This low-key British comedy series is full of heart, with the kind of quality writing that finds its laughs within real human emotions and situations.
Created and written by Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan, they also star as Rob and Sharon, two souls who find each other over six nights of wild, passionate sex. He’s an American businessman in London and she’s a teacher of Irish decent. When Sharon discovers she’s pregnant, Rob returns from the USA and they decide to give a relationship and parenthood a go.
While the setup may seem familiar, Catastrophe turns the stereotyped situation on it’s head to develop a funny and romantic tale over six superb half-hour episodes. These two quirky singles actually like each other and their relationship blossoms as they face the trials and tribulations that come with a pregnancy later in life. Sharon is also diagnosed with cervical dysplasia, a pre-cancer condition that adds to the difficulties of her pregnancy.
The couple are joined by Mark Bonnar and the ever-sensational Ashley Jensen (Ugly Betty) as dubious friends Chris and Fran, and Carrie Fisher of Star Wars fame guest stars as Rob’s mother, Mia.
Unlike many other shows filled with quirky characters and intriguing situations, this is not a sitcom. The writing is intelligent and sophisticated, and the characters have depth. The comedy comes from the one-liners, odd situations and interpersonal relationships, but all are believable and relateable.
Ben Taylor directs all the episodes with a lot of heart and intimacy. He makes us care deeply about the characters and keeps us in tune with the mishaps that life throwns at them. Every episode makes us laugh, worry and sigh but he leaves us with a glowing warmth and a comfort in knowing this couple will survive, come what may.
More television needs to be like this.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Twitter: @StrtegicRetweet
Rating out of 10: 10
Catastrophe Season 1 is available now on DVD and Digital.
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