Don't believe the critics - it's not that bad... (Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps)

Member Name: Jon K

Product:	Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps
Date:	25/10/03 (420 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good cast, Some good episodes/storylines, Humorous

Disadvantages: Not for everyone

There haven't been many successful BBC comedies in recent years - most have barely lasted for two series, but the ones that do hang around for longer rarely get the praise they deserve. One good example of this is 'Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps'.

'Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps' is a sitcom based on the lives of five twenty-somethings living in Runcorn. They are Jonny, Janet, Gaz, Donna and Louise. Other characters do appear in the show, including Donna's mother Flo - who is considered a main character in all 3 series to date.

'Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps' first aired on BBC2 in Spring 2001, and although not the most critically-acclaimed sitcom the BBC has come up with, it's still a decent show with some intriguing plots and plenty of humour and gags thrown in for good measure. Most people who have watched the show (mainly the critics) have dismissed it as being unoriginal and, at times, too similar to past BBC comedies. But don't let that put you off.

All five main characters are pretty different and all either work or study in and around Runcorn. Janet works at a bakery, Gaz is a mechanic, Donna works at a bucket factory, Louise is a student and Jonny is unemployed (although he does work briefly in series 3). When not working or studying, all five either spend time at the pub, shopping, visiting family or just hang out at each other’s flats (Gaz and Donna live together as boyfriend and girlfriend, as do Jonny and Janet).

Series three saw the addition of 2 new characters - David and Munch. David, who is originally from Australia, lives and studies in Runcorn, and is also Louise's boyfriend. Munch, meanwhile, is Gaz's half-brother. He is also a mechanic, and works for Gaz, which is how he was introduced into the show. Both characters have given a fair few laughs in this series, and also added more potential for future storylines.
r>Pretty much every episode has a good plot, usually with a fairly significant sub-plot. Although most of the time the episodes have centred on significant themes and stay focused on all five main characters, some people might find the show a bit surreal at times - but this only adds to the hilarity. If anything, 'Two Pints...' is a bit like 'Men Behaving Badly' re-made with a younger cast.

If you like straightforward (but occasionally crude) humour with a modern twist, then 'Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps' will definitely appeal to you. I'd say this is mainly aimed at the 16-25 age group because of the themes and general set-up of the show, although some viewers over that age group might find some appeal in the show. A new series is planned for early next year (probably on BBC3 first) - make sure you catch at least one episode of this and discover a simple but great sitcom.