The previous season of this show was a little bit episodic and didn't quite have the flow of other times; still funny but not quite as good as I was used to. The sixth season gets this back onto track to a certain extent as we have a better structure to the plot and new characters to add some energy into the season. So we continue to have the plot around the baby, but unlike the previous season we do not spend too much time with Sophie but rather use her as a plot device to play out the main characters. While this goes on we have Jez falling in love with a beautiful Eastern European woman who lives downstairs selling weed. At the same time Mark finds his new status as manager to be short-lived as JLB shuts its doors and puts him among the masses.
Some shows introduce characters to try and freshen things up (as The Simpsons spoof with Poochy) but in the case of Peep Show it is done well because they seem to understand that the new characters are not to give the viewer another focus but rather to create ongoing situations for our main characters; so, while Elena is a character, her main value is what she does to Jez. The various plots here really give the two main characters a new spark and energy and they deliver on this very well with plenty of laughs whether they be sight gags, situational or just the usual great dialogue as inner monologue. As a season it is tidy because it is able to start well and move to a point which makes sense within all the the threads but, as I say, the main thing is that it works well as a frame for Jez and Mark.
As usual Mitchell and Webb are great. Mitchell consistently nails his awkward insecurities and desire to save face and avoid embarrassment at all costs – even if it is not the right thing to do. Webb has a strong season as his plot line opens up his character a little bit and gives him good material (generally I always thought Mitchell gets the better material by far). The supporting cast are well used and I really loved Patterson's manic drive being taken to a small place. Filatova does well as we see why Jez is so taken by her but at the same time we can see she is quite the attention whore, both of which the character needs to be. Filatova also makes for a nice bit of trivia as Jez's love interest since in real life she is married to a Count and previous love interest Winkleman (Big Suze) is married to a Lord. Colman continues to be good although she works best as a device for Mitchell to play off. Fitzmaurice is a bit annoying as Jeff, although this is the point I guess. Suttie, King, Bruni and others also give good support.
Season 6 is a very good season. It is consistently funny and the plotting and new characters add energy and new angles for the main characters to play off effectively.
