Hello You – As the first episode of Big Boys begins, Jack (Dylan Llewellyn) introduces himself to viewers and explains that his dad has died. His mother, Peggy (Camille Coduri), is the sort of woman who jumps when the doorbell rings. Their first year without his father was weird. It is September 2011 and the neighbors keep dumping lasagna on their doorstep to give their condolences. Jack says it took him a long time to have a wank because people kept saying things like God would be looking down on him. His dad didn’t know he was a gay. Now, he could watch him bashing one out. Jack begins working out with his mom and they stick together more. He explains how they start looking out for one another.

Jack celebrates his 18th birthday in July 2012. It was a big win for the team when Jack got three As and went to uni on a journalism scholarship. Then, the one-year anniversary came and Jack just couldn’t get out of bed for ages. His mom got him a fish named after his favorite journalist Alison Hammond to cheer him up, but that wasn’t enough. Peggy phoned the university to let her son defer a year so he had to wait. Finally, he ships off to the university in September 2013. Jules (Katy Wix) is there to greet them. She loved the university so much that she got a job in the student union and never left. Jules tells them that Jack won’t be in the hall on the first day, but they have alternative accommodations on site. They’re renovating some of the rooms because of gas leaks.

Once they run into Danny (Jon Pointing), he hopes this is a joke. Jules breaks the news that it is not. Jules says they thought they’d put the two mature students together. Jack says he is 19 while Danny is 25. They find that they’re stuffed into old classrooms. Jack and his mom decide to decorate his room just like his room at home. Peggy reveals she has a letter from Jack’s old man that was meant for his first day at uni. Jack confesses that he really misses his father while Peggy says it’ll be two years tomorrow. Jack begins crying causing Danny to put on headphones. Peggy argues this is a happy moment. She urges her son to get to know Danny who Jack says looks like a Take Me Out contestant. Peggy also hopes her son will meet a lovely girl here. When they take down the billboard, they see Danny playing with himself.

They quickly put it back up and apologize. Peggy yells that it is good for getting rid of stress. She invites Danny over for lasagna before leaving. Jack says goodbye to his mother. Although his mother was only 10 minutes up the road, Jack felt like a million miles from home. Later, Danny apologizes to Jack for what he and his mother saw. Danny gives him a beer and asks what the plan of action is for tonight. He doesn’t like hearing that Jack is going to call it an early night and tries to convince him otherwise. Once Danny relents and leaves, Jack contemplates checking Grindr. However, he decides to look at his father’s letter instead only to find out that Peggy had given him the wrong one meant for him if he didn’t get in. He changes his mind and decides to go out with Danny after reading the letter.

He tells Danny he doesn’t really have a taste in women. Once they sit down, Jules joins them to give them free condoms. Danny takes one while Danny does not. She tells them that she used to study here and it led her on her path to her dream job. She also confirms that they’re not going to be moving to the halls. They’re introduced to her right-hand man Ash (Callum Mardy). After Jules leaves, Ash gives them his card so they can buy gear from him whenever they want. Danny convinces Jack to go chat with a table full of women as he makes a cheesy joke to try to impress them. Debs (Rhiannon Clements) tells him to screw off before introducing herself, Pandora (Eve Delaney), and Corinne (Izuka Hoyle). When Danny tells Jack to take the one on the right, Corinne says no and she can read lips.

Debs says it is Pandora’s turn and she is being frigid although Pandora denies that. As they continue talking, Danny gets a message reminding him to take his medications. Pandora reveals she has never lived somewhere with a microwave. That surprises Jack who wonders how she cooked beans. Jules catches Danny trying to take the medication in the bathroom. He reveals they’re antidepressants and he has to take them at night. Meanwhile, Jack finds himself alone.

He is introduced to Yemi (Olisa Odele) who says his flatmates forced him to come. He has left them to observe. When Jack asks what he is observing, Yemi says a relatively cute guy. Yemi tries to kiss him, but Jack asks if they can go somewhere else. They make out briefly and Jack goes south before his hair gets stuck in Yemi’s nose ring. Jack pulls the alarm to get help. Julies cuts his hair to untangle them. Jack tries to apologize to Yemi, who rushes away. The others laugh at Jack. Danny chases Jack down outside to see what is going on and whether he is crying. Jack complains that this is crap and he is only here because he can’t sit at home on the sofa with his mom anymore.

Danny puts his fleece back on him and asks what he’d do right now if he could do anything. They go back to the room as Danny says there is a documentary about circus children who become serial killers. Jack knows it is on Channel 5 because he is good at this game. He admits he is feeling better. Danny learns that he hasn’t been around people much. Once Jack says he doesn’t know how to talk to fellas, Danny roleplays as a fit guy to help him. The narrator (Jack Rooke) says this is the first moment he felt he might cope at uni and the first moment his friendship with you began. An intoxicated Jules makes a loud noise outside. When they check on her, they learn that she stole a pizza.

 

Big Boys Review

The first episode of Big Boys was a mixed bag with a decent ending. Everyone has different preferences in terms of comedy, but many viewers will likely be disappointed by the humor. The scenes moved a little too quickly making it difficult to keep up with the first few minutes. The action slowed down after that and started settling down. The main characters are likable enough although it may take a few more episodes to develop a rapport with them.

The relationship between Jack and Danny will likely be the focal point of the series. While I wasn’t blown away by the humor, the ending conversation was touching. This may progress into a heartfelt series with a little more time. The opening episode scores a 6 out of 10. Recaps of Big Boys are available on Reel Mockery here. Find out how to support our work at this link.