Director: John Henderson
Cast: Steve Coogan (Tommy Saxondale), Ruth Jones (Magz), Rasmus Hardiker (Raymond), Alistair (James Bachman), Morwenna Banks (Vicky) & George Anton (Toby)
Tommy upsets Magz during an art show, leading to their separation...The second series comes to a close, with a belated emphasis on Tommy's relationship with Magz (Ruth Jones), an element of the show that is cruelly ignored usually. It's a shame, because Ruth Jones acquits herself well here, despite the writers' refusal to give Magz anything funny to say or do. She's all reaction; the straight woman to Coogan's clown.
Episode 6 starts with the best anger-management class scene in ages, as Tommy reads out a make-believe discussion between himself and his own anger. It's one of those silly rehabilitation exercises, but Tommy's script is excellent -- poking fun at "wet fart" Alistair (James Bachman) and getting angry with his own anger! These opening classroom scenes are often vaccuous, particularly because I've never believed Tommy needs to be there, but this scene is a real treat.
The seismic shift in Tommy and Magz's relationship happens when Tommy is his cynical self at an art show called "Hidden Genders", where the concept of painting nativity scenes with a black baby Jesus is considered pioneering, controverial work. Magz isn't happy with Tommy's attitude to her arty-farty friends, so decides on a trial seperation. It's not a particularly plausible action, as surely Magz is used to Tommy's grouchy ways by now, but it sets the ball rolling...
The rest of the episode concerns Tommy's attempt to woo Magz back home, whilst trying to act unconcerned and even flippant about their break-up. It certainly tests Tommy's patience once Magz starts seeing a "fat yoga instructor" at the Chi Cafe, who puts her into provocative poses.
Episode 6 is more focused than usual, and uses its entire 30-minutes to tell one story, without any padding, but that does mean the weekly Jonathan highlight is rushed. Darren Boyd has been a joy as the irritatingly unhip neighbour, but there's no massive pay-off to his gradually more maddening behaviour in this finale. I was quite looking forward to Tommy blowing his lid at the beanpole annoyance, but it wasn't to be. He just gets ignored.
However, it was nice to see Tommy and Alistair sharing scenes away from the meeting circle, and it was particularly illuminating that Alistair actually makes a breakthrough with his client on a one-to-one basis.
Scenes with "surrogate son" Raymond (Rasmus Hardiker) are also good fun, particularly when loyal Raymond is tasked with pretending Tommy has a terminal illness -- because doctors have found "a shadow". It's a shame Raymond is often used as a human-Gromit to Tommy's Wallace, as you sense there are more avenues to be explored with him. I mean, what do Raymond's parents think of his life with Tommy and Magz? Where are Raymond's friends? Is he resigned to being a pest control assistant all his life?
But Saxondale has always been more interested in its eponymous character, so it's fortunate Coogan never disappoints in the role. In series 2, Tommy has been fully-developed and is much more amusing than last year. Tommy will always be in Alan Partridge's shadow, particularly because his brand of laid-back humour isn't as broadly appealing... but he's a more believable comic creation than Alan. Tommy's a carefully-constructed personality, whereas Alan is a monstrous pastiche.
Overall, Episode 6 is a good instalment, notable for its welcome diversion from most episode's direction and emphasis on Magz and Tommy. Series 2 retained the general Saxondale vibe, but was more entertaining and a lot funnier. It's still not laugh-a-minute material, but it's a welcome mix of sharp dialogue, amusing undercurrents, and acute characterisation.
27 September 2007
BBC2, 9.30 pm
