I'm a big fan of Linehan and I have enjoyed all of his work thus far. That said, I have not been a big fan of the radio series, and was slightly apprehensive when I heard of Linehan doing a series based on it.
The radio show itself has garnered polarized responses from audiences, so you very well know that it's not going to get any better with the TV series.
What works: 1. Delaney's very good with his mannerisms and I thought the character translated quite well into TV. 2. The gags which are classic Linehan moments (Jack the Ripper tour gag, Arthur as Dr. Two etc.) are excellent. Those alone salvage the show from being a poor one.
What doesn't work: 1. Rory Kinnear as Michael - such a needless and irritating character. I really like Kinnear, but not in this role. A total miscast, if the character was necessary at all. 2. The pathos - they're all downright terrible. The one involving Eggy especially was unbelievably bad. 3. Over explanation of some gags - especially by Michael, is such a fun killer.
Overall: Not great, and not Linehan's best, but still very Watchable and has a few flashes of brilliance. But seeing how the series has ended, and given that it has been recommissioned, I hope he rectifies these flaws and does a much, much better job with the second series.
The radio show itself has garnered polarized responses from audiences, so you very well know that it's not going to get any better with the TV series.
What works: 1. Delaney's very good with his mannerisms and I thought the character translated quite well into TV. 2. The gags which are classic Linehan moments (Jack the Ripper tour gag, Arthur as Dr. Two etc.) are excellent. Those alone salvage the show from being a poor one.
What doesn't work: 1. Rory Kinnear as Michael - such a needless and irritating character. I really like Kinnear, but not in this role. A total miscast, if the character was necessary at all. 2. The pathos - they're all downright terrible. The one involving Eggy especially was unbelievably bad. 3. Over explanation of some gags - especially by Michael, is such a fun killer.
Overall: Not great, and not Linehan's best, but still very Watchable and has a few flashes of brilliance. But seeing how the series has ended, and given that it has been recommissioned, I hope he rectifies these flaws and does a much, much better job with the second series.