Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Cast: Lee Mack, Sally Breton, Hugh Dennis, Abigail Cruttenden, Deborah Grant, Geoffrey Whitehead, Francesca Newman, Max Pattison, Finlay Southby, Selina Griffiths, Chris McCausland, Melvyn Hayes, Kiana Wu, Melanie Gray, Rich Keeble, Bryan Hands, Mukamajule Michelo, Sanchia McCormack, Viss Elliot Safavi, Tanvi Virmani, Jonny Dixon, Adam Boardman, Dan Linney, David Ajao, James Benson, Naveed Khan, Sabrina Sandhu, Matt Weyland.
Despite the loss of Bobby Ball as Lee’s Father, series 13 of the acclaimed comedy Not Going Out stands out as one that is unafraid to tackle certain sensitivities that come as life’s journey winds on.
It is quite amazing to think that this British comedy has lasted has long as it has without a drop in quality, without winding down. Even if the viewer looks across the water to its American counterparts, its longevity is remarkable…but not unexpected.
To keep a core cast in the comedic loop is one of absolute persistence, and when countered with the observed absurd, is one that is nothing short of inspiring. To be confronted with the magnified essence of married life, of the sniping battles but resolute defence of the institution, to understand the often exasperation of having a family that requires constant nurturing, and yet in amongst it all show the humour that can carry friendships beyond that of the constant reinforcement of the emotions that are prevalent in today’s physically entrenched world.
Not Going Out may or may not return for a 14th series, if it does it is sure to thrill the fans, but should the series rest finally on its laurels, to be the second longest British comedy series in terms of series, then it goes out on a high, for whilst other comedies have felt the urge to showcase a perceptive near one hander, ‘Doing a Hancock’, as some newspaper columns once declared, none would dare suggest that there is anything funny to be found about being buried alive; and yet again Lee Mack, who spends most of the episode of Coffin being filmed in the tight confines of the wooden resting place, and yet the set-up is perfect, it is the absurdity pushed to its logical conclusion with style.
As ever the chemistry between Lee Mack and Sally Breton is phenomenal, it is a television marriage that arguably is resolutely honest, not one contrived, but ultimately special; and when placed alongside that of the combination of Hugh Dennis and Abigail Cruttenden in the roles of Toby and Anna, the viewer is shown the two sides of a marriage that lasts, one out of mutual contempt, the other one driven by fierce belief that adulthood and parenthood are by and large an absurd notion designed to drive us crazy.
A terrific series, one that truly frames the consummate writing available and one that gives joy in its watching.
Ian D. Hall