kmatlack
I love this program. No, it isn't hilarious. It's touching, gently amusing and interesting. I've watched the entire series many times and every time I see it I'm more impressed with Jennifer Saunders' writing than the time before. I live in a very small US town and I have to say that small town/village life seems to fit a pattern no matter where you live. I recognized some of these women and the way of life.Some have complained that there are too many characters but I disagree. Each character develops at a nice leisurely pace as the series progresses so that by the end of the Christmas Panto we feel that we know these women quite well--and like them. I hope that this is the first of as many series as the characters can sustain and can hardly wait until Series 2.
susi891
I too thought that with all of these actors, it would be hysterical! I am a huge fan of AbFab but this is quite different. It is a lovely take on a small town and the church guild. As a member of my own church guild, I know where these women come from! It gets better after this first show and I have become quite fond of the women, they grow on you! Some of the characters are a bit over the top but Sal and Tip are the kind of friends that you really want in your life. Sal's daughter in law (who can't seem to say smear) is the worst practice nurse as just about everything grosses her out! Dawn French's character is cute, she's not an idiot - she is just a bit eccentric and all the women care for her. It is a character driven show, the plots are just lines to learn about the Women!
nancymc123
After the first episode, which was disjointed and not funny, the show did a remarkable turnaround. My daughter and I watched all 6 shows of the 1st series, plus the Christmas show. The more the series went on, the more we liked it. As has been mentioned, it is not meant to be like AbFab. It is funny and heartwarming at the same time - a character driven show. Though at first it was disappointing to not see much of Jennifer Saunders on screen (she plays only a minor character), I found that I really enjoyed watching Sue Johnston (Sal Vine) and Pauline McLynn (Tippi Haddem)develop their characters. Dawn French as Rosie was endearing and hilarious. I am looking forward to Series 2.
susan-holmes-1
I think it well represents English village life - and indeed family life, well known to us middle-aged women. I grew up in a village like this, where the Village flower show, for my grandparents who lived in the same road as us, was the highlight of the year and the stage for great rivalries.I think it's not so much instant comedy as a comic look at the lives of a cross-section of women in a small community, who each have their problems. It feels as if it written from experience.It is affectionate and not driven by sensational story lines. Most of the characters are ones that you recognise - and they are all concerned with looking out for each other, even if sometimes their help is misdirected.It is more mature than Absolutely Fabulous, and nearly as enjoyable.