underthebridge-23360

I stumbled upon this during a binge of channel 5 dramas and found it an easy, although sometimes frustrating watch. Jo Joyner is a great leading lady and her biggest quality is her likeability, she's like very one's mum/sister/friend. Where this falls a little short is how gullible she is for a lawyer, maybe that was the wrong career choice for the character. A few quibbles aside it's an easy watch with just enough surprises to keep you watching but it sits somewhere in the middle in terms of Channel 5 drama output. Curious about where it was filmed, not the UK I don't think? Again just a quibble.

I came to this show for the Danny Dyer factor so let's get this out of the way first - he's basically playing himself. This would be disappointing except you soon realise the show is as much if not more about the other characters as him. I wasn't expecting the direction to go the way it did which is controversial to say the least. I personally think the other cast are the ones who truly shone. One of the parents turns out to be despicable and the actor involved does a particularly good job. It's not so much about the literal fire as all the emotional entanglements. Very bittersweet ending left open for a sequel perhaps.

I feel compelled to write this after the tragic passing of Matthew Perry and rewatching this fine series which sits as a full DVD collection on my shelf. I hadn't watched for a while and wondered if I would find it dated given all the commentary about the show being out of date and offensive at times. I don't find it any of these things. It's just as funny all these years later and I'm reminded of just how clever and well written the characters are. Bravo to all involved and thanks for the laughs especially on days when life felt just a tad difficult to get through. Sunshine on a rainy day indeed.