Idris Elba has created a nostalgic 1980s set sitcom which given that it is set in inner city estates of London might be a wee rose tinted. Maybe it wants to go for that Only Fools and Horses vibe.
In this first episode Elba plays a supporting role as Walter Easmon who has made a new life for himself in London with his wife Agnes and Kobna, his asthma suffering 12 year old son.
Walter sends money back home to Sierra Leone to help out his family but he recieves a letter from his mother that she is sending his younger brother Valentine (Jimmy Akingbola) to come and live with them, probably because she finds him difficult to control.
Valentine arrives with exuberance expecting everyone in London to be friendly. He has bought his records, sets himself up as a DJ in a local pub and lives the party lifestyle. He just failed to take into account the British weather, it is cold.
The first episode sets things up in a rather optimistic manner. Valentine being irresponsible which causes Kobna to have an asthma attack. We get introduced to Walter's best friend, Bagpipes (Bill Bailey) who lives in the flat upstairs with a leaking bath and partner Kirsty (Kellie Shirley.) They have one son who is the same age as Kobna and a daughter who is more darker!
The first episode had a lot of 1980s music, a bit too much of it. It also failed to set up when exactly in the 1980s this was set in. Much of the music was from the early 1980s but I think it was set in the mid 80s, it is not made clear.
There are strong performances, it has a nostalgic glow like the sitcom Cradle to Grave which was about the early adolescent experiences of writer, presenter Danny Baker. However it was not as funny with Elba appearing to be a bit stiff with the comedy.
In this first episode Elba plays a supporting role as Walter Easmon who has made a new life for himself in London with his wife Agnes and Kobna, his asthma suffering 12 year old son.
Walter sends money back home to Sierra Leone to help out his family but he recieves a letter from his mother that she is sending his younger brother Valentine (Jimmy Akingbola) to come and live with them, probably because she finds him difficult to control.
Valentine arrives with exuberance expecting everyone in London to be friendly. He has bought his records, sets himself up as a DJ in a local pub and lives the party lifestyle. He just failed to take into account the British weather, it is cold.
The first episode sets things up in a rather optimistic manner. Valentine being irresponsible which causes Kobna to have an asthma attack. We get introduced to Walter's best friend, Bagpipes (Bill Bailey) who lives in the flat upstairs with a leaking bath and partner Kirsty (Kellie Shirley.) They have one son who is the same age as Kobna and a daughter who is more darker!
The first episode had a lot of 1980s music, a bit too much of it. It also failed to set up when exactly in the 1980s this was set in. Much of the music was from the early 1980s but I think it was set in the mid 80s, it is not made clear.
There are strong performances, it has a nostalgic glow like the sitcom Cradle to Grave which was about the early adolescent experiences of writer, presenter Danny Baker. However it was not as funny with Elba appearing to be a bit stiff with the comedy.