I picked this up recently in a DVD bargain bin and seeing as I hadn't caught it on TV I threw it on the DVD player yesterday to see what it was like. I found it reasonably entertaining if a little clichéd. The story centers on a group of 'middle class' friends and their various interactions following the suicide of one of the gang. Martin & Jen (Marc Warren & Keeley Hawes)have been married a few years with one child and things have gone stale between them. I really liked Keeley Hawes in both 'Spooks' and 'Ashes to Ashes' but her character in this is so shallow, whiny and self absorbed she is totally unlikeable. Her useless lawyer husband Martin is more likable in some ways but you still find yourself wanting to give him a good shake to cop himself on a bit. Leigh (Claire Rushbrook) is the grieving widow and she carries the part off reasonably well without ever looking like she's particularly upset. Liz (Sarah Alexander) is the ex of Patrick (Alexander Armstrong) sand there are some brilliant scenes involving both of these actors. Liz is a bit of a spoiled type who never seems entirely content with her lot no matter what. Alexander Armstrongs 'Patrick' saves the whole kit and caboodle even though this seems unlikely given his feckless free spirit / would be layabout outlook on life. Armstrong is perfect for the role and to be fair he accounts for at least 5 of the 7 stars I give this programme. Interestingly from about the 2nd episode on I was wondering if it was meant to be a continued series or would it have a neat 'one off' 6 episode arc with things all neatly tied up at the end. I have to say the ending surprised me a little - particularly since a lot of the content was fairly predictable at times - but it worked for me. I was quite please to find here on IMDb that there was intended to be a continuation ie another series but I for one am glad there wasn't. Not because it was bad, just because I think sometimes less is enough. Finally I think 'Sarah' (Martin's boss) deserves a mention. Emily Joyce was very watchable as a vampish domineering solicitor.
Review of Mutual Friends
