REVIEW: Hapless, Series 1 Episode One 'Playing With Fire'

REVIEW: Hapless, Series 1 Episode One 'Playing With Fire' 

Those of you who have been following my Hapless reviews know that I have been getting constantly frustrated at My5's inaccurate episode order. I've been trying each week to find the 'real' episode one, and to little success. Well, I'm happy to report that I finally found the correct first episode. The first instalment is labelled 'Playing With Fire', and it instantly becomes clear upon watching that this is definitely the starting point for the characters. The opening few scenes do an excellent job at establishing the characters that inhabit the sitcom world, and their relationships to our protagonist Paul (Tim Downie).

From the start, in the opening scene with Paul and the fire fighter, we learn that our lead works as a reporter for the Jewish Inquirer. He receives a call from his sister Naomi (Lucy Montgomery), who is preparing for her child's birthday party. Later, in the supermarket, we learn that Paul's friend Simon (Josh Howie), is Naomi's ex, and also meet her friend Ruth (Rachel Gaffin). Finally, we are introduced to Paul's Dad Ronnie (Geoffrey McGivern), at Ronnie's home, and learn of their shared love of Scalextric. It really feels like we get to know the characters well here, and their individual characteristics.

The sequence in which Paul rides in a fire engine in particular sets the tone for the rest of the series quite nicely. It becomes quickly apparent that this guy is a bit of a jerk when he persuades the firefighters to skip the red lights, despite initially being told they are only allowed to in the case of emergencies. This, clearly, is a series that is going to be quite outspoken, and showcase attitudes that are very wrong.

I was reminded a little of the sitcom Miranda in this episode, particularly with Paul and Simon's behaviour in the supermarket. The pair bicker over who gets to woo the attentions of Ruth, and this kind of friendly rivalry reminded me of how Miranda and Stevie would constantly argue over customers who entered their joke shop. You can see why this idea is utilised a lot in sitcoms, as it is ripe for some good natured humour, and is guaranteed to provide a great laugh.

As is any sequence that sees kids take on a full-grown adult. Suffice to say, the birthday party doesn't quite go to plan. It doesn't take long before the children all round up on poor Paul, and start attacking him with cake. It's a delightfully silly moment, and one sure to raise a chuckle.

Believe it or not, that's not even the worst thing to happen at the party, however. Earlier we learn of how Paul was instructed to photograph some obscene graffiti for the newspaper. Well, this gets one of the most hilarious pay-offs ever, as the graffiti photograph ends up on the party balloon for the child's birthday, whilst the picture of Naomi's kid, intended for the balloon, finds its way on The Jewish Inquirer's online website. There's something just so wrong, and yet so very funny, about this kind of switching of places, and it demonstrates just how daring this series is. It's the kind of comedy that's not afraid to offend, and pushes against the boundaries of what may or may not be deemed appropriate.

Overall, this was a strong opener for My5's latest comedy acquisition. 'Playing With Fire' offers some excellent character introductions, edgy humour and satisfying comedic pay-offs. This debut episode shows a certain level of bravery that should be commended, as it goes to places that many similar shows probably wouldn't dare.

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What are your thoughts on Hapless's second episode? Let me know in the comments section.