OK, Let's get the obvious out of the way... this isn't a 'reboot' or any sort of update of the original. It's an attempt at reframing the original's narrative in a more gritty and realistic drama. Sounds like an idea with a load of potential, right?
Sadly, this is a paint by numbers daytime drama/ soap that is completely 'meh' by any measure. The acting is OK, the story's too obvious (even within the context of larger narrative set by the original), it over shoots it's cynicism and the lead is unlikable. Throwing in partially taboo words and drugs every 10 minutes or so also does not make a programme edgy or clever. The whole programme fails at realising its potential and misses it's over obvious attempt at some sort of social commentary.
Obviously the original was a comedy and starred one of the most charismatic actors of the 90's/ 00's so this was never going to be the same but it just lands flat. A drama doesn't need to contain comedy or slapstick moments to have charm and character but it should still have some sort of charm or heart.
Gave this a shot. It's just not for me.
Sadly, this is a paint by numbers daytime drama/ soap that is completely 'meh' by any measure. The acting is OK, the story's too obvious (even within the context of larger narrative set by the original), it over shoots it's cynicism and the lead is unlikable. Throwing in partially taboo words and drugs every 10 minutes or so also does not make a programme edgy or clever. The whole programme fails at realising its potential and misses it's over obvious attempt at some sort of social commentary.
Obviously the original was a comedy and starred one of the most charismatic actors of the 90's/ 00's so this was never going to be the same but it just lands flat. A drama doesn't need to contain comedy or slapstick moments to have charm and character but it should still have some sort of charm or heart.
Gave this a shot. It's just not for me.