TV Review: Episodes 2.6
When the creators get the right balance, Episodes is a real gem of a show but it’s been an uneven series so far.
rating: 4
Theres no escaping that last weeks installment was below par, so its a relief that the sixth episode is a return to form. Sean and Beverly get closer as they attempt to write Matts speech for Mercs man of the year award, and Matt tries to get one of his old Friends co-stars to do a guest role on Pucks. This may sound like a thread bare story to hang an entire 30 minute episode on, but this gave us some of the best one liners and awkward moments. Right from the first scene where Matts stalker appears almost naked, Its coming up for Sweeps season, this time of year has TV networks on edge as all their shows ratings are evaluated. Morning is able to work past her cosmetic surgery mishap, aided by $40,000 worth of digital special effects. All the events in Matts active personal life are all building towards something, the affairs, the playboy lifestyle and moral grey area he calls home is taking its toll on the actor. Doing the rounds calling his former co-stars he learns that he has isolated himself from his old friends. He might have the money and lives the high life, but its starting to look like a lonely place to be. The guest star was a little obvious, so when James Michael (Gunther on Friends) turned up some of the impact was lost. Unfortunately he wasnt given much to do, but it was a neat little touch. A lesser series would have had Sean and Beverley back together by now, and even when it looked like they could be reunited the image of Matt with his wife is still too much for Sean to bare. When the creators get the right balance, Episodes is a real gem of a show but its been an uneven series so far. Theres still 3 episodes to go, so thats plenty of time to turn a mixed series into a winner. Episodes continues Friday at 10pm on BBC Two.