On first perusal of Fresh Meat I was excited to see that it had been created by Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong of Peep Show fame, but disappointed to find all the characters quite generic and unexciting. However, five episodes in and Im glad to say that I love it. Mostly. The most impressive thing has been Jack Whitehalls portrayal of JP what a ledge! Episode 1 was a bit slow as it set up the characters, situations and stories etc, but then first episodes can be. My main concern was that the characters seemed to be taken from a stock set of students that can be found in any student film/TV programme ever made older loner, rebel, swat tying to be cool, toff and a normal boy and girl couple that we all know want to be together. Nothing new there. However, as the episodes have rolled on most of the characters seemed to have come into their own and have made me laugh out loud on regular occasions. Howard, with all his quirks and general weirdness has been a success. Oregon, although annoying at first has become more endearing. Josie and Kinsley work well together and apart. The only character that I dont like and cant seem to tolerate is Vod. She feels too over the top and to boot her character is suffering from overacting, which makes her feel less authentic than the other characters. The success story of the show is JP. He confidently feels he is above those around him, despite clearly being uncool in his own circles before University, and his attitude, actions and classic lines of dialogue have had me giggling to myself more and more with every episode. Despite a ropey first episode where Whitehall didnt quite look at home in a role that isnt too far from his reality, he has come on in leaps and bounds. I especially enjoyed this weeks episode with a topless JP getting stuck into a riot with the police after one copper pushed him over. Whitehall is most definitely reveling in the role and appears to be enjoying it immensely. Whether or not he can step out of a role clearly close to home for him and play a character with more depth and range is quite honestly irrelevant. He is perfect for JP and a pleasure to watch. If he never acts again he can deem his role in Fresh Meat a success in my opinion. Despite my initial reservations on the show and casting of Whitehall I am now a firm fan of Fresh Meat and look forward immensely to tomorrow night's installment on my telebox.