Agência

There's lots of people criticising this series because it's "not as good as the French" version. I haven't seen the French version and thought Ten Percent is very funny in parts. It takes a few episodes to get into it, but really enjoyed the cast and special appearances, especially Dominic West as a frightened actor.

I haven't seen the French original so can't compare the two. But this is a very poor effort. The dialogue is ripped straight from W1A and Twenty Twelve. Yeah, no, totally, no, yeah. There are few jokes, the series instead relies on the odd bit of farce and inconvenience to keep you amused. It's all well-made, but mildly amusing at its best. A waste of talent.

Anyone who hasn't watched the French original, I sincerely advise you do that. This is merely a pale imitation. It's hard to put a finger on all the reasons why, but suffice to say that everything that's vital has been lost in translation.

The funny thing is, it's disconcertingly faithful to the original. The characters are each precise replicas of the French ones - even down to facial features - as are the settings, and the plot lines are often similar. But somehow the wit and flair of the original writing has all been sucked out. What you're left with is a rather empty shell.

Inevitably there are comparisons with the original French series, which I loved. However, this holds up very well and I became quickly hooked.

It is beautifully cast - Lydia Leonard, Maggie Steed and Tim McInnerney are always worth watching in Anything. Most of the rest are very good - though Mr Davenport does seem rather weary of it all.

I really hope a 2nd series is produced. If it is, then Please build Miss Steeds character, and Mr McInnerney's. He reminded me of Richard Harris - and even sounded like him, several times.

Good stuff!

Really enjoyed this. It's got virtually nothing in common with the French version & that doesn't matter. More of a dark comedy drama than Call my Agent.