SAXONDALE 2.6 - "Episode 6"

Writers: Steve Coogan & Neil Maclennan
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

SAXONDALE 2.5 - "Episode 5"

Writers: Neil Maclennan & Steve Coogan
Director: John Henderson

Cast: Steve Coogan (Tommy Saxondale/Keanu), Ruth Jones (Magz), Rasmus Hardiker (Raymond), Morwenna Banks (Vicky), Christopher Ryan (Ticket Inspector), Rosie Cavaliero (Penny), James Bachman (Alistair) & Darren Boyd (Jonathan)

Tommy represents himself in court, after he clashes with a train station ticket inspector...

Tommy Saxondale has established himself as a man who's ambition doesn't exceed his ability; best exemplified by the fact his heydays were as a roadie touring with bands, not as a rocker performing on-stage.

Episode 5 finds another outlet for Tommy's deluded personality, as he balks at the idea of spending £200 on a lawyer, so decides to represent himself in court after a clash with a ticket inspector (The Young Ones' Christopher Ryan) at a train station.

With combed back hair, a flashy suit, and Rumpole Of The Bailey episodes fresh in his memory, Thomas Gregory Saxondale states his case in front of judge and jury. The relative mundanity of the offence (not seeing a ticket sign) doesn't prevent Tommy stalking the chamber like a veteran Q.C -- armed with rehearsed lawyer-jokes and verbal bravado... that crumbles under any scrutiny.

There's much to enjoy in the courtroom scenes, particularly Tommy's opening gambit to mimic a deaf person to the jury, although the macguffin is incredibly weak and there's an unnecessary return for northern squatter Keanu (Coogan again.)

Keanu's good for a giggle with his whiny voice ("why's everyone talking like it's the olden days?") and fey mannerisms, but Coogan's presence in dual-roles is distracting and hints at self-obsession. How long before Paul Calf stumbles into a pub, or Alan Partridge is glimpsed in the background doing a piece to camera?

I'm also becoming irritated by Saxondale's formulaic sequencing of scenes: the opening anger management classes, lovey-dovey bit with Magz (Ruth Jones, wasted), antagonism with Vicky (Morwenna Banks), run-in with anoying neighbour Jonathan (Darren Boyd, scene stealing), etc. If just the occassional episode dropped some of these scenes, to gave extra time to the new stuff, Saxondale would be much better.

That said, any scenes between fake-rebel Jonathan and Tommy are real highlights, and it's interesting to see them growing more strained over time. Here, Jonathan is scared away by Tommy's advice to piss on his Mustang oil spills, then later spotted playing guitar with a vacuum cleaner's hose. Boyd gives a perfectly-mannered performance of hidden, cowardly irritation, and steals every scene.

The anger management facet to Saxondale has always looked strained, too. Tommy rarely becomes enraged (particularly in series 2), so his presence there has always looked odd to me...

If Tommy's so crippled by fits of rage, why has he never punched Jonathan or exacted revenge on the numerous people that cause him embarassment? Perhaps we're supposed to be on tenterhooks whenever he's baited by Vicky, but I never get that feeling of dread because his "explosive temper" has never really manifested.

Overall, Episode 5 contains some great scenes in court, with Tommy at his deluded best (I particularly liked a Young Ones reference to "Bambi", given Christopher Ryan's presence), and Jonathan is always superb to watch chew the fat. But everything else is undercooked and stale, mainly because the structure of every episode is beginning to run like a checklist.


20 September 2007
BBC2, 9.30 pm

SAXONDALE 2.4 - "Episode 4"

Writers: Neil Maclennan & Steve Coogan
Director: John Henderson

Cast: Steve Coogan (Tommy Saxondale), Ruth Jones (Magz), Rasmus Hardiker (Raymond), Morwenna Banks (Vicky), Darren Boyd (Jonathan), James Bachman (Alistair)

Tommy has his intellect tested when he goes to a school to exterminate vermin, but ends up giving careers advice...

This is more like it! I sometimes feel guilty whenever I criticize Saxondale for not being more amendable with its comedy, as the intention of its creators is clearly to construct laughs around Coogan's dominant performance and rich dialogue, not pratfalls and toilet humour.

But Episode 4 strikes a happy medium between the high-brow and low-brow, to become Saxondale's best episode. Sure, the quirks, life views and mannerisms of Tommy can be very funny, but nothing screams "comedy" quite like a man getting glued to a chair...

This week's theme is built around the notion of intelligence; or, more precisely, Tommy's inflated opinion of his own I.Q. Having graduated from the "university of life" to tour with rock legends in the 70s and 80s, most of Tommy's knowledge comes from Discovery Channel documentaries, so the comedy stems from throwing Tommy into a world of clever kids.

It begins with Tommy being flummoxed that Magz doesn't know, or care, who Barnes Wallace and Douglas Bader were, yet could tell you everything about David Hasselhoff. From there, a quick chat with vapid Vicky at work seals Tommy's belief he's intelligencia, only to become the stupidest person in the room when investigating vermin at a posh school.

The school scenes are excellent, particularly when Tommy is frightened by a deep discussion about Victorians with a teacher, so escapes by disappearing into a store cupboard for no particular reasin. It's an old chetsnut, sure, but beautifully played by Coogan.

Later, Tommy is inexplicably given the chance to discuss his pest control career with a class, and tries to impress them with his outside-the-box style of sitting on the classroom floor (only to be undermined by a trapped nerve). Then, when he makes a breakthrough by regaling them with Pink Floyd stories, he soon realizes their interest was faked so they could superglue him to a chair.

It's refreshing to see Saxondale handle with more "obvious" comedy, and there's no shame in that. There's a reason people still laugh at the sight of a man walking through public areas with no trousers on. It's funny. But there's still plenty to counterbalance this style of humour, with Tommy's dialogue always shining and some neat twists to the theme.

There's even a vague whiff of Tommy being racist, when he mentions Ghandi was "supposed to just shut it and open a corner shop." Hearing politically incorrect material being uttered like that only adds to Tommy's depth and texture as a character.

I particularly liked a moment when Tommy acts impressed someone has a copy of Robert Altman's film Short Cuts, ready to begin a film buff debate on Altman's work, only to learn it was purchased because Julianne Moore gets her kit off!

The old adage that "you can't judge a book by its cover" is another element to the story, with Raymond (Rasmus Hardiker) mentioning people might not think Tommy appears particularly intelligent... while a square teacher is revealed as the proud owner of a classic car Tommy lusts over.

Darren Boyd just gets better every week as brownosing neighbour Jonathan (this week, in a Glastonbury T-shirt), although his talk of a pub quiz sadly goes nowhere. Shame.

Overall, there's much to enjoy in Episode 4 and it's wonderful to see Saxondale take broader strokes with its humour, whilst never losing its rich dialogue, insightful characterization and amusing subtext. It sometimes spills into silliness, particularly in the last scene -- when class feedback labels Tommy "a prick", only for Tommy to claim it proves he's taught them to kick the system and authority figures -- but, for the majority of the 30-minutes, this is Saxondale at its most enjoyable.


13 September 2007
BBC2, 9.30 pm

SAXONDALE 2.3 - "Episode 3"

Writers: Neil Maclennan & Steve Coogan
Director: John Henderson

Cast: Steve Coogan (Tommy Saxondale/Keanu), Ruth Jones (Magz), Rasmus Hardiker (Raymond), Morwenna Banks (Vicky), James Bachman (Alistair) & Darren Boyd (Jonathan)

Tommy becomes involved in a dispute over some squatters that have moved into the neighbourhood...

It's true there are more wry smiles than belly-laughs in Saxondale -- which is no bad thing if you're in the mood for that. The characterisations and intricate dialogue are so finely drawn that you can forgive the lack of big laughs. That said, it would be nice to have more overt humour in the show, as I sense bigger potential for Coogan and Maclennan's characters if they'd target a wider audience. But, as it stands, Saxondale is a curate's egg.

Increasingly common is how the first 15-minutes of Saxondale is all slow-burn build-up, paving the way for resolutions in the last 10 minutes. Episode 3 is easily the most disappointing instalment of series 2, but its second half manages to make the journey worthwhile (just about), thanks to some nice moments with Tommy's porn tapes and some squatter's rancid abode.

Darren Boyd gets increasingly brilliant scenes as neighbour Jonathan, playing the acolyte, whilst brimming with ulterior motives. Likewise Morwenna Banks as Vicky the receptionist. But it's a shame Saxondale has never really provided dependable Ruth Jones with a particularly funny character, as Magz just comes across as a nonentity.

Steve Coogan performs double duties again this week, returning as dreary slacker Keanu from series 1, a whiny northern kid with pale complexion and little brainpower. He's extremely two-dimensional compared to many of Coogan's other creations, so seems slightly out of place in the show. The comedy that surrounds Keanu is far more obvious and fun in nature -- from his squalid living conditions (cheese in a cup!), to general apathy towards getting a job...

The story again presents Tommy with a difficult choice; following his rebellious nature to fight for the rights of squatters, or ensuring they're kicked off the estate because his own living standards are above theirs. The meat of the story doesn't kick in for quite some time, meaning the first half is somewhat meandering. It remains true that you can often cut entire scenes from Saxondale and it would rarely impact the episode's structure.

Overall, despite some later scenes that rescue Episode 3 from the dolldrums, this is quite a downer overall. I never expect big laughs from Saxondale (as it's more a character study than a gag-fest), but the lack of narrative drive, weak comedy at a town meeting and a very slow first half flags Episode 3 as one of the weakest.


6 September 2007
BBC2, 9.30 pm

SAXONDALE 2.2 - "Episode 2"

Writers: Neil Maclennan & Steve Coogan
Director: John Henderson

Cast: Steve Coogan (Tommy Saxondale), Ruth Jones (Magz), Rasmus Hardiker (Raymond), Morwenna Banks (Vicky), James Bachman (Alistair), Darren Boyd (Jonathan) & Kevin Eldon (Martin)

Tommy saves the life of a suicidal man called Martin, but finds his life taken over by Martin's depressing presence...

This episode benefits greatly from having a simple comic idea that isn't tied to the insular world of ex-roadies and pest control. Tommy (Steve Coogan) becomes a hero when he talks a suicidal man called Martin down from a warehouse roof he's decontaminating.

Martin (Kevin Eldon), a food artist who "paints grey food brown" for packaging, soon becomes an unwelcome regular at the Saxondale household, turning the atmosphere sour with his dour, depressing anecdotes and grumblings about life.

For once, Tommy's actions and attitude toward Martin is something universal, which makes a change from the injokery of the 70s music scene. Martin, brilliantly played by Eldon, who channels his Nighty Night role, is one of those sympathetic but painful hangers-on we've all experienced. Tommy's attempt to be charitable soon leads to him hiding in the kitchen pretending to be busy watching Titanic with Magz (Ruth Jones).

As usual, Coogan is excellent as Tommy, particularly when he explains how you can date porn magazine from the hairstyles of the women. His delicate balancing act when dealing with fragile Martin is particularly funny, with him dropping hints Martin should "use technology" instead of visit them every day. Of course, comedy involving an unwanted friend is nothing new, but it's certainly durable and resonant.

Elsewhere, this episode is notable for bringing characters together who rarely share the screen. In the final scene, Tommy takes Magz to a strip club (now a karaoke bar), where they bump into cheerfully condescending receptionist Vicky (Morwenna Banks). Sadly, fireworks between the two women in Tommy's life fail to fly. I really thought Magz would have been the protective shield Tommy lacks when it comes to Vicky's sharp tongue, but she's just as limp in dealing with the sniping.

While the central premise with Martin builds very nicely, its resolution is quick and forced, as Vicky's own brand of harsh love snaps Martin out of his mood. It was perhaps a consequence of the 30-minute runtime, but just when it seemed Saxondale was developing its first classic episode, it all just fizzled away in the last five minutes.

Still, there were plenty of amusing moments throughout: Magz drawing a garish portrait of naked Bronte sisters, Jonathan (Darren Boyd) as the "neighbourhood spokesman" who tries to appeal to Tommy's lifestyle, and a great camera rise that revealed grumpy Martin sat in the Saxondale living room (momentarily hidden by a well-placed television set.)

In summation, this was one of the more entertaining episodes of Saxondale, thanks to its reliance on a more relatable comic idea and understated work from deadpan Eldon. Steve Coogan remains a consumate performer, particularly with his propensity to mime punchlines and chunter to himself. It's a shame opportunities are wasted (such as the potential of Tommy singing karaoke), but this is mostly a successful half hour of comedy.

SAXONDALE 2.1 - "Episode 1"

Writers: Neil Maclennan & Steve Coogan
Director: John Henderson

Cast: Steve Coogan (Tommy Saxondale), Ruth Jones (Magz), Rasmus Hardiker (Raymond), Morwenna Banks (Vicky), James Bachman (Alistair), Darren Boyd (Jonathan), Greg Davies (Dunc), Simon Greenall (Malcolm), Matt Berry (Geoff), Rosie Cavaliero (Penny), Sebastian Cardinal ("Freddie Mercury"), Dustin Demri-Burns ("Brian May") & Marianne Levy (Caroline)

When one of Tommy's old friends moves into the area, Tommy becomes nostalgic about their hedonistic days, with help from a Queen tribute band...

Steve Coogan's latest creation didn't soar to Alan Partridge heights during its first series last year, but did anyone really expect it to? However, there was no denying Coogan's consumate skill in crafting a three-dimensional character with Tommy Saxondale, a former Roadie still clinging to memories of the 70s, now living in humdrum suburbia as a pest controller.

The first episode of the second series is business as usual. Tommy is again reminded of his former life when Dunc "The Skunk" (Greg Davies) arrives in town, informing Tommy that another of their Roadie mates, Malcolm (Simon Greenall), is living nearby as a media exec.

Needless to say, social worlds collide when Tommy's rose-tinted bravado over the "good ol' days" is met with embarassed politeness by high-flier Malcolm, a businessman who has defiantly moved on from a "ten year period that ended thirty years ago." As always, Tommy can't understand anyone's recluctance to embrace their youth, leading to cringe-making comedy when Tommy offers to help a Queen tribute band ("Ready Freddie") at the local Pantheon Of Rock... not realizing these young men wear wigs and view their gigs as a light-hearted frolic at the weekends.

Last year, the main deficiency in Saxondale was its freewheeling plots and total emphasis on Tommy himself. Morwenna Banks, as poisonous receptionist Vicky, was the only character able to puncture Tommy's bravado and spit out some neat one-liners of her own, while everyone else just became window-dressing to Coogan's admittedly superb performance.

There are signs of a balance here, particularly from a next-door neighbour character called Jonathan (Smack The Pony's Darren Boyd), a man who clearly wants to endear himself to Tommy, but has little musical knowledge of the 70s. Boyd's one scene, where he's tested by Tommy for the name of a Pink Floyd or Genesis album title, is brilliant handled by both actors. I certainly hope we see more from Jonathan.

Unfortunately, Rasmus Hardiker still hangs around like a third wheel as Tommy's pest control assistant Raymond. It was frustrating to watch last year, but is particularly disappointing now as Hardiker seems to have grown into himself and would likely handle some comedy very well. Can't he be thrown a few scraps now and then? For now, he's only required to linger at Tommy's hip and look withdrawn.

The real delight in the episode comes from the wonderfully quirky and witty dialogue, written by Coogan and Neil Maclennan, which is utterly believable, multi-layered and crisply asembled. Coogan clearly delights in characters able to converse in a grandiose or pernickity way, and Tommy's injokes, turns of phrase and verbal mannerisms are all wonderful.

Overall, while Saxondale is mostly unchanged from last year (ignoring Tommy's scruffier appearance), it's certainly helped by including a mix of character actors who aren't overshadowed by Coogan's big performance. Simon Greenall has obviously had years of practice in I'm Alan Partridge (as Geordie Michael), but Greg Davies and Darren Boyd also leave lasting impressions. The excellent fruity-voiced Matt Berry (Garth Marenghi's Darkplace) also appears in this episode's opening anger management meeting, so I hope he returns in a bigger capacity.

It's an entertaining start to the new series, but with no huge shifts in tone, style or humour. If you didn't like Saxondale last year, I doubt this will change your mind. You can't pick fault with Coogan's characterisation, or the beautiful writing (its Jeremy Clarkson-style metaphors are particularly good), but Saxondale still hangs loose when it comes to plot and rarely contains laugh-out-loud moments.


23 August 2007
BBC2, 9.30 pm

SAXONDALE - Episode 7 - TV REVIEW
Series 1. 31 Jul 06. BBC 2, 10:00 pm
WRITERS: Steve Coogan & Neil Maclennon DIRECTOR: Matt Lipsey
CAST: Steve Coogan (Tommy Saxondale), Ruth Jones (Magz), Rasmus Hardiker (Raymond), Morwenna Banks (Vicky), Liza Tarbuck (Jenny), James Bachman (Therapist), David Cann (Male Dinner Guest) & Janette Legge (Female Dinner Guest)


Saxondale leaves our screens on a middling note, typified by the stark "unbalancing act" of its comedy/drama. This episode is possibly the unfunniest of the series, but it's also the most human and strangely beguiling...

Tommy's life is given stark focus after an embarrassing drunken dinner date with Magz and another couple. His behaviour upsets Magz enough to visit her parents and consider their future together. Her departure leaves Tommy noticing omens about his future without her. A simple pest control job to clean the home of a dead man (who was also a fan of old-school rock, yet unable to summon the will to peel potatoes anymore) reminds Tommy of his own likely descent into loneliness without Magz.

However, romance with a supposed soul mate (Liza Tarbuck, in grungy chick mode) lures Tommy into considering a brighter future with a lover more on his level. But, knowing he's in his autumnal years, which destiny awaits him?

As you can tell, the finale of series 1 is quite a revealing and intriguing piece of gentle comedy. The emphasis is on the characters, the plot is thankfully more fulfilling than usual, but this all comes at the expense of huge laughs. Ring any bells?

Saxondale has proven itself to be a mixed bag in its debut series. I think Coogan remains one of Britain's best comedy actors (the closest thing we have to a new Peter Sellers), and his writing alongside Neil Maclennon is always intricate and witty. The problem facing Saxondale is that it has a fun premise and enjoyable characters, but doesn't go for the comedy jugular often enough, and fatally has its lead overshadow everyone else -– a trick that works with comedy monsters like Alan Partridge, but not with more measured characters like Tommy.

Rasmus Hardiker and Ruth Jones are still begging for comedy meat like starving dogs, with Coogan just tossing them the odd bone to chew on. It's a shame, as Hardiker and Jones both to admirable work with such sparse material and underwritten roles; essentially elevating their archetypes into believable people.

Interestingly, Morwenna Banks is the only character who regularly steals the limelight from Coogan. Her spiteful secretary is undoubtedly designed to be a periodic shot in the arm for the show, always appearing to fling insults and abuse at Tommy through a doe-eyed cod-sympathy act. She's a great creation, but it's a shame she isn't indicative of how the rest of the cast are treated.

Episode 7 does have a proper plot; a component usually missing from Saxondale. The stories have never been particularly interesting in the show, more often designed as functional reasons for Tommy to get into particular situations, or shed a glimmer of light on his character. I certainly hope the same care and attention shown to the characterisations is given to plotting next time.

Yes, next time. I wholeheartedly believe Saxondale is worthy of another series. There hasn't really been a total stinker in these 7 episodes, just vague disappointment in the overall show. With tighter plots, more generous writing for the cast, and more jokes aimed squarely at the funny bone, and Saxondale could evolve into the show is deserves to be.

I certainly await the Mustang's return...

SAXONDALE - Episode 6 - TV REVIEW
Series 1. 24 Jul 06. BBC 2, 10:00 pm
WRITERS: Steve Coogan & Neil Maclennon DIRECTOR: Matt Lipsey
CAST: Steve Coogan (Tommy Saxondale), Ruth Jones (Magz), Rasmus Hardiker (Raymond), Morwenna Banks (Vicky), Ben Miller (Bernard Langley), James Bachman (Therapist), Tony Way (Pest Controller) & Andrew O'Neil (Hi-Fi Shop Owner)


The penultimate episode of Saxondale belatedly marks a rise in consistency, with a clearer plot and more overt laughs to be had. In Episode 6, Tommy and Raymond investigate a rival pest control firm's supposedly underhand tactics with local flea infestations, allowing for more of the brilliantly underplayed comedy between the two actors.

Rasmus Hardiker has a pretty thankless role in the show, often pushed into the background to just look gormless and give weak smiles to Tommy's antics, and nothing much changes here... but his understated expressions remain highlights of the show for me. He has an easy-going chemistry with Coogan that works well, and it's nice to see Episode 6 capitalizing on Raymond's vacant personality. A scene where Raymond lingers in an office after Tommy has made his dramatic exit ranks as one of the show's biggest laughs.

Steve Coogan has certainly created a brilliantly observed character. As a show, Saxondale has problems, but none of them are really the fault of the characters, particularly Tommy himself. I particularly like how Tommy veers crazily from being a buffoon (an embarrassing moment when flea eggs are revealed to be glucose powder is excellent), but is also quite competent (there's a fantastic hi-fi jargon face-off) and semi-cool (the wonderful air-gun shoot-out).

What set this episode apart is the fact it actually had a proper narrative story. It was still a little uneven, and a falconry sub-plot was essentially pointless, but it was nice to see Saxondale provide something meatier for your mind to chew on. It's all very well watching expertly performed characters speak carefully-crafted dialogue, but it's all quite hollow without a reason for events to be happening and a bigger picture to be interested in.

Ruth Jones is criminally wasted every week, which is a great shame as she's proven herself a talented comic actress in Nighty, Night. She's even more marginalized this week, a cruel snub to her talents that writers Coogan and Maclennon should rectify for the probable second series.

Morwenna Banks is superb as Vicky the secretary, a brilliant creation that even upstages Coogan in their scenes. It's even more amazing because her character is actually quite slight, yet she makes Vicky into an undoubted highlight each week. The antagonism between the pair is very good, and it was nice to see Tommy actively try and crush her acidic twittering this time by pointing out her grammatical mistakes and Bible ignorance. It's just a shame for Tommy that Vicky's so vapid to even understand his witty retorts.

Overall, it's becoming increasingly difficult to rate any episode of Saxondale higher (or indeed lower) than a 3 out of 5! This is a good sitcom with superb performances and smart writing, but it still lacks decent plots and broader laughs. Saxondale bubbles along very nicely every week, and always provide chuckles and admiration for its actors, but it just never flies into unexpected territory to provide some gut-busting laughs.

However, for what it's worth, I found Episode 6 to be marginally better than the previous episodes because of the broader laughs to be found (air-gun, hi-fi jargon, flea eggs, the "toxic" drink) and the presence of an involving story. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of subtle dialogue and performance-based comedy, and Saxondale is a clear proponent of that style, but to really achieve success I think a balance is still yet to be found...

SAXONDALE - Episode 5 - TV REVIEW
Series 1. 17 Jul 06. BBC 2, 10:00 pm
WRITERS: Steve Coogan & Neil Maclennon DIRECTOR: Matt Lipsey
CAST: Steve Coogan (Tommy Saxondale), Ruth Jones (Magz), Rasmus Hardiker (Raymond), Morwenna Banks (Vicky), James Bachman (Therapist), Sarah Hadland (Tina) & Vicky Pepperdine (Homeowner).


The settling in period is officially over. Saxondale's fifth episode remains frustratingly unable to pull itself the show together into a cohesive whole, but at least we get the reprisal of a theme from Episode 1 (Raymond's home life with Tommy and Magz).

When Saxondale began I thought Tommy and Raymond's father/son undercurrent was going to be integral. A sort of latter-day Del Boy and Rodney, with a pest control can instead of a Reliant Robin. That's clearly an aspect writers Coogan and Maclennon chose not to focus on, making Saxondale a one-man comedy vehicle.

Again, the story is fractured and slightly messy: Tommy and Raymond help an animal lover rid her attic of a squirrel, Raymond hits the town with secretary Vicky and her friend Tanya, and Tommy joins a gym after realizing he's not as fit as he used to be (after being unable to pull himself up into an attic.)

There are some amusing moments in all these subplots, as we've come to expect. Tommy accidentally crippling his neck with some gym equipment is particularly funny, especially when said injury causes him to be a hazard on the road in his Mustang. Saxondale could do with some broader comedy to balance things out, and this moment hits the funny bone.

Elsewhere, the verbal dexterity is on good form -– perfectly encapsulated by poisonous Vicky (we even get the first hint at why her relationship with Tommy is so frosty). After five weeks it's a little depressing to find that 90% of the humour in Saxondale comes from the mannerisms and repartee of its central character; the supporting cast tend to merely feed him lines, or act as the straight men to his posturing, while there are very little visual "jokes" (just mannerisms). It's sad, because when Saxondale does spread its wings it almost takes to the air (the towel catch, the injured driving, the salad dressing drink, etc.)

Coogan and Maclennon should be congratulated for crafting an enjoyably daft and strangely likeable character with Tommy, but this is essentially a one-man show without much range to its comedy. There are only so many pithy one-liners you can smile at wryly before you start aching for a belly-laugh. But one rarely comes.

Saxondale is too tentative and obsessed with slowly manipulating Tommy into a mix of situations without much thought for anything else. Above all else it's clear just how weak Coogan and Maclennon's storytelling abilities are -–interesting moments flash by (Raymond's girlfriend) while other potentially classic moments don't reach their full potential (Tommy's gym session).

This is the dictionary definition of a curate's egg, but personally I still find it survives on Coogan's exemplary performance and its witty dialogue. The maddening thing is that with broader laughs, stronger plots and more emphasis on its fine supporting cast, Saxondale would be nudging classic status, and becoming a genuine rival to Coogan's Alan Partridge. But, as it stands, Coogan seems content to sit in the shadow of Partridge...

SAXONDALE - Episode 4 - TV REVIEW
Series 1. 10 Jul 06. BBC 2, 10:00 pm
WRITERS: Steve Coogan & Neil Maclennon DIRECTOR: Matt Lipsey
CAST: Steve Coogan (Tommy Saxondale), Ruth Jones (Magz), Rasmus Hardiker (Raymond), James Bachman (Therapist), Morwenna Banks (Vicky), Montserrat Lombard (Stevie) & James Lance (Matt)

Episode 4 seems to be conclusive proof that Saxondale is unlikely to improve. But that's not to say it's bad; in fact it's very enjoyable and sporadically brilliant. Steve Coogan is magnificent in the title role, every tic and mannerism brilliantly observed and acted, but Tommy Saxondale remains little more than a decent sketch show character coasting along in a sitcom.

The plot this week, and I use the term loosely, involves Tommy's daughter Stevie visiting home with her boyfriend Matt. The obvious generation clash ensues between Matt and Tommy, although not in an overt way akin to Meet The Parents. The fascinating thing about modern father/(potential) son-in-law relationships is that most hip twentysomethings have a respect and appreciation for the 60's/70's culture their new father-in-laws grew up in. Who doesn't like Elvis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Sex Pistols?

So, as beautifully depicted in this instalment, Matt actually gets on quite well with Tommy when discussing his roadie days with Deep Purple, etc... and the relationship only sours when Tommy isn't as keen to hear about Matt's extreme-sporting lifestyle –- mainly because it makes his unspectacular life seem that more boring. It's a classic case of male posturing across the generations, sidestepping the expectation of Matt being a total pain and Tommy being the voice of concerned reason for his daughter. Watching Tommy try and assert himself on others is the series' main source of comedy, and the interplay with Matt is wonderful in this episode.

Four episodes in and Ruth Jones doesn’t look to have been given a comic character, really, but she's brilliant as Tommy's girlfriend despite this. A scene where Magz steps in to save Tommy's pride is a great insight that their relationship actually works, as is a shared laugh when Tommy spouts his anguish at Matt's boasts. They seem to have real respect and love for each other's quirks, which makes a change from traditionally nightmarish comedy marriages like Basil and Sybil Fawlty.

Montserrat Lombard as Tommy's daughter Stevie isn't given much to do within the story, but she at least resembles Tommy and isn't the expected characture she could have been. There was a time when the easy route would have been to make her a female version of Tommy, with similar views on life and personality, so it's testament to the writers belief in the show's reality that she's normal. Tommy is the only obvious exaggeration in the world of Saxondale, and even he is clearly more grounded and realistic than other Coogan creations –- most notably Alan Partidge. Of course.

James Lance, playing Matt the potential son-in-law, is very good and drawn realistically. Lance appeared in I'm Alan Partidge (where he played a wry, condescending Travelodge porter) and Matt is essentially a nicer, cleverer, version of that persona. He's good, but it's a shame more comic potential wasn't mined by revealing his thoughts on Tommy (was he purposefully making Tommy feel inadequate? Did he like Tommy?) Well, we never really got to know...

But this is Coogan's show... and therefore the emphasis is too often on Tommy's viewpoint, almost as if Coogan's scared to let the other characters get a look in without him being present. This is perhaps by design, or maybe it's because Coogan is just used to Partridge dominating all the scenes in I'm Alan Partridge by default. Whatever the reason, someone should tell him Saxondale could survive by occasionally letting us into the supporting cast's lives. Even the legendary Alan Partidge had his comic support (indecipherable Mike, meak Lynn), but Tommy isn’t really afforded such backup.

Tellingly, Coogan even guest stars as a flop-haired teen in a council flat -– for no particular reason, other than to remind us how gifted Coogan is at mimicry. We get it, Steve. The teen character is good fun, but it's also an unnecessary presence that steals screen-time better served with the main cast -- particularly as they're already malnourished with their own gags!

Overall, this was another perfectly enjoyable 30 minutes, but Saxondale sorely lacks the storytelling prowess to lift it beyond observational comedy. The "plot" here is basically just another incident Tommy is faced with, acting as an excuse for Coogan and Maclennon to flex their dialogue-writing muscles. The craftsmanship of Saxondale's jokes has never been in doubt, but Saxondale could be so much more if the stories were multi-layered and involved actual progression and twists. At the moment, things just move in a linear fashion, with a few diversions (Morwenna Banks' secretary gets to spit venom again), until the episode just ends...

SAXONDALE - Episode 3 - TV REVIEW
Series 1. 03 Jul 06. BBC 2, 10:00 pm
WRITERS: Steve Coogan & Neil Maclennon DIRECTOR: Matt Lipsey
CAST: Steve Coogan (Tommy Saxondale), Ruth Jones (Magz), Rasmus Hardiker (Raymond), Morwenna Banks (Vicky) & Mark Williams (Deggsy)


The third episode of Steve Coogan's new sitcom sees curmudgeonly ex-roadie Tommy Saxondale meet up with old pal Deggsy (Mark Williams) following a funeral. The pair share a history of debauchery back in their hellraising days; although Tommy's lifestyle has since calmed in middle-age, whereas Deggsy is still young at heart and keen to relive their glory years...

Saxondale seems to have settled into its groove, with Coogan really impressing as the eponymous character. He's a character of calm delusion, piques of anger, facial chuntering and sage-like advice from someone whose best days are behind them. Coogan is a born performer and insightful mimic of personalities, totally embodying the role here.

Mark Williams (The Fast Show) has a welcome guest starring role as layabout Deggsy, always a great comedy presence and stooge for others to play off. There's a nice chemistry between Williams and Coogan, culminating in a quite wonderfully acted scene in an ambulance between the two friends.

Morwenna Banks returns as spiteful secretary Vicky, throwing a few more stinging put-downs in Tommy's direction. It's interesting how he seems totally unable to defend himself against Vicky, yet finds it quite easy to twist the knife into his anger-management tutor and various other frustrating people...

Unfortunately, the rest of the cast are pushed into the background entirely, particularly Ruth Jones' Magz. A shame, as I'm sure Jones would prove a capable comedienne in her own right... but she simply isn't getting the chance on the show.

Likewise, Rasmus Hardiker as forlorn teen Raymond, a natural and believable adolescent with practically nothing to do, despite the potential hinted at in the first episode with the father/son overtones between him and Tommy.

As usual, the jokes are of the well cultivated variety; carefully worded phraseology and remarks that are beautifully written and delivered, but not exactly gut-bustingly hilarious. A few moments hit the spot, particularly Tommy's remarks following Deggsy's leg amputation to girlfriend Magz, but Saxondale could do with a few more belly laughs. At the moment it's coasting by on the strength of Coogan's performance and the attention to detail in the writing.

Don't get me wrong, I'm really enjoying Saxondale, and each week my enjoyment of Coogan's delivery increases, but I just hope the supporting characters begin to take on more life and the writers create some broader laughs to counterbalance the highbrow stuff.

SAXONDALE - Episode 2 - TV REVIEW
Series 1. 26 Jun 06. BBC 2, 10:00 pm
WRITERS: Steve Coogan & Neil Maclennon DIRECTOR: Matt Lipsey
CAST: Steve Coogan (Tommy Saxondale), Ruth Jones (Magz), Rasmus Hardiker (Raymond), Alexander Armstrong (Jerome), James Bachman (Therapist), Adrian Scarborough (Chairman) & Dave (Dave Fulton).


The second episode of a sitcom is often considered a better indicator of a show's quality than the first. This is mainly because opening episodes have a lot of scene-setting to get the characters and the world they inhabit straight in our minds. It's only in second episodes that the laughs can come relatively free of this exposition, and you tend to get a better idea of how funny a show will be...

Well, the second episode of Steve Coogan's new sitcom Saxondale confirms this belief -– most of the time. There are undoubtedly more laughs than last week, but more interesting is how much broader Coogan plays the eponymous ex-roadie. Here, Tommy Saxondale's dour nature is often exchanged for face-pulling vaguely reminiscent of Alan Partridge, while his anger-management issues get a proper workout (as Tommy is riled at his anger-management class, beats up a stuffed squirrel, and gets upset with a celebrity motor enthusiast...)

But not all the comedy is played for easy laughs this week, there's still an emphasis on witticisms and offhand comments that may not provoke belly-laughs, but are achingly clever when you think about them. There are definite signs that Saxondale will be able to get the balance right and produce a sitcom that works in a number of areas.

Episode 2 essentially revolved around Magz's T-shirt shop "Smash The System", which is closed down by authorities unsure if a selling obscene T-shirts next to a Bridal boutique is the best idea. This leads Tommy to help his girlfriend under the grounds of freedom of speech. Meanwhile, Tommy and Raymond arrive at the home of Jerome, a TV celebrity motoring pundit who takes an interest in Tommy's Ford Mustang...

Ruth Jones gets to flex her comedy muscles as Magz a bit more, although her character is still very much the straight woman. Jones brings a believable and warm-hearted side to the show, and will hopefully develop further as the series progresses.

Alexander Armstrong is the main guest star this week as Jerome, a clear parody of Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson. Armstrong is a strong comic actor and manages to embody many of Clarkson's mannerisms perfectly. Coogan himself is no stranger to Top Gear (having guest-starred numerous times), and pokes fun at the show's format and Clarkson's presenting style with reckless abandon.

Overall, this was another strong episode that provided enough indicators that Saxondale could have mileage in its premise. There is a slight concern for me that Tommy appeared to be more of a clear-cut comedy character than last week's restrained performance, but if Coogan wants to just cut loose and have some fun, then who am I to argue? There's still the expected high-quality of writing permeating the entire show, particularly in a mishandled impassioned speech that touches on the merits of Sid Vicious...

SAXONDALE – Episode 1 - TV REVIEW
Series 1. 19 Jun 06. BBC 2, 10:00 p.m
WRITERS: Steve Coogan & Neil Maclennan DIRECTOR: Ben Miller
CAST: Steve Coogan (Saxondale), Ruth Jones (Magz), Rasmus Hardiker (Raymond) & Morwenna Banks (Vicky)

The shadow of Alan Partridge has hung over comedian Steve Coogan for over 10 years now; a creation Coogan has attempted to better with little success (Tony Ferrino, anyone?) Fresh from mixed film success (the highs of 24 Hour Party People, the lows of Around The World In 80 Days), Coogan makes a return to British sitcom territory in BBC 2's Saxondale. Here, Coogan plays the titular Tommy Saxondale, a middle-aged ex-roadie with anger management issues, who now runs a pest control service…

As a character, Saxondale is refreshingly different from Partridge in most respects -– less a pompous social misfit, more a weary dreamer still clinging to his past. With whisps of grey hair, mottled beard and bright yellow Ford Mustang, Coogan brings a perfectionist touch to characterisation, with only the faintest trace of Partridge detectable. The writers also go to great lengths to make Saxondale a realistic character with embellished comic traits (such as a visual flair that only fictional characters can wield believably.)

The supporting cast are also first rate. Although the first episode is primarily focused on establishing Saxondale's personality and lifestyle, Ruth Jones (Little Britain's Myfanwy, Nighty Night's Linda) impresses as girlfriend Magz, a grungy free spirit who spends her days printing obscene T-shirts and listening to roadie anecdotes.

Improbably named Rasmus Hardiker plays teenaged hired-hand Raymond; not given many gags in this episode, but blessed with a naïve and good-natured look many real teenagers have. He should provide a good straight-man for Saxondale's rhetoric and the generation gap has already born fruit (with their opposing ideas of DJ-ing; Saxondale's wedding and birthday parties, Raymond's Paul Oakenfold raves…)

One particularly memorable performance comes from Morwenna Banks' secretary Vicky, an acid-mouthed critic of Saxondale who gets some choice lines and should provide plenty of antagonism in the series.

The first episode has Saxondale interviewing oddballs for a job as his right-hand man in his pest control operation ("simply the pest"), and it's here you get a vague sense that The Office has influenced Coogan's new sitcom; the laugh-track (a mainstay of I'm Alan Partridge) is noticeably absent, and Saxondale's interviewing technique is clearly inspired by David Brent. "Anthropomorphosising", indeed…

Coogan and co-writer Neil Maclennon deserve a lot of credit for this opening episode. It effectively sets the tone, introduces all the characters equally well, provides some memorable scenes (the interviews, bedroom pornography, warehouse pest control), and is littered with beautifully phrased dialogue. Coogan acquits himself very well and makes Saxondale a quite unlikely hero –- a final stand-off with some Animal Rights Activists provides Saxondale with the opportunity for some un-PC retribution that should provide a grin. It's about time we saw a return to comic characters with wit and a superior attitude (unseen since the days of Blackadder, really.)

Saxondale may not rewrite the rules of sitcom a la The Office, and it's unlikely Saxondale himself will prove as enduring and quotable as Alan Partridge, but for now this promises to be a very entertaining comedy series with great performances, strong characterisation, and a keen ear for witty dialogue…