"Fortysomething" (2003) TV series

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

29 June 2003 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Plot Keywords:

Family Relationships | Forty Something | Midlife Crisis

Cast

Hugh Laurie	...	Paul Slippery (6 episodes, 2003)
Anna Chancellor	...	Estelle Slippery (6 episodes, 2003)
Sheila Hancock	...	Gwendolen Hartley (6 episodes, 2003)
Lolita Chakrabarti	...	Surinder (6 episodes, 2003)
Benedict Cumberbatch	...	Rory Slippery (6 episodes, 2003)
Emma Ferguson	...	Laura Proek (6 episodes, 2003)
Neil Henry	...	Daniel Slippery (6 episodes, 2003)
Joe Van Moyland	...	Edwin Slippery (6 episodes, 2003)
Peter Capaldi	...	Dr. Ronnie Pilfrey (5 episodes, 2003)
Carol Harvey	...	Rosie (3 episodes, 2003)
Siobhan Hewlett	...	Lucy Proek (3 episodes, 2003)
Phillip Manikum	...	Porker (3 episodes, 2003)
Bob Mason	...	Mr. Proek (3 episodes, 2003)
Fenella Norman	...	Mrs. Proek (3 episodes, 2003)

Runtime:

UK:60 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:M

Company:

Carlton Television

Quotes:

Mr. Proek: [after explaining the side effects of a new drug] You mean I could die?
Paul Slippery: Technically, yes. But you could die from an excess of whipped cream, which is what I intend to do tonight.
[holds up a desert that has a peeled banana sticking straight up in the middle]
Paul Slippery: It's called 'Proud Banana'.
[to Proek]
Paul Slippery: Look... would you like to stay for dinner?
Mr. Proek: Sorry, my wife's expecting me.
Paul Slippery: Give her a call and tell her to come over.
Mr. Proek: Proud Banana, eh?
Paul Slippery: It's from the Big Book of Erotic Food.

Quite staggeringly brilliant comedy

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?