TV Review: Episodes 2.7

rating: 4

Last week was a series best for the slightly unbalanced second run of Episodes, this week the subject of Matt€™s weight tips the scales and just about manages to better the previous installment. Merc and the Network are concerned that Matt has gained a bit of weight, and regardless of LeBlanc€™s now reduced role in Pucks, if he wants to stay on the air he€™ll need to lay off the treats. The movie and TV industry can be a superficial place, when you work within the public eye your every move is held under a spotlight. There are dozens of magazines and online places that specifically exist to report the goings on of every celebrity from A-listers to reality stars. An online article with pictures and a cruel tagline of €œMatt LeBlob€ sends the former Friends star into a drinking and comfort eating meltdown. This in turn leads to Matt finding comfort in the arms of his stalker, after all who else but an unhinged fan can provide unconditional love. These scenes showed a rare venerable side to him, re-watching an old interview whilst demolishing an entire cheesecake showed a depth in his character not previously seen. The perils of fame and the cruelty of the media isn€™t restricted to the fairer sex, it can be just as difficult for men to take the ridicule. In real life LeBlanc has been featured many times for either his weight gain or graying locks, considering he€™s middle aged these are perfectly normal things that everybody faces. James Purefoy popped up again as Morning€™s brother Rob, and he is able to tempt Beverly out for her first date in over a decade. Naturally Bev is very out of practice with these things, and the date doesn€™t get off to the best of starts. Add in a phone call from Sean on loud speaker, and you€™ve pretty much got the makings of the worst date ever. Although, Rob does give Beverley a second chance at a first date, which she happily accepts. Sean was obviously crushed that his estranged wife is now dating, quite what this means for their reconciliation is still a mystery but some form of closure can be expected by the end of season. There have been a couple of occasions in this series where the concept felt strained, but with such dedication to character development and winning performances a strained concept can be forgiven. Even if Pucks gets cancelled, it€™s difficult not to see a third run being commissioned. Episodes continues Friday at 10pm on BBC Two