Roger & Val Have Just Got In

Contrary to the review made by rduddridge I can honestly say that is one of the finest comedies ever to grace British television, and by 'finest' I also mean with regards to the delicately subtle attention to detail throughout. Human behaviour is difficult enough to nail down in one person, let alone in the dynamic and complex boundaries of a loving marriage, yet Roger & Val convinces us straight away that these two people have known each other for a very long time. Having watched both series (so far just the two) I would say that the first slightly betters the second mainly because of the slow reveal and revelation that became more apparent as the series went on, though, again, this was handled so cleverly and subtly that it genuinely creeped up on me. Aside from that both series maintained a consistently intriguing insight into this couple's lives. Dawn French has finally found the space to flex her real acting muscles, having been hidden beneath her masterful comedy work for so long, and Alfred Molina has been given this opportunity to explode, albeit quietly, into the world of TV comedy with his spot-on timing. A gem, and one of my new favourite comedies.

I love Dawn French. She was great in the Vicar of Dibley, Delicious, The Trouble With Maggie Cole, and several other roles she's played over her long, distinguished career. However, Roger & Val Have Just Got In was depressing and sad. I tried several times to watch episodes of this series and had to turn it off because the angst of the main characters was too upsetting. This is seriously the most depressing and sad series I've ever watched. I don't know what went wrong with the writers, but they fell far short of the word, "comedy." How such good actors could have agreed to act in such a seriously miserable series is beyond me.

For me, this is the best British 'sitcom' in years, unusually it's not aimed at 23 year olds refusing to grow up (like almost everything on BBC3) but at people with lives, loves, responsibilities, flaws, histories , dreams etc.

What really stands out is the love between the principal characters. Despite or because of life's challenges, their warmth towards each other is uplifting, and no mean acting feat either!

Alfred Molina is used to delivering in Hollywood these days, but this is the best character he's had for years, the most rounded and grounded. Dawn is as ever, real and sharp, funny and silly by turn. Let's hope there's a Season3.

now if you know anything about Molina, then you know he has a terrific acting range. if you don't know his work then i won't waste my time listing it--just do a search.

dawn French has an excellent comedic resume--in Brit comedy.

the point being--when you put a dramatic actor of such acclaimed status as Molina with a comedic pro in the likes of French, then you most probably have a recipe for disaster. but not this time.

Molina proves that not only does he have technique, but also timing. and this is proved by his impeccable comedic timing--the toughest of all to master.

and in being so proficient, and so lauded, he pulls French into a lofty zone i doubt any have seen her achieve before.

this is a mature comedy, and i hate to say it but, if you don't get it--then you are probably too young. it's the opposite of "if it's too loud, then you are too old." these two are able to manage long takes with seemingly little effort.

this quality is what the BBC is famed for. and though often tried, is seldom achieved. and i know what pulled Molina from the big screen into a risky, short term BBC project: and that was the writing. it is supremely subtle comedy.

these two have pulled each other into comic reality. and when it comes to couples--there is nothing funnier than everyday truth. and this team proves it. when i watch the tenderness they show each other, I'm glad to be aging.

Imagine a series about which the central premise is the death of a child. One that regularly makes you laugh out loud and sob like a baby. This series reaches the heights of comedy, drama, and tragedy like no other.

If you've seen The Vicar of Dibley and Spiderman II you know how utterly cheap Molina and French can be. Here you see two actors at the top of their field. Beyond good and...funny.

If they gave Oscars for foreign television shows this would have won one for each season. I challenge any human to see the finale of season two without crying in joy for a good few minutes. Go ahead, I dare you.