10 Best One-Off Characters On Peep Show
3. Daryl
Series 2 Episode 2: Jeremy Makes It
Peep Show is a series filled to the brim with despicable characters, and while audiences have to watch a few episodes to unveil the darkness inside Jez, Mark, Hans and even Sophie, they don't have to look far with Daryl to find what makes him an abhorrent figure.
The question of how Jez and Mark actually became friends is asked by the audience many times throughout the series given their polar opposite views on things. But between Mark and Daryl, the two have so many shared interests they could be a match made in heaven. Maybe Daryl was Mark's "The One"?
But as sure as Daryl is a nerd, he's also a massive racist; and his staunch right-wing views come out in obnoxious and disarming waves. From his spiteful opinions about minorities, to his cavalier use of language, Daryl makes for some of the more awkward cringe-comedy the show displayed until then.
Mark's confidence in his friendship with Daryl dwindles as the episode plays on; doubting and then parroting Daryl's language with Jez in what might be one of the quietest funny moments in series history.
Daryl is a great character (in terms of concept) for the show, because his presence does humanise Jez and Mark a little more. Reminding viewers that despite the two leads being awful people, they're not as awful as others in the world.