides most of those laugh out loud moments. Aimee Lee Wood proves again, as she did in Sex Education, that she is a master of playing the relatable character that you just want to root for. Whereas is SE she played a somewhat ditzy character, here she plays a much smarter and self sufficient character but again pulls off the warm loveable persona. The chemistry between the two main character is faultless and as we come to expect from very British sitcoms there is a fine supporting cast of characters to bounce off, some serious and some for comic effect. It all just fits together nicely and once I had finished episode one I just wanted to carry on and watched the whole series in one go.

The final episode is very moving with a couple of twists that leave scope for a second series and I for one would welcome it.

I find it particularly intriguing how this show elicits such polarized opinions among its audience. It's a whimsically crafted series that masterfully weaves together elements of humor and absurdity, offering a fresh perspective on storytelling. The performance by Amy Lou Wood as the lead is nothing short of delightful; she brings a vibrant energy and charismatic charm that truly captivates the viewer. The show's charm lies in its ability to embrace lightheartedness, inviting viewers to indulge in its playful narrative without any reservations.

Personally, I found the experience both entertaining and thought-provoking. The clever writing and quirky character dynamics kept me engaged throughout. If you approach this series with a relaxed mindset and an openness to its unconventional style, rather than scrutinizing it through a serious lens, you'll discover a treasure trove of joy and laughter. It's certainly a gem worth watching for anyone seeking a delightful escape from the mundane.

Aimee Lou Wood is new to me, but so impressed. A very engaging, natural actor who the camera seems to love. A UK Jenna Ortega even? Fresh presence, who I could also see being deeply effective in a heavy tv drama.

Have enjoyed David Morrissey for decades and will be intriguing to see how his weak/wet father character develops.

Hoping this show maintains the fresh approach and sharp splashes of wit ("Argos vouchers" etc).

Could be a great year for BBC comedy, who have already blessed us with inspired female roles and writing, allowing them free reign. I'd also recommend Such Bad Girls. Well observed and arrived fully-formed. Inspired slapstick and clever throwaway lines, while not shying away from mental issues with a deft / realistic touch.

A solid first episode, with 2 unusually strong, individual leads. Hoping the show continues not taking the obvious routes and flushing out support roles.

This actually made me giggle, which is quite a rare thing these days. BBC has pumped out lots of garbage since 2020, but this was a good mix of sweet and funny. I did not expect to enjoy this in the slightest, but I was pleasantly surprised. The main characters are great actors - it was good to see some familiar faces in the casting, and the storyline was very simple but still interesting. It's also nice to see a father-daughter storyline. I really hope this gets another season. Will definitely be watching again.

Well played BBC. You definitely got this one right! I look forward to next season.