*Hi, this is my first review so please be nice! I wanted to get everything down so it ended up quite long: I'm not sure if that's good or Bad? Anyway I hope it helps someone as it took me ages! Thanks for taking an interest: Retro-Game-Boy!*

Two Pints of larger and a packet of crisps is a BBC comedy for ages 15+ but pitches it main audience at the 16-30 bracket. Containing an assortment of various topics, the main underlying theme focuses on 5 main characters, in the town that they live. In my opinion I think that two pints is the 'Marmite' of comedies, in that true to the saying 'you either love it or hate it'. For me personally, I absolutely despise the ugly brown spread…but I do love two pints! As much as there are going to be many people who don't like Two Pints (as with all comedies, the material is of a personal taste) it has it's fans in the hordes. It is currently (as of January 2007) the longest running comedy (sit-com) show on the BBC. The show spans a full six series at present, with 54 half hour shows in it's library. The show is written by Susan Nickson, who in an early interview revealed that the show (or at least the first series) stole many ideas from her 'own' personal life as a student.

Main Characters: These are the characters that are featured every episode.

Gaz Wilkinson (Played by Will Mellor): Gaz is a woman obsessed, pint drinking, car fixing lad who always seems to be having some sort of issue. His problems have been mixed and varied (to say the least) ranging from having erection troubles, to believing Janet's baby is his, all the way to thinking there is a ghost in the cupboard; Gaz always has something to deal with. He is in a relationship with Donna (most of the time!) and is best friends with Jonny-the two of which can be seen regularly together in the pub. His highlights include finding his brother who he didn't know about (Munch), amongst other minor achievements such as his sexual conquests. On the other side of the ball, his bad moments in many ways seem to be much worse. He breaks up with Donna (on the regular!), kills his dog with a dumbbell and even ends up massively obsessive (for a short while) when Donna leaves him! Gaz is portrayed to be a very tough, ready to rumble character in many of the episodes. However we are sometimes aloud a secret glimpse in to the 'soft' side of Gaz, which reveals he actually has emotions and is also quite sensitive! One example of this is the scene in episode 4 (of series 4) in which Gaz says '..men like cuggles to you know!' Overall Gaz is a far more complex character then meets the eye, often surprising (and constantly entertaining) the audience with his actions. He also has a huge fear of sheep….

Jonny Keogh (Played by Ralf Little): Jonny is an unemployed, pint drinking, biscuit loving lay about who generally seems to do nothing constructive, ever. He spends his days at home on the sofa watching 'day-time' television, in the pub (usually accompanied by Gaz) or doing a bit of general 'Tinkering' as he describes it. He is in a relationship with his long time partner Janet, who apart from one break-up (were Jonny ended up being thrown out of the house, by Janet's dad) are generally a happy couple. He has biscuit obsession which is clearly obvious throughout the shows. His favourite one being the Jammy Dodger or Jammy-D as he lovingly calls it. Jonny's highlights include getting married to Janet, after there first wedding plans went very wrong! Having a little baby boy-Corinthian. Also finding out that he is the true 'Daddy' of there son, not Gaz, who is (as Jonny puts it) a 'Big Jaffa'. For Jonny his bad moments, really are horrific! These include such things as him missing his wedding (yet still getting married!), finding out that his partner slept with his best mate and getting shot by a policeman, from a helicopter! Overall Jonny hides nothing and really is just plain unlucky, lazy and thick! However he is happy with his wife, his baby and his biscuits!

Janet Keogh (Played by Sheridan Smith): Janet is a slightly simple, alcohol obsessed, blonde nymphomaniac who loves nothing more than acting out many various (and slightly strange) sexual acts-be them with Jonny or with out! Many things have been bought up including Cucumbers, bounty's, chocolate spread and a wide assortment of other vegetables-such as quavs! She works at a local bakers for the main, until she much later ends up working in the pub which ultimately leads up to it getting closed down! She is a long term relationship with Jonny and later marries him. She is the Mother to there first born-Corinthian Mcvite. Her highlights include finally getting married (although in a Iceland Van…) to Jonny. Of course having little Corinthian and many other minor achievements such as getting the job at the pub, over 'more qualified' Donna. Her bad bits include such things as rushing up the hill to save Jonny, but getting held down by police and having to watch him get shot. Also rather unpleasantly she (accidentally) let Jonny and Kate (who was Jonny's short-time girlfriend) stay in her double bed, while she slept on the couch! Overall Janet is a very kind character, who 'wears her heart on her sleeve' and is not frightened to say what she thinks.

Donna Henshaw (Played by Natalie Casey): Donna is hot tempered, bucket selling, largely money orientated women , who seems to be the smartest of the pack. She can be very sarcastic and has a very short fuse, often having arguments with Gaz, Janet and mostly Louise. She has a very mature head, more than others at her age, and seems to be the most (in both business and financial terms) successful of her friends. She is in an on/off relationship with Gaz, and despite his many proposals is yet to accept. For the majority of the time she works at the Bucket Factory as a sales rep, she also owns the garage that Gaz works in for the later few episodes. Her highlights include receiving Ninety Thousand from the sale of her deceased mother house. She also has lot of smaller good things happen, such as appearing in a Bucket Seller's Magazine! Donna has so far had lots of bad things happen to her. A few examples are; Her mother (Flo) dying, finding out her best mate slept with her partner and even having her university tutor hit on her! Overall Dona seems to be to be focused mainly on the money side of her life, working hard and trying to get lots of cash. She also seems to have a constant desire to better her self, by attending university and such.

Louise Brooks (Played by Kathryn Drysdale): Louise is the annoying, hugely immature, self-obsessed little person, who constantly sounds as if she is on helium! Louise is the 'odd' one of the group, in that she doesn't particularly seem to like any of the others. The others also clearly have a distaste for her, with Jonny in particular regularly pointing this out. She never seems to bond with the group and it is almost as she looks down on them. She has had many funny moments such as finding her real dad (who is an alcoholic, and in love with Jonny!), thinking that she if god and also a huge host of other things. She has an annoying and very squeaky voice, sounding much like if you were to inhale helium. She also has a truly annoying habit of emitting a high pitched 'ehh!' when she dislikes something or someone is not doing what she wants. Her highlights have included becoming manager of the bakery and she also seems to 'enjoy' just being a pain! Her mistakes have ended her up in prison, getting Jonny shot, getting community service and more. She is the character that people 'love to hate'! Overall she seems lost and misguided, she doesn't really play a major role in any of the other characters lives and is hated by them all!

Sub Characters: These are the characters that don't have regular slots, but pop up enough for you to get to know them.

Flo (Played by Beverley Callard): Flo is Donna's Mum. She pops up quite a lot in the earlier episodes and generally all of her scenes are very funny! She used to be a prostitute-and claims she still is! She is always seen with a fag in her mouth and way too much make up! Sadly she passes away a few series in and her house goes to Donna.

Munch (Played by Lee Oakes): Munch is Gaz's long lost brother. He is at first disliked by Gaz, who says he is always getting in the way. Munch works at the garage with Gaz and surprisingly seems to be very good as a mechanic. He is one of the best characters in the show (in my opinion) always coming up with class lines such as 'I'm drinking Vimto, I'm gunna be plastered!'. Munch never went out of the series as such, we just saw less and less of him.

David Fish (Played by Jonathon Dutton ): David is from Australia. He has old links with Donna and also has a short relationship with Louise.

Kate: (Played by Alison Mack): Kate works behind the bar and also fills in as Jonny's girl, when he is temporarily apart form Janet. She ends up leaving in a dramatic scene in which she says that Jonny loves his friends more than her. She is not seen again after that.

Kelly (Played by Hayley Bishop): She is the bar maid for most of the later series. Obsessed with taking old men down to the cellar… She is a very dirty woman.

The episodes: There are in total 54 episodes, two of which are 'specials' in that they are not designed to fit in with main show. I will briefly go over each episode in turn, pointing out any key parts. I will also score each one on how 'entertaining' I think it was. Please note you may wish to skip this part as it might ruin bits for you, if you have yet to see that episode!

Series 1:

1.1-Fags Shags and Kebabs: Donna is looking for a boyfriend, so Janet asks Jonny to convince Gaz to go out with her. They end up having a very awkward conversation in which everybody leaves, very annoyed. Things turn out alright in the end though…8/10.

1.2-Spunk: Thin Louise goes on a diet, Jonny tries to be more of man, and Gaz ends up in hospital after a remote to the nose…7/10

1.3-Bone with the Wind: Gaz finds Donna's tooth brush in his flat and starts to get worried, Louise becomes a 'Fag Hag' and Janet cooks up some Egg Butties…6/10

1.4-Angry Wangry: Gaz feels a little less attractive, Janet tries a bit if poetry and Jonny might have actually found something he is good at…9/1

1.5-Lard: Jonny thinks he is in love with Louise, Janet tries to be funny, and some people taste of lard… 8/10

1.6-Ugly Babies: Both of the girls (Donna and Janet) fear they may be pregnant…6/10

Series 2:

2.1-On the Blob: Louise thinks she is physic, which leads to Jonny becoming a mime, which leads to Jonny wearing embarrassingly tight tights…9/10

2.2-Bungle: Jonny wins a £1000 on a lottery scratch card and debates what to buy… 9/10

2.3-Dirty Girls: Louise becomes a lesbian, Donna is asked to move out and Janet finds an old love letter… 8/10

2.4-Vomit: Janet meets up with Andy the person from the love letter, Louise gets a little puppy and Jonny becomes very ill…10/10 (Very funny scene with Gaz singing songs to Jonny!)

2.5-Crusty Curtains: Janet has kissed Andy and Jonny gets mad…8/10

2.6-Mo Mo and Pigsy: Jonny confronts Andy and purposes to Janet… 7/10

Series 3:

3.1-Much: Janet says yes so Jonny tries to find a job to be able to afford a ring, elsewhere Gaz discovers his long lost brother; Munch…10/10

3.2-Fish: Louise goes to find the sender of her Valentines Card…5/10

3.3-Kangaroo: Louise makes an attempt to be a bit more mature to try and stay with David a bit longer, Jonny asks Janet's dad for her hand in marriage…9/10

3.4-Beastality- Janet and Jonny's wedding could be happening a lot sooner, Louise is angry at Donna for sleeping with David along time ago…7/10

3.5-Hospikal: Gaz is in hospital and Jonny tries to blackmail Janet's Dad…7/10

3.5-Dresses, dresses, dresses: The three girls go searching for dresses for Janet's wedding ,needles to say it goes horribly wrong, Jonny steals a barrel of beer, he thinks…9/10

3.4-Fockin' Mokky Bokka: Louise thinks she's aging too quickly and Donna and Gaz get some rowdy neighbours, they send baby Louise round and it all goes very wrong…9/10

3.8-Jammy Dodgers: Janet and Jonny try to argue, Louise is having too much sex and Gaz wants Donna to go out on town a bit more…8/10

3.9-Dump: Gaz gives Much a crash course in women, Louise meets David's deaf sister…9/10

3.10-Schluballybub: Louise kills her 'plant of trust', Janet leaves Jonny…8/10

Series 4:

4.1-Corithian Dies: Everyone is breaking up ,Gaz misinterprets the note that Janet's leaving so Jonny doesn't know…9/10

4.2-Piggy goes Oink: Donna wants to be a student, Louise looses her children's library book and Donna and Janet think it is really deep, Jonny get's kicked out by Janet's dad…8/10

4.3-My delicious Guava: Janet want Jonny back already, meanwhile Jonny has found his new love Kate…8/10

4.4-Cuggles: Janet and Gaz are both felling neglected so end up sleeping together, Louise walks in on them…10/10 (It is so funny when Louise catches the pair just after having sex! (She is so naive even when they tell her the truth, she thinks is a joke setup just for her!)… 10/10

4.5-Purgatory: Janet throws a party, Jonny and Kate sleep in her bed, someone breaks the ironing board…7/10

4.6-Mate Date: Jonny and Kate break up and Louise is now in charge of bakery, using and abusing her power…7/10

4.7-Homeless and Horny: Lot's happens! Jonny becomes homeless and Janet tries to convince him to move back in, Louise losses her job at the bakery for abusing her powers, Donna gets hit on by her tutor and Gaz becomes impotent! Everything seems to be going wrong…8/10

4.8-Filthy Brunching- Gaz cures his impotence by getting angry at another bloke, Jonny gets shot(!)…10/10

Series 5:

5.1-Death: Donna's mum has died, Louise gets arrested for Jonny's shooting, Jonny becomes a minor celebrity…9/10

5.2-Nobbly Bobbly: Gaz thinks there is a ghost in the cupboard of Flo's old house, Louise wants to blab about what happened between Janet and Gaz…7/10

5.3-Shrink: Janet is pregnant again although this time there sure, wedding plans (Or at least second atempts) begin to formulate…9/10

5.4-Ecudor: Donna leaves Gaz and want's to fly to Equator on her own, however not everything goes to plan…6/10

5.5: Potato People: Jonny tries to get Louise to help with his 'business' of selling booze to under age drinkers…5/10

5.6- Antlers: Jonny stag night goes of well with him ending up chained naked to a lamppost, Kelly unties him after groping him for a few hours, however in the morning he can't be found and neither an Janet…9/10

5.7-Crabs: Janet and Jonny wake up in an Iceland truck with no way of escaping, they miss there wedding but still get married(?)…10/10

5.8-Fat: Skip forward a few moths. Jonny is getting a job at the pub, Donna is now single, Janet is heavily pregnant and Gaz has super sized him self… 11/10 (For me one of the best episodes ever. Gaz is done up so well and looks like the 'real deal' This allows for some great gags and Donna face when she first see's him is classic)

5.9-Stot or Pronk: Gaz is back in shape making Donna very envious. She considers cosmetic surgery…6/10

5.10-Who's the Daddy?: Gaz is hit my an ambulance, Janet goes into labour, Corinthian Mcvite is born but who's is he…8/10

5.11-Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba: Gaz is back with Donna and Janet's becoming a baby bore…6/10

5.12-God: Louise thinks she is god after she believes she stopped the rain, elsewhere Gaz starts taking Flo's old HRT Tablets to become more sensitive…8/10

5.13-Love 83199: Janet suffers from depression, Jonny gets his dream job (with biscuits!) and Louise tries to find true love with her mobile…5/10

5.14-Near, Far: Donna and Gaz have found a house to move to, Louise in in a relationship with Mick, even Jonny is going to get a job, but what about poor old Janet…8/10

Series Six:

6.1-SpeedyCruise!: Louise finds she is adopted, Janet gets offered a job on a cruise ship but doesn't want to leave her family, Gaz need Donna to buy the garage but she wants a mobile library…7/10

6.2-Goblins: Janet tries to earn a living making (very scary, evil looking) toy goblins, lesewhere Donna tries to prove a point by driving a van but it doesn't work…

6.3-Mummy Cupboard: Janet pawns her wedding wring, Louise meets her real mum and Donna tries acting like a bloke…7/10

6.4-Cauliflower: Gaz tries to surprise Donna with her dream wedding, but is turns into a nightmare…9/10

6.5-Drunck: Louise struggles with an alcohol addiction and Gaz decides to take Corinthian back as he is the real farther (he thinks…)…9/10

6.6-Croppity Crops: Jonny becomes a (Fake) farmer and Gaz takes a trip to the sperm bank…5/10

6.7-Finger Sniffing: Both Janet and Donna apply for the new job at the pub, Gaz finds out that he has a low sperm count so can't be Corinthian's farther…8/10

6.8-War, Hurrah!: Janet wins and gets the bar job, she turns the pub into a war-themed pub, Donna tries to get back at her by pretending to be a health inspector, also Louise tries to be a prostitute, Gaz gets and Kills a dog and also tries to adopt.. 10/10 (Really good episode ,the interview with the adoption lady is one of the funniest comedy moments I have every seen! I have never laughed so hard!)

6.9-Closing Time: The pub is closed due to a real health inspector turning up, could it all be the end?

Specials:

The Horror Special:

Taking a completely different turn, this is the only episode to of been aired without a live audience and applause. It features the five main characters returning to the pub after it has been closed, even though there is rumours of a curse! One by one each of the five get killed by the thing the love most! This is the darkest of the Two Pints episodes and is violent and quite gory!

The characters were killed by:

Kelly dies before the rest arrive, from a swarm of crisp packets.
Jonny dies from Jammy Dodgers.
Gaz is killed by Donna's legs (sex).
Louise saws her head off.
Donna is killed by a glass window shutting on her (Breaking through. Meaning getting better)
Finally Janet is killed by her friends.

The Musical Special:

A musical flashback of when Janet met Jonny containing lots of popular songs, rewritten with the classic Two Pints Style. Good fun and very entertaining if you have seen any other of the two pints episodes.

The DVD Box set:

In the DVD box set you will get all of the episodes above on six separate discs. It works out a lot cheaper then buying them separately. Again, I will refrain from commenting on the packaging as that is clearly not what you are buying the DVD's for!

As far as special features go there are none really to note. There is however a very interesting commentary available for almost every episode. This usually contains a few of the cast and the writer. It just gives a fresh slant to watching it again, instead of just letting it sit there gathering dust!

Other information: (Just a few quick tips)

If you unsure weather to buy this or not, rather than dishing out the full £50 quid, you should try to catch a few repeats on BB3 first. They show reruns nearly every night, and always do a back-to-back double bill. Be warned though it is on very late and usually spans into the wee hours of the night!

Another Tip would be to check there BBC mini-site regularly as they often give away free tickets to go and see the show, when it is being filmed.

Finally not really a tip but worthy of a note: It has been confirmed by many various sources include Will and the Writer that there will be a 7th series. It will be aired sometime roundabout Q1, which is the first four moths of the year. The number of shows or any content has yet to be announced.

Overall/Wrap Up

Overall Two pints is aimed at a specific audience, if you don't fall within the bracket then sadly it is unlikely this will be your sort of humour. It is often below the belt, so to speak, and is admittedly quite childish. However I do recommended that you watch at least one episode before making any judgment. For me personally I really enjoy it. I find that it is one of the few comedies that I laugh a lot at, usually out loud!

So why not try watching an episode today and find out if you' Love it or hate it!'.

So there you have it an in-depth look at the Characters, the episodes and the humour that make up Two Pints! I hope you enjoyed this review and that it has given you a clear picture of what Two Pints is all about!

Thanks for reading! Retro-Game-Boy!