Brilliantly Funny (Outnumbered)

Member Name: Amanda2114

Product:	Outnumbered
Date:	07/09/09 (33 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Clever, Original, Funny

Disadvantages: can't wait for series 3

Outnumbered is a British comedy which is shown on BBC 1 and began in August 2007. It is a semi-improvised comedy about the Brockman family, who are mum and Dad - Pete and Sue and their three children - Jake, Ben and Karen. Each show runs for about 30 mins.

I love this show, the majority of improvised lines are from the three children who are told the basic plot of a scene but then not given actual lines. These three kids are brilliantly funny and the reactions from Mum and Dad just add that extra spark to this clever, humorous, original and refreshing comedy.

I do not have kids but when I am alone with my two nieces I certainly feel outnumbered and I think that this comedy really does capture the magic and mayhem small children can cause. The questions asked, particularly by Karen, or the responses from Jake and Ben to their parents, are spot on.

Cast
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Hugh Dennis - Pete
Claire Skinner - Sue
Tyger Drew-Honey - Jake
Daniel Roche - Ben
Ramona Marquez - Karen

The Story
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Each episode follows a day in the Brockman house hold, whether that is going to the petty zoo for Karen's Birthday or Jake's first day at school. The story is just things that go on in every house. We see Pete and Sue trying to get the kids to school on time, eat their tea and go to bed, while trying their best to answer all the difficult questions thrown at them by their children.

The family.
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The father - Pete
Pete works at a rough school in South London as a history teacher. Pete worries that Jake, in particular, will be bullied like he was at school, he tries his hardest but is often out smarted and outnumbered by his three children.

The Mother - Sue
Works from home as a part-time PA, much more laid back than Pete, she goes with the chaos in her life rather than fighting against it.

Oldest Child - Jake
Jake is 12 and in the first episode we learn that he is just starting high school. He is the calmest and sensible child in the family. He has a great bond with his dad, and the scenes with just him and Pete watching telly as just as great as the scenes with the younger kids.

Middle Child - Ben
Ben is 7 and a chronic fib teller, he likes to torment his sister and constantly asks if he can watch Little Britain and Jackass.

Youngest Child - Karen
Karen is the only girl and is 5. She loves rules and is very inquisitive. She taddle tales on Ben a lot and her parents never hear her coming.

Summary: Highly recommended