THE DURRELLS: Sunday night escapism is back

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THE DURRELLS: Sunday night escapism is back

April 24, 2017 - 18:44
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Sunday night light-hearted drama has thankfully returned again in the shape of The Durrells. The very watchable show concerning the lives, trials, tribulations and antics of this fascinating dysfunctional family and the other animals set in the beautiful Greek island of Corfu, has returned for a second series.

The spotted dick solution ... Callum Woodhouse as Leslie and Keeley Hawes as Louisa in The Durrells.

By Andy Simon @AndySimon55

Sunday night light-hearted drama has thankfully returned again in the shape of The Durrells. The very watchable show concerning the lives, trials, tribulations and antics of this fascinating dysfunctional family and the other animals set in the beautiful Greek island of Corfu, has returned for a second series.

And personally? I'm very glad they're back.

And for those who were fortunate enough to watch series one and even more fortunate to have read as I have, Gerald Durrells' Corfu trilogy, "My Family And Other Animals", will already know I'm sure that they're in for a treat.

I mean the whole thing is simply brilliant Sunday night viewing. The cast, the acting, the script, the direction, the location, as pleasing Sunday night dramas go, The Durrells tick all the boxes.

It just proves to us all how good the quality of TV shows can get when you chuck "Loads-a-money" into them. And after watching Sunday's first episode of series two, I am left in no doubt the Durrells will again be a major TV hit throughout this spring.

As the first episode of this new series opens, we find the Durrells in a predicament most of us have been in more than once in our own lives, they're strapped for cash.

To add to their financial misery they have a jealous, new and scheming landlady Vasilia, played by Errika Bigiou, to contend with and for reasons I suspect has something to do with the new cad in town Hugh Jarvis, played by Daniel Lapaine, has taken an immediate dislike to Louisa.

Hugh Jarvis on the other hand has done the opposite and taken a fancy to Louisa, and makes plans to sweep her off her feet.

Margo, played by the delightfully cute Daisy Waterstone is still delightfully dim and still pursuing her lust interest, local monk, Pavlos, before finally realising monks don't have sex.

She then decides she wants to be a nun. Oh bless her.

Lawrence, played by Josh O'Connor, has writers block, Gerald (Milo Parker) is busy hunting for Otters, and Leslie (Callum Woodhouse) still likes hunting and shooting things.

He even shoots Gerald's dog, Roger.

In an attempt to make some money. Louisa hits upon the idea of making traditional English food for the locals. A worthy endeavour which doesn't start too well in the local market. Thankfully; friend and I have often suspected, admirer, Spiros, played by the very handsome Alexis Georgoulis, steps in to lend a hand.

All goes pretty well until the locals start dropping like flies due to a bout of food poisoning which when tracked down to Louisa's food, doesn't go down very well at all!

Oh dear.

So there we have it. All the makings of a cracking new series, and I for one am highly delighted it's back. The Durrells is shear Sunday night escapism from start to finish. It's funny, it's charming, it's well directed, the location is gorgeous, it's all simply brilliant.

And in these troubled times in the world outside, it's nice to snuggle down on your sofa, turn off that damn smartphone, and enjoy an hour of Gerald Durrells family, and other animals.

Sunday night escapism, is back.

ITV's The Durrells, continues next Sunday at 8pm.

Thanks for reading.

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