The Power of Parker

As a big fan of Sian Gibson and Conleth Hill I had high hopes for this new comedy. And in parts it hits the spot, especially in the first couple of episodes.

But I got the feeling as it progressed that the writers were caught between creating a straight comedy and a light, romantic drama. It's rarely laugh-out-loud yet equally doesn't carry sufficient weight in the drama stakes.

Gibson brings her usual charm to the role, with Sheila Reid in good form too, but I felt overall the plot overstretched and at times plodding to fill six episodes. A three-part series would, I think, have given ample time to tell the story and better pacing.

Good to see something set up North. This had a fun start with the cheesy 90's TV advert and a cast of well-known actors who have comedy chops. Production values were cheap and cheerful but it was well enough made.

This is a watchable show with a few gentle laughs and some nice 90's nostalgia for those old enough to remember, but I was left a bit disappointed.

For me the lead character needed to be a lot bigger, Parker was a bit underwhelming as a lead and I'm not that bothered on going on a journey with him. The show would have benefitted from a more dramatic storyline and a funnier script it's all a bit soapy.

The soundtrack of pop songs from the era seemed to be randomly inserted every 5 or 6 minutes?

Better than many recent UK comedies but one you could safely skip.

Martin Parker is a self made man, but he's run into financial difficulties, he's forced to take drastic action. His family life is also complicated, he has a social climbing wife, and a demanding mistress.

When I saw a sitcom starring Conleth Hill and Sian Gibson, I was all over it, I wanted to love it, and for the most part I did.

The best thing, the nostalgia, if you're my age, and grew up in this era, you'll spot so much, the accuracy was amazing. It's the late 80's, early 90's brought to life, the music is awesome.

It's funny, there are definitely a good few laughs, it's not belly laugh humour, but it's amusing, Sian Gibson really does supply a lot of the humour.

The BBC doesn't exactly have a comedy armour right now, I'm not sure Not going out will run for much longer, inside no.9 is ending, it needs good shows, this one has potential to run for a little while.

As well as Hill and Gibson, you'll see plenty of well known faces, including George Costigan and Sheila Reid, it's very well cast.

Very watchable.

8/10.

The Power of Parker isn't going to win any awards for services to television. Having said that, it provides plenty of lighthearted and nostalgic humour (I say that despite not having been born when this was set). If you're a fan of the cast members, you'll be a fan of this.

I watched the series in two sittings, it made me chuckle throughout and I had a smile on my face for most of the episodes. No, it's not a groundbreaking comedy. No, it hasn't got laugh out loud and roll around on the floor in fits of giggles moments. But it IS funny, despite what other reviews may say. The storyline isn't actually that far fetched and there are loveable characters, as you can expect from the names in the cast list.

This is a how for those who are fans of (northern) British humour and TV. The show felt like a warm hug and a good cup of tea on a rainy afternoon. If recommend it and watch it again. Give it a go before you write it off.

I really enjoyed 'The Power of Parker'. I was expecting a well-written but fairly run of the mill comedy - not so! There's a lot more going on than first appears. As the series progresses, it subtly morphs into a comedy drama, with the plot almost threatening to outdo the comedy. Fortunately 'The Power of Parker' is packed full of funny characters, witty observations and social satire, some cracking dialogue, and a scene stealing performance by Steve Pemberton.

We learn more about Kath (Sian Gibson) and Diane (Rosie Cavaliero) and their respective relationships with the eponymous Martin Parker (Conleth Hill), and Martin's other - potentially deadly - indiscretions are revealed. The backdrop of 1990 is a treat for those of us who remember when wallpaper and rugs really were that beige, and it affords some well-observed satire about gender roles (many of which have sadly not gone out of fashion with the furnishings).

Wonderful writing, well-crafted characters and a gripping narrative. And very, very funny! Recommended!