tue 26/11/2024

Vexed, BBC Two | reviews, news & interviews

Vexed, BBC Two

Vexed, BBC Two

Does BBC Two's new cop comedy make an arrest?

Waking the deadpan: Toby Stephens and Lucy Punch in 'Vexed'

Lucy Punch – what a great name for a comedian (or a female boxer). Unfortunately that is the only thing that’s great about Vexed, a new comedy drama written by Howard Overman, creator of Channel 4’s perky ASBO (RIP) superpower fantasy Misfits. His new show is that relative rarity, a comedy cop show, a genre of which Punch has some experience, having had a supporting role in Hot Fuzz, although it’s not in Vexed’s interests to start making such comparisons.

Lucy Punch – what a great name for a comedian (or a female boxer). Unfortunately that is the only thing that’s great about Vexed, a new comedy drama written by Howard Overman, creator of Channel 4’s perky ASBO (RIP) superpower fantasy Misfits. His new show is that relative rarity, a comedy cop show, a genre of which Punch has some experience, having had a supporting role in Hot Fuzz, although it’s not in Vexed’s interests to start making such comparisons.

Deadpan requires the straightest of straight faces, and neither Lucy Punch nor Toby Stephens is anywhere near the Leslie Nielsen class

Share this article

Comments

I've been really enjoying 'Vexed'. I find it funny, intelligently written and full of a certain sweetness. We will have to differ. :]

You've been a little too critical on the series, while the acting isn't up there with the best, its well written, quite sharp, surreal and the two lead characters have a good rapport - lots of interesting sub-plots and quirks too.

Cannot possibly agree. Toby Stephens is marvellous as the sleazy, macho, laid-back detective. His over-acting only makes the character funnier in my eyes. And so what about predictably? Practically every happily-ever-after story is, so why isn't this allowed? Personally I find it to be one of the very best things I've seen on TV this year, right up there with Sherlock and Luther.

Watched all three on iPlayer one after another, and I wouldn't have done that had I not thought it was worth it. I really enjoyed the non-relationship banter between the two main characters . I'd really like to see this return. Well done on casting Ruth Punch, she's excelent in this role and Toby Stephens plays 'Jack" brilliantly. Lets have another three episodes....please!

Add comment

The future of Arts Journalism

 

You can stop theartsdesk.com closing!

We urgently need financing to survive. Our fundraising drive has thus far raised £33,000 but we need to reach £100,000 or we will be forced to close. Please contribute here: https://gofund.me/c3f6033d

And if you can forward this information to anyone who might assist, we’d be grateful.

Subscribe to theartsdesk.com

Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com. For unlimited access to every article in its entirety, including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces, we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year. We feel it's a very good deal, and hope you do too.

To take a subscription now simply click here.

And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription?

newsletter

Get a weekly digest of our critical highlights in your inbox each Thursday!

Simply enter your email address in the box below

View previous newsletters