Episodes

The other day I was chatting to theatrical folk and complaining about the dire state of television.

We have never had more choices of viewing yet with worse content or appeal.

My friends suggested the right approach was to watch via “Catch-up” and iPlayer for decent programmes from the archives.

In particular they recommended Episodes which was broadcast in 2011.

The story is of a husband and wife’s script writing team Beverley (Tamsin Greig) and Sean (Steven Mangan) who have a hit about a schoolteacher lusting after a gay librarian.

The rights are bought up by a Californian network mogul Merc Lepidis – who has never actually seen the programme – but decides to drop Richard Griffiths and bring in Matt Leblanc (formerly of Friends fame), making him a hockey coach and calling the show Pucks.

Beverley and Sean travel to work on the show in California and are appalled by the changes and the values of American TV.

Lepidis is having an affaire with his super energised P/a Carol who tries to gloss over every difficulty.

Carol befriends Beverley. The programme is not a success.

Ratings are low up, against a talking dog comedy. Lepidis cannot turn it around and eventually is sacked.

To complicate matters his wife Jamie has gone blind and is having an affaire with Leblanc, an inveterate philanderer.

Jamie is a great supporter and fundraiser of global causes, most of them obscure.

The script is excellent and the characters well-fleshed out. Although there is little nudity, sex permeates the show.

Beverley and Sean separate after Leblanc has a one-night stand with her and have difficulty reconciling.

There is a hilarious consultation with a sex therapist.

I entirely endorse my friend’s appreciation of this funny show.