Episodes: DVD Review

Episodes: DVD Review

Rating: R16
Released by BBC And Roadshow Home Entertainment

There's always been plenty of hints of satire within Hollywood - and now this series emerges with its eye firmly on the TV industry.

The brilliant Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Greig (former Green Wingers) play writers of a successful UK sitcom which has attracted the attention of an American network, who've decided they want to remake it for their audiences.

Lulled to LA by promises of them not changing anything, the happily married duo head to Hollywood to find everything's changing - and the network bosses want former Friends star Matt Le Blanc for the lead...

Soon, things become complicated and a bit tricky for the trio...

Episodes is a gently amusing look at the industry and packed with a lot of insider gags which may not be to everyone's tastes. However, it's on the money when it comes to satirising the TV machine and the life behind the scenes.

It also works because of the lengths Le Blanc is willing to go to destroy his image of Joey - as well as the general affability of Mangan and Greig. Funny, insightful and incisive in long spurts (while occasionally not as sharp as it could have been - there is a feeling that the writers could have gone further), Episodes is well worth your time.

Extras: Making of

Rating