The Change - TV Series Review
This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Philip Young
What do you get when you cross an existential crisis, an Eel King and the Forest of Dean? This delightful, refreshing and odd little comedy series, for one. Airing last week as the summer solstice arrived and the Druids were dawning cloaks, the timing was perfect.
We open on the life of Linda, brilliantly played by Bridget Christie, as she attends her 50th Birthday Party. All seems well in their little suburban back garden. But it is slowly revealed that things aren't all they appear to be. This information is disclosed to us with just the right pace and timing by Christie, who happens to be the series Writer and Creator.
On a trip to her Doctor, Linda is told she is entering menopause. Now, not the stuff that we usually see in comedy, but the subject matter is dealt with kindness, truth and warmth. So, how does she react to this news? She takes off on her old Triumph motorcycle to her childhood haunt in the Forest of Dean to find a little box she left in a tree.
In a small village, we meet a host of deep Gloucestershire characters, including Tony, the town playboy skilfully played by Paul Whitehouse, who successfully keeps the character two steps away from a sex pest. Verderer, the local DJ and bird lover for whom 'lockdown didn't go well for'. The Eel Sisters, Monica Dolan and Susan Lynch rent the run-down caravan to Linda and sell 'Eel and Mash to Men'.
The two main characters to further Linda on her quest are Joy, whom she meets at the local radio station and cafe. An outsider who seems to take comfort in the small town community, its rumour mill and music. The other is Pig Man, played by Jerome Flynn, with sensitivity and depth.
The series builds as the little community prepares for the Eel Festival and bands together to fight the forces that want to tear down their beautiful forest and way of life. They reveal themselves to be not only people of the land but most strikingly progressive and inclusive. They recognise those who are drawn to it as well, like Linda. Searching through the magical English countryside looking for herself.
Written by:
Hello! I write Blogs, Articles, Product Reviews and Scripts. Excellent Researcher and Copy Editor with an eye for detail. My main areas of expertise are in Food, History, Travel, Popular Culture, and Smart Home Setup/Gadgets. Have an excellent off-the-shelf knowledge of various subjects with a background in the Food Business at the Senior Management level and the Film and TV Industry.
