TELEVISION / BRIEFING: High on culture, low on laughs
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It is not often that you hear Aristophanes' Lysistrata cited on a primetime comedy. And that is not the only respect in which CONJUGAL RITES (8pm ITV) is an unusual sitcom. For a start, it is based on a stage play (by Roger Hall). It is convincingly acted by comedy stalwarts Gwen Taylor (Duty Free, A Bit of a Do, Screaming) and Michael Williams (A Fine Romance, September Song). The first episode is played out by just two characters, frequently breaking into thought bubble monologues. And there is an eyebrow-raising amount of sexual discussion - not to mention activity - for a pre-watershed programme. Unfortunately, in every other way, Barry and Gen lapse into sitcom stereotypes. After 21 years of marriage, their suppertime conversation has dwindled to trading up the car (him) and re-decorating the bedroom (her). They have to think of Michelle Pfeiffer and Paul Newman to pep up their love-making. And she is infuriated that he flushes the loo before he has finished urinating. ITV has made it a priority to try to match the standard of BBC1's sitcom output. But, on this evidence, it still has some catching up to do.
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments