Not quite sure what to say about MAN DOWN?? Earlier episodes were really hilarious-- for the shock value alone. Not too crazy about the "DAD" character-- as he became more and more of a sadistic torturer of "Dan." In general, the show's humor was based on ridiculing and victimizing DAN-- and not by just one character--but they would gang-up on him--not very nice and hard to watch. Dan's self-denigration is not funny either as a constant theme? This seems to be a key element in ALL of Greg Davies work. Sad. Some elements are insanely funny--many scenes with Dan's Students are a riot. Especially LOVE "Dennis" -- insightful, outrageous depiction of a kid with a tough family life? But, Audience is laughing WITH Dennis--not AT him. Season 4 when Dan becomes a Dad-- is mostly awful-with everyone --his Mom, Aunt, etc constantly humiliating Dan- just a mob of bullies--and Emma, and HER Parents being vicious and mean to Dan--AND violating HIS RIGHTS as a Father? Nothing funny about that. Maybe these last seasons have been cathartic for the Writers--like Davies? But not much fun for Viewers. :(
... View MoreRik Mayell RIP was 56 when he died in 2014. Only 10 years age difference between he and Greg Davies.How could he have realistically played his dad?Maybe make-up and a bit of suspended belief but anything is possible. My friend is a huge fan of anything British, drama, comedy, reality TV, talk shows. you get the picture. So she recommended this series to me. Not sure if I am a fan. I tend to like my comedy less slap stick and more nuanced. Monty Python is a favorite, Little Britain is high on my lst as well.Maybe I will give it a closer look after a while. But for now I am moving on.
... View MoreGreg Davies (probably better known as Mr Phil Gilbert from The Inbetweeners or as Cuckoo's reluctant father-in-law in Cuckoo) conceives and carries this brand-spanking new comedy series about a man-child with a lot of growing up to do.When Dan's long-suffering girlfriend, Naomi (Deirdre Mullins) bins him for not taking life seriously, he tightens his belt (or should I say tightens the cords of his jogging bottoms after misplacing his only pair of trousers), scribbles down something that vaguely resembles a to-do- list and promptly seizes the day in his own unique half-a**ed way. Apart from the fact that he's a teacher who's considerably less mature than his pre-pubescent student body, he must also contend with his maniacal father played by Rik Mayall from The Young Ones. You heard me! The People's Poet is now old enough to play Greg Davies Dad! Adding insult to injury is the fact that Dan's friends are just as misguided as he is. Jo (Roisin Conaty) is an independent young go-getter who goes and gets things that only exist in her wonderfully warped mind. The only "straight-laced" person Dan knows is his close personal acquaintance/financial adviser, Brian (Mike Wozniak) who is often dragged into Dan's immature antics. Then again, Dan's co-worker, Emma (Jeany Spark) is fairly straight-laced... AND she has a nice a**e. Maybe she can put him right? Don't hold your breath!BRIAN: The last time you said that you asked me which one of The Muppets my wife's vagina most looked like!DAN: I know... and you said Gonzo... all purple... all messy thick tufts.:D
... View MoreAs there are no reviews for Man Down i thought i might get it started. Man Down is a good new Chanel 4 comedy staring Greg Davies from the Inbetweeners. It started off brilliantly with huge laughs, but by episode 3 it has lost its touch. Episodes 1 & 2 Were very well written and incredibly funny but episode 3 seems to have lost its touch. Some scenes were funny but the rest of the episode seemed like it was written last minute. Rik Mayall plays a brilliant part as the Dad who constantly plays practical jokes on his son. Overall i will still watch but i cant see a second series coming anytime soon'6/10
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