Back

What a terrible name a series, makes it hard to remember and find and I'm not sure of any grander significance than him returning - meaning - he's back. Still, the show is pretty funny, Mitchell and Webb are a dream team and their dynamic here is different enough to feel fresh yet familiar.

(S1&2) This feels like a study in a very English style of gaslit aggression: Surface politeness with an undercurrent of deep malice. If you lack a radar for this kind of stuff this show will be completely incomprehensible. So, there is a lovely satisfaction in eating all the delicious layers of this cake of hate!

Is always going to be compared to shows like 'Peep Show' because of its cast, and 'The Thick of It' because of it creator. Probably unfairly to be honest, but lets do that anyway: 'Back' is not anywhere as good as either of those shows. That's not to say it doesn't have some nuggets of excellence strewn throughout; including Matt Holness who simply isn't on tele enough. Overall it never quite clicks into place, but it has some potential if a second series does appear.

Admittedly funny with solid characterization and satire. Way too bleak to sustainably watch.

[through season 2]

Season 1 & 2

This show is never going to quite live up to the heights of Peep Show but that's ok. We see Mitchell and Webb off against one another which is an interesting dynamic for the pair we're used to seeing as the El Dude brothers and it's a refreshing new way to see them. Good series all in all with plenty of funny moments and a decent enough story line to tie it all together.