Colin from Accounts season 2 review: Still laugh-out-loud funny and perfectly pitched

Colin from Accounts season 2 review: Still laugh-out-loud funny and perfectly pitched
4.0 out of 5 star rating

When Colin from Accounts first arrived on BBC Two in 2023, it arrived like a bolt from the blue.

Really, we should have seen it coming. The show had already received rave reviews following its Australian broadcast, but there’s no denying that, other than the American market, we as British audiences can be remarkably closed off to international TV.

It’s great news that Colin from Accounts seems to be making progress on it. The show’s initial season was enthusiastically received by British audiences, who appreciated its unique and quirky concept, as well as its heartfelt humor that wasn’t overly sweet. This combination turned out to be a successful formula.

As the second season of the show rolls out, it debuts in the UK towards the end of summer, offering a dose of light-hearted, relaxing humor that viewers crave. However, the question remains: Will it live up to the high standards set by its much-adored first installment?

Colin from Accounts season 2 review: Still laugh-out-loud funny and perfectly pitched

It’s great news! Just like the first season, Colin from Accounts in season 2 has been equally successful. It’s managed to rekindle the charm that made the first season such an enjoyable watch.

The selling point remains the easy chemistry and quick wit of its leading married couple, stars and co-creators Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer.

In the inaugural season, I found myself witnessing the budding relationship between Gordon and Ashley’s characters. It all started following a heartwarming incident with a canine friend, whom they later affectionately named Colin and decided to adopt.

During this particular period, having established their relationship as a solid base, we delve into the details of their everyday life shared as a couple, assessing if they indeed have the compatibility to sustain their journey in the long run.

Indeed, it’s no wonder that the charming wit, the spot-on delivery, and their remarkable chemistry on screen remain unchanged.

Colin from Accounts season 2 review: Still laugh-out-loud funny and perfectly pitched

In the upcoming episodes, the narrative continues directly from where it left off in season 1, as Gordon and Ashley embark on a mission to reclaim their cherished pet dog, Colin, who they now find themselves up against his seemingly annoying, though in some aspects legitimate, new caretakers.

In the final scene of the initial episode, there’s a hint given that could lead viewers to anticipate a storyline spanning the entire season and potentially altering the course of the show. Yet, they might find themselves taken aback by its eventual development.

To be honest, this current season seems to reinforce what was starting to emerge during the latter part of season 1 – Colin in Accounts appears to be a hidden gem of a sitcom, disguised within a narrative-driven comedy series.

Lately, it seems that the popularity of sitcoms may be waning. Although series like Abbott Elementary and What We Do in the Shadows remain popular, there appears to be a decrease in the demand for comedies solely for amusement or those focusing on repetitive situations to depict everyday life.

Colin from Accounts season 2 review: Still laugh-out-loud funny and perfectly pitched

Initially, the early installments of “Colin from Accounts” heavily emphasized storyline, tracing Colin’s journey towards recovery, Ashley’s move, and the intriguing development of their central romantic tension. However, as time progressed, it evolved into a more conventional romantic comedy or sitcom – making it even more appealing in the process.

In simpler terms, some standout episodes from season 2 focus primarily on specific events involving Ashley’s disappearance and Gordon’s search, or Ashley’s discovery of Gordon’s peculiar habits when she’s away. While many viewers appreciate continuous storylines with increasing tension and development, these self-contained episodes offer a nice change of pace.

As a cinephile, I’d say the sitcom setup beautifully showcases Brammall and Dyer’s top-notch acting chops and maybe even their writing skills. It’s all about their effortless back-and-forth, their witty banter, and that improvisational flair they bring to the table.

Achieving a balance where dialogue feels authentic yet unscripted, while also maintaining a consistent level of humor can be quite challenging. However, Brammall and Dyer manage to pull this off flawlessly throughout the entire series.

It’s most apparent during their casual chats, devoid of the intense storyline elements.

Colin from Accounts season 2 review: Still laugh-out-loud funny and perfectly pitched

Absolutely, it’s not only about the two main characters – the show’s secondary actors have contributed significantly to building the world since the start. However, in this current season, several of them are given more significant roles to explore.

In their latest performance, Emma Harvie, Genevieve Hegney, and Michael Logo delivered standout roles as Megan, Chiara, and Brett respectively. However, it’s Helen Thomson and Darren Gilshenan who continue to shine brightest as Lynelle and Lee, showcasing their exceptional talent as supporting actors.

Many parts of it stem from the characters being exceptionally over-the-top and comically absurd. While their interactions with Ashley in season 1 sometimes verged on irritating, here they are given their own preposterous subplot, allowing them to fully showcase the entertaining traits that make them stand out.

This round, I find myself stepping into the world of the Joneses, where it’s my turn to encounter Gordon’s kin. You might assume that the producers would opt for a contrast by portraying them as a model, healthy family to juxtapose with my own life. However, you’d be mistaken, dear cinephile. The Joneses are anything but functional and healthy!

Initially, they might come off as overly gruff and uninviting, but this sets the stage for a remarkable sequence that seamlessly combines elements of dark humor and drama, making it exceptionally effective.

Colin from Accounts season 2 review: Still laugh-out-loud funny and perfectly pitched

Each installment may not be equally compelling compared to others, given the inherent characteristics of episodic narration. Yet, none are hard to endure due to poor construction, lackluster execution, or significant deviation from the intended narrative.

Instead, it’s a highly entertaining, continuously amusing eight-part series that’s ideal for relaxed viewing during the evening.

If the series doesn’t end – given the nail-biting cliffhanger, you’ll surely want more – then Colin from Accounts could potentially be a long-lasting source of comedy, becoming one of those familiar shows you can turn to when you’re indecisive about what to watch next.

With every passing episode, I find myself growing more invested in the characters, which leaves me eagerly anticipating even greater heights for the series – here’s hoping it maintains its momentum!

Colin from Accounts season 2 will start airing on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on Tuesday 3rd September.

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2024-09-03 08:34