Daddy Issues review: Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey shine in big-hearted comedy

3.0 out of 5 star rating

In an unexpected turn of events, I find myself pregnant after a casual encounter, with no clue about the whereabouts of the father and lacking the necessary financial and emotional resources to navigate this situation. It’s not exactly a bed of roses, is it? Yet, the BBC comedy series ‘Daddy Issues’ manages to find humor in the chaos.

In a six-episode series penned by Danielle Ward from Brassic, Aimee Lou Wood plays Gemma, a 24-year-old who frequents parties every day. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers she’s pregnant after taking all six pregnancy tests, which comes as no shock given the lack of protection during her sexual encounters (though that topic is beyond the scope of this show).

For many individuals, determining the perfect moment to have a baby is challenging. However, it’s clear that the present isn’t an appropriate time for Gemma to start a family.

She won’t receive help from her mother Davina (Susan Lynch from Happy Valley) as she has left their father Malcolm (David Morrissey from Sherwood) and moved abroad with their savings, or from her sister Catherine (Sharon Rooney), who is currently in prison for hiring someone to push her boyfriend off a fire escape.

In a surprising turn of events, Keeley (played by Alexandra Mardell from Coronation Street) unexpectedly informs her flatmate, Gemma, that she’s relocating with her boyfriend and his “comfortable carpets.” This development leaves Gemma struggling to cover the entire rent expense on her hairdresser’s income, a financial challenge she can barely manage.

Additionally, we have Malcolm, who unfortunately lacks practical and emotional competence. He seems like a new product straight out of the factory, with the default settings misaligned.

Malcolm embodies the stark reality that arises when a spouse takes charge of all aspects of life and departs unexpectedly.

His actions are frequently so illogical that they seem hard to believe – honestly, it’s astonishing he’s still alive! Yet, Morrissey imbues all the earnestness he invests in his dramatic performances into this character, transforming Malcolm from a humorous figure into someone who, despite his absurd and unstable behavior, seems genuine.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve always been impressed by Wood’s knack for comedy, but in this movie, Morrissey, who’s usually associated with edgier characters, surprised me with his subtle charm and unexpected comedic flair, proving once again that there’s always more to an actor than meets the eye.

Over the last several years, Malcolm has become a significant part of Gemma’s life as she hasn’t nurtured many other female relationships. However, due to her parents’ divorce, she has kept her distance from him as well.

Following an utterly chaotic series of flatmate interviews, where I met a past member of a West German radical left-wing organization, a woman probing into a clandestine government pedophile ring, and a self-proclaimed “feminist” inquiring about my bedroom security, there’s only one suitable choice left for me: Malcolm.

He cohabits with her, but things aren’t as easy as one might anticipate due to Malcolm’s unique personality traits – not exactly smooth sailing. Gemma’s escalating blood pressure during pregnancy seems unrelated to the pregnancy itself and is more likely caused by her father’s seemingly cursed influence.

However, it won’t come as a shock to learn that this change in their living situation appears to greatly benefit their relationship.

The relationship between Gemma and Malcolm serves as the core of this story, and witnessing their reunion will undoubtedly melt your heart. This connection anchors the narrative amidst the more outrageous or vulgar parts, such as a joke that falls flat about “sucking cocks for crack,” or a scene involving a trifle and a hot tub, which comes across as overly silly.

As a passionate movie buff, I’ve found that occasionally the dialogues seem more akin to a string of witty banter instead of genuine conversations between characters. It’s not that every episode lacks depth, but there’s a noticeable variance in quality, with some episodes truly shining brighter than others.

However, the script is filled with hilarious instances, many of which are side-splitting, thanks to Ward’s sharp observations and creative writing. The supporting cast, led by David Fynn as Derek, Malcolm’s ex-housemate and friend, delivers exceptional performances, especially Fynn, who portrays a character reminiscent of Andrew Tate post-divorce.

Derek’s boastful behavior and arrogant demeanor towards women, particularly those who don’t reciprocate his feelings, are skillfully portrayed by Fynn in a way that keeps us almost always entertained.

Additionally, Ward skillfully employs his character to expose misogyny in its true form: pathetic men, crippled under the burden of their own disappointment and insufficiency.

Audience members will find delight in the heartwarming interplay between Gemma and Xander, a pharmacist who steps in to help when she misplaces her bank card and struggles to purchase a takeout coffee.

Worried about raising her child alone, she spent an evening exploring a well-known social venue, hoping to find a potential partner – or perhaps a future spouse. However, Xander is always by Gemma’s side during her pregnancy, even if she doesn’t fully realize it at first – a common romantic comedy plot that’s skillfully portrayed in the story.

Beyond providing laughter, Daddy Issues carries a generous heart and characters, some of whom you’ll develop affection for – or learn to endure (Derek, we’re looking at you) – as they undergo personal growth. With its promise of ongoing episodes, this series seems destined to become a lasting fixture.

Daddy Issues is set to premiere on BBC Three at 9 PM this coming Thursday, the 15th of August. On the following day, it will air on BBC One at 9:30 PM. Starting from the 15th, you can also stream it on iPlayer.

2024-08-15 10:34

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