Gavin & Stacey Christmas special 2024 review: A love letter to a legendary sitcom

4.0 out of 5 star rating

James Corden and Ruth Jones never shy away from challenging conventions. Not only did they revive Gavin & Stacey for a reunion special in 2019, but they also daringly chose to conclude the episode with a cliffhanger, which was nothing short of rebellious.

For five long years, fans have anxiously waited, eagerly seeking any scrap of news about the destiny of characters Smithy and Nessa, who were last depicted amidst an unexpected proposal on a frosty winter’s eve.

The increasing tension over time wasn’t missed by Corden and Jones, as they seemed anxious and tearful during a pre-release viewing of their swan song.

Currently, it brings relief to them – and us – since this heartwarming end to a beloved British comedy series of our time will undoubtedly spread cheer throughout numerous homes during Christmas.

Five years following the events of the prior special, we find ourselves caught up in the present as the Shipman and West families gear up for a grand wedding between Smithy and his intended partner.

This episode presents a 90-minute long enigma regarding the identity of the groom-to-be’s partner, adding an unexpected thrill to a series known for its casual, low-pressure atmosphere.

The Barries head towards Billericay in anticipation of the upcoming wedding, allowing Pam (Alison Steadman) and Mick (Larry Lamb) a chance to host one final celebration before it unavoidably gets too wild.

The depth of the characters’ portrayal keeps the show engaging, even during scenes that don’t trigger uproarious laughter. It’s still delightful just to observe their heartwarming reunion as a bystander. However, this special doesn’t only offer fun and amusement; it also delves into more serious topics.

Indeed, we have a significant plot point yet to be resolved – a suspenseful cliffhanger surrounding the unusual bond between Smithy and Nessa. The story’s title might even need to be revised or expanded due to the growing importance of their relationship in the series.

Since 2019, the development of their love story has been quite slow. They continue to juggle the demands of being tired parents while attempting to add excitement to their relationship, but now more than ever, they seem to have taken a backseat in their own lives, playing secondary roles.

While the Smithy/Nessa plot is intriguing, it’s a bit underwhelming that they didn’t come up with something more captivating for their primary characters, Gareth and Ruth, to engage in instead.

It seems as though the personal tales of Gavin and Stacey have essentially reached their conclusion, with what we’re seeing now serving more as an epilogue to their stories.

It’s important to note that Horne and Page haven’t lost their charm, quite the contrary, as they seamlessly resume their familiar characters among the numerous returning cast members.

Absolutely! When I say this is reminiscent of writing a love letter to Gavin & Stacey, I’m expressing my genuine appreciation. The creators have gone above and beyond by reintroducing nearly all the characters from the original series, even if for just a moment. Each time another familiar character appears, it’s a joyous surprise.

Notably, it’s Jones and Corden playing Nessa and Smithy that stand out, as expected, since they are given the most poignant scenes. These scenes delve into their shared past and their aspirations for what future chapters of their relationship might hold.

In a fresh and clear style: Alison Steadman’s character Pam remains steadfastly determined throughout, adding vitality to each scene she appears in. Larry Lamb’s portrayal of Mick tugs at our heartstrings, especially with an emotional monologue that stands out – and Rob Brydon continues to endear us with his quirky Uncle Bryn.

In addition, Pete (Adrian Scarborough) and Dawn (Julia Davis) are back after having less screen time in the 2019 special. Their chaotic marriage continues to be one of the most enjoyable recurring jokes in this series.

Speaking of which, folks who’ve recently re-watched the classic Gavin & Stacey series will discover that their time spent was worth it, as they’ll encounter numerous references acknowledging all that happened earlier in the storyline.

Rest assured: Corden and Jones skillfully incorporate these elements into the script, making them seem quite natural most of the time. Occasionally, the references stand out, but in the context of celebrating such an earned triumph, they feel entirely appropriate.

To put it another way, perhaps the third act of this episode could have taken a more unique turn, as it shares some similarities with the season 3 finale and seems somewhat foreseeable due to this likeness.

It might not be an issue for a series that’s now a familiar comfort watch for many, which makes a sensible decision seem appropriate. However, it’s still a point that deserves some recognition.

In summary, while this year’s Gavin & Stacey special might not reach the pinnacle of exceptional sitcom endings, it undeniably serves as an ideal farewell for a cherished series.

This extended episode seems quite similar to “The Simpsons Movie” in a way that it manages to encapsulate all the primary ideas, personalities, and frequently used jokes from its origin, creating a rather fulfilling, albeit not flawless, compilation.

If The Simpsons Movie had served as its final episode, it would have been fitting, considering the series persists today in a form that’s merely a shadow of its former glory. Fortunately, both Jones and Corden have made wise decisions by bringing their respective runs to an end while they can still leave on a high note.

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I must admit that I’ve had my doubts about the creators sticking to their promises in the past. However, this potential ending for Gavin & Stacey seems like a fitting and organic conclusion, hitting all the marks a fan could hope for in a finale – except perhaps providing an answer to the long-standing mystery of what exactly transpired on that fishing trip.

2024-12-26 03:07

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