Peep Show - Series 1-4 - Complete (Box Set) (DVD)

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Liked it
Story	Outstanding
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Good
How does it compare to similar films?	Good

Advantages:	funny
Disadvantages:	none

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

WHAT IS IT ABOUT:
Peep Show is a Britsh comedy sit-comn that focuses on two flat-mates, Mark and Jez, whose completely different lifestyles don't stop both of them getting into a series of bizarre and ridiculous situations.

SERIES 1:
Series one basically focuses on both men trying to sleep with Toni, the next door neighbour, but also sets the foundation for Mark's infatuation with Sophie, a focus of many future series. There are six episodes on the DVD, each of which is 25 minutes long.

This is an excellent comedy show that is cleverly built on a very basic premise; take a nerdy, law-abiding, nervous office worker and his unemployed, anarchistic drug using mate, and let the madness ensue! The juxtaposition of two completely different characters leads to some brilliant set pieces.

The show is very minimalistic, but it works. At the heart of its success (in my opinion) is the way everyone can relate to one of the guys. Also, whilst it's funny to watch Mark squirm his way through a simple encounter with a woman, it's just as hilarious to watch Jez say something completely inappropriate.

The show is often filmed through the viewpoint of a character so, if they kiss a woman, the woman basically kisses the camera. This innovative style helps make the show easy to relate to, and adds to the comedy in a way other shows fail to address.

Be aware: the sexual content (whilst never explicit) is hardcore in terms of dialogue and reference. One example includes a drug binge resulting in Jez and his fellow band member giving each-other oral sex. Drug references are, along with sex, frequent: you've been warned!

SERIES 2:
Series two of this hilarious British sitcom carries on from where the first left off: Mark is still a socially inept nerd, who awkwardly ambles his way through day to day life. Rather than do it all alone, though, he falls for an equally nerdy university student. The series can be noted for developing Jez's character in more detail, with his landing on his feet and getting into a relationship with the model-esque American, Nancy.

This series is just as good as the first, but adds more bizarre and obscure storylines to the foundation we have now come to know and love. In particualr, is the new friendship Mark makes with a guy at work, only to find he is an active neo-nazi. With Mark's love of military history, he is sucked into dramatisations and re-enactments that aren't as innocent as he thinks. Whilst this is brilliantly funny, the best storyline comes in Mark's university facade (small spoiler to follow). Basically, Mark has a chat with a woman in a shoe-shop, and falls in love with her on the spot. When he goes back to see her another day she isn't there, having apparently returned to university. He finds the university, tracks her down, and then imitates uni life, pretending he is a student to get near to her. This includes going to lectures! It's completely unrealistic yet hilarious, which is getting more and more the general vibe of the show in this series.

The character of Superhands is also developed in this series, which includes his famous line about not seeing the problem with having "a nice relaxing smoke of crack".

There are, as always, six 25 minute episodes in the series, and when you've fallen in love with it you need worry not: there are two more series out right now, and another two on their way!

SERIES 3:
Series two saw the plot going down a more bizarre route, and series three brings it back to normality a bit. In what should be a satisfying plot turn, Mark finally gets the gal, as he and Sophie begin a relationship. However, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to predict that Mark will be just as inept in a relationship as he was out of one, and this all builds and builds into a ridiculous series finale, which will have you bursting at the seams.

As with series two, the character of Superhands now becomes pretty much a mainstay of the show. If you thought Jez was a rebel, you ain't seen nothing yet: Superhands is completely off the wall.

One downside to the series is it features a character called 'Big Susie', who is just down-right annoying. Her voice and facial expressions are aggravating to the point where I can't enjoy the scenes she is in! Sadly, she returns in future series too!

The brilliance of the show is the juxtaposition of the wildly different Mark with Jez, and the way everyone can relate to some parts of the show, whereas others are completely random.

SERIES 4:
As always, the plot revolves around two flat-mates, Mark and Jez. Whilst Mark is a shy and nerdy office worker, Jez is an unemployed, childish rebel. Between the two of them, they get into some hilarious set pieces, that go from the relatable to the downright bizarre.

This series is the first that shows signs of Peep Show reaching its natural peak (spoilers to follow). Whereas we spent a lot of the early days wanting Mark to get it on with Sophie, not only are they now together but they're engaged. Sadly, this left the writers in a tough spot this series: what to do with them next. The result is a forced storyline that does stuff for the sake of doing it, and as a result leaves the Mark and Sophie storyline quite dry.

Jez's storylines, however, are brilliant. As always, they're very risque and adult in their plot, and would not appeal to those without the broadest sense of humour. A particular favourite moment comes when Jez takes a job for one of his old musical heroes. Acting as a glorified handy-man, he is horrified to discover the musician expects sexual services included. You can probably guess by now whether he'll do it or not.

If you liked it, there are a total of 7 seasons commissioned, so there's plenty more on the way!

As always, the series is made up of six episodes, each 25 minutes long. The irreverant and sexual comedy isn't for everyone, but those who can handle it will find plenty to enjoy.

A word of warning: don't bother with the Mitchell and Webb Show. Despite starring Mark and Jez, it's a waste of time. This shows how Peep Show has done so well because the actors didn't write it, and when they were let loose with a pen the results were terrible.