RyothChatty
ridiculous rating
Stephanie
There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes
Cassandra
Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.
Mohrwyn
We all know that aging isn't easy. But I surely don't know any story that shows us all the fun parts during this process!We meet Paul Slippery and his family in a time that Paul starts to become pretty obsessive about his wife Estelle. He feels something important is missing in his relationship. A feeling that is getting stronger by the day, due to all the changes their family is experiencing. His sons are starting their careers, while exploring all fun parts of their young adults life. With three grown sons Estelle decides to start her own career, which Paul has a hard time getting any grip on. And on top of all that, one of his colleague's is really getting on his nerves.A really fun story unfolds, with all kinds of misunderstandings on Paul's part. It contains lot's of crazy stuff and plots, that grows more complicated as Paul gets more confused. Whether you're younger, older or actually "fortysomething", if you're in for a good laugh, this show is a "must see". I watched it several times and will for sure watch this "feel good" series again.For those who know Hugh Laurie only as Gregory House, remember he is actually English, as is this series. Even though he's a doctor in this series too, his character is in no way comparable with House. Those two elements may cause you to either love or hate Paul Slippery and his family.Besides taking the main role in this series, Hugh Laurie also directs three of the episodes.
p_chamney-534-910364
I first watched Fortysomething 3 years ago, and I soon purchased it, which is rare for me. I'm not a particular fan of comedies, but this one's really smart and huge fun, and it's got heart. The characters are hilarious and engaging, and whoever cast this did an amazing job. I hadn't seen some of the actors before, but they're all just what's needed. Peter Capaldi's Ronnie Pilfrey is a particular joy. Other standouts are Hugh Laurie, Anna Chancellor, and Sheila Hancock. A young Benedict Cumberbatch is fun, although under-utilized in his role. If you enjoy re-watching favorite series, this is definitely one to check out. Like some other classics, it holds up well to that. It's also got lots of heart. I'm not sure why this only ran for a season; it may have been because Hugh Laurie was cast in House. Or perhaps it was scheduled/promoted wrong. But thank goodness Fortysomething exists. Sex is a recurring theme, so you may not want to watch it with small children, only so you don't have to explain it to them. It's deftly-handled, though. If you weren't offended by the subject in Friends, it won't bother you here.
malmborgimplano-92-599820
My sister the Cumberbabe says this is unwatchable. She gave up on it after a couple of episodes. I didn't literally watch the entire series, but I did listen to the whole thing while shredding some papers and glancing up now and then, which isn't a bad way to experience it if like me you're really not a fan of low, heavy-handed dumb-dumb farce in which everyone is either really stupid, mean, or mean AND stupid.To me the only thing this series has going for it is that amazing cast (Hugh Laurie and Benedict Cumberbatch playing father and son is an idea worth trying again in better circumstances) but since the clowning they have to do is so tasteless and embarrassing it's not much fun. The sex farce stuff with the young people (what my sister calls the "Mum, he's shagging my girlfriend!" stuff) and the lame-butted "Twelfth Night" derived sequence in which Capaldi and Chancellor do Malvolio and Olivia just made me hate whoever was responsible for it.
neardark
I've just seen the third episode tonight, and this really is the most staggeringly brilliant comedy I've had the pleasure to view in a great many moons. Quite why ITV has decided to move it to the 11pm slot on a Saturday night I know not, but I would thoroughly recommend that you check out the rest of the series and then rush to acquire a copy as soon as it's released on DVD or video.The characterisation, script, performances and plot are all excellent - Hugh Laurie, Anna Chancellor and Peter Capaldi are all at their very best, and there's some quite stunning physical comedy from Mr Capaldi in particular. All the supporting roles are excellently played as well, particularly the three sons, their two inane girlfriends and Ms Chancellor's employer (the ever-wonderful Sheila Hancock).All of which may sound a tad hyperbolic, but if I'd just said "Well, it's about this doctor facing a midlife crisis, he's worried that his wife may run off with someone else, his practice partner is psychotic and obsessed with his wife, his teenage sons can't stop either thinking about, or having, sex, and meanwhile he can't remember the last time he actually had any himself," I'd never really have got it out of my system, now would I?
