This time last year I was watching Mary Poppins Returns at the cinema. Years after the original film had been made, a rebooted version starring Emily Blunt had been released. Given how amazing and clever the original was (though P. L. Travers would beg to differ), I was concerned about whether a modern version would be complementary or an utter failure. We needn’t have worried. While nothing could ever live up to the talent of Julie Andrews, it was a fine sequel that very much celebrated the original film. There was little of concern; we could leave the cinema with relief at how the film had panned out.
This mirrored my attitude yesterday evening towards Gavin and Stacey. I got into the series years after it was first broadcast, with this Christmas special taking place 10 years after the final episode. It had been a decade since Nessa and Dave Coshes decided not to marry, Stacey was pregnant with their first child and we still hadn’t learnt about what really happened on the fishing trip. I felt only excitement and trepidation in the run up towards the evening special; excitement at seeing all the characters again and understanding how their lives had changed, yet a deep sense of trepidation towards the potential for my love towards Gavin and Stacey to be, not ruined, but gained by this special episode. Well, in terms of character development, there was no reason whatsoever for disappointment or any kind of despair. It was very clear that the characters had moved forward in decade since we had last met them, which was both pleasing and realistic. Ruth Jones and James Corden had clearly speculated and imagined far into the future how the lives of their characters would pan ou: how the couples we know and love would evolve in the 2010s. Gavin and Stacey are now with three children, a million miles away from when we were led to believe children wouldn’t be on the horizon. Neil the Baby is eleven and, yes, still called Neil the Baby. With the introduction of the extra children and sad departure of neighbour Dorris, the show had transformed in its 10 years off air. That was no bad thing. Vast changes that had occurred (what’s occurring?. Yet it was also refreshing to see the level of continuity bought back to our screens. The sense of place evident in Barry and Billericay was obvious to all, as the families continued their attachment to their location within the changing world. There was some comfort that, in a world dominated by change, the same habits - Nessa working at the arcades, Gavin rising up the career ladder, Pam gossiping about her friends - were retained ten years on. Arguments and disagreements were aplenty, their struggles are reflective of our struggles. The series managed to achieve what it had always driven to achieve - being representative of our own family lives. That said, the episode was far from perfect. Within the hour which sped by were sections that felt slightly contrived and artificially created just for the benefits of seeing characters and hearing about their stories. I didn’t find the conversations as natural as previous series. There is an element of generosity I have towards the programme given the length of time between episodes, for there is much backstory to cram in. The individual discussions felt like they’re scripted only for the audience’s benefit, rather than a conversation that would actually take place. While they wanted ti reassures viewers, much of the hour was based on narrative conversation instead of events that drove the story forward. And as for that section with Dawn and Pete…it’s the sort of viewing that is truly impossible to unsee. The episode was about the trials and tribulations of family and personal life, which was at the heart of the original series all those years ago. With Smithy and Nessa at the bedrock of all things good and bad, it can truly be said that family ties go far beyond blood lines. This was a show about authenticity and determining who we really are: Smithy may try to be someone else around his new partner Sonia but realises that he cannot changed. Nessa decides that life is too short to hide her true admiration for Smithy, a surprising moment of spontaneity when everything else in her life is planned; every wry statement or bizarre method of earning money planned beforehand. And yet. There was a shocking cliffhanger, stories left untold and a sense of something missing. Apparently, there are rumours of a fourth series, which would no doubt be brilliant for the BBC ratings. With over 11 million of us watching yesterday, there is certainly an audience for more stories about their lives and understanding what the Christmas special failed to disclose. I wonder whether that is the right step forward. We cannot be told everything. Something it is better to let things lie. Despite my pleasure at seeing the characters again, all of whom I find immensely worthwhile, time may be better spent closing the lid on the Gavin and Stacey story. Instead, let their characters live on in our imagination.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Author:Noah enjoys writing a blog and drinking tea Archives
September 2022
Categories
All
|