Pulling

I finally got to see the first two episodes, having seen the buzz in the press and heard about it for ages. It did not disappoint.

There were times in each episode when I roared with laughter. The break-up scene in episode one is so funny, and when Donna (played brilliantly by Sharon Horgan) is trying to bluff her way through a meeting in her new job in episode two I felt like my sides were literally splitting.

So dark at times it's harrowing, yet flat out outrageous and subtly nuanced at times too. This series is definitely cult classic material. I know I'll watch the DVD over and over.

The true measure of a great comedy is it's ability to stay in your mind long after the it has finished. Pulling has done just that. The wonderful characterizations of the 3 main female roles were beautifully written and acted and the comedy situations were nicely original. The acting in Pulling is never over-played and the scenes retain a hint of realism which pulls the viewer closer to the show and makes the cringing quality of the comedy much funnier. Along with Lead Balloon and Man Stroke Woman, BBC Three's current comedy output has been exceptional considering some of the other offerings (Titty Titty Bang Bang). I'd give pulling 10/10 and hopefully there'll be a second series well on the way.

Splendidly black and acerbic, 'Pulling' is like a middle-class 'Shameless', which means that equally bad behaviour is accompanied by lashings of shame and self-loathing. After a slow-ish first episode, the series really gets going, full of outrageously brilliant lines and painful situations. The acting is good, and the characters superbly created - they're close to cliché, but one key step removed - you always believe they're really living this life. And that it's a life not so dissimilar from that lived by many real people is what gives the comedy its savage edge; it's certainly the funniest thing I've seen this year.

Thirty something Donna (Sharon Horgan) has a "moment of clarity" before her wedding and suddenly realises that the Karl (her husband to be) is a bit of a dullard and she doesn't want to go through with it. Instead she decides to move in with her equally dysfunctional mates Karen (Rebekah Staton) and Louise (Tanya Franks).

What could seem -- on paper -- like a micro budget version of Sex And The City is actually a modern f-word morality play based on women that act like men and -- as a result -- have the very same problems. Drinking, casual sex and communal living have their consequences and problems, but this is played for farce and farce is generally the comedy of embarrassment.

The trio are the slut, the virgin (ok, she hasn't had sex for two years) and the confused. Modern archetypes who play modern life like a pinball machine - always trying to bounce off the cushion for the bonus, but more often going straight down the middle.

Is it funny? Yes, actually. Some really good lines in every show, although the rules of comedy are always on show: Nobody gets away with anything and the next day's breakfast table is full of regret and "never again" (as if we believe it!)

Cheap? Yes! Cheerful? Yes! Funny? See above! So there you have it. If you are up for a slightly bonkers comedy with characters from hell then it well worth a look. It may be a lads comedy in dresses, but go to big UK town on a Saturday night and you'll see plenty of this for real.

For the benefit of non UK parties, Pulling is going out and finding someone to go home with - usually aided by a few cheap drinks and a few cheap chat up lines.

I watched it during the christmas break this year and enjoyed it. Good acting, good script!