Gavin & Stacey is a comedic, romance series that aired on BBC. Gavin Shipman (Mathew Horne) and Stacey West (Joanna Page) first met online and found that they had many things in common. After six months, they decided that it was time to meet each other in person. After meeting they felt an instant connection and decided to continue their relationship and see how far it would go. This very fast progressing television series turns Gavin and Stacey’s relationship into a full blown love story in just a short time frame. That is not to say that they did not face some difficulties or roadblocks along the way, but they sorted everything out with lots of help from their family and friends.
One of the biggest obstacles that Gavin and Stacey would have to overcome is the fact that they lived quite a distance from each other. Of course, Gavin’s best friend, Neil Smith (James Corden), would have somenthing to say about Gavin’s new romance and a whole lot more. Stacey’s best friend, Vanessa Jenkins (Ruth Jones), is a very strong, independent lady that does not always make the best decisions. Nessa deals with Gavin and Stacey’s relationship in a different way than Smithy.
After the wedding they decided to move to Essex to live with Gavin’s parents, Michael (Larry Lamb) and Pamela (Alison Steadman), who are very excited that the couple decided to make their home in Essex. Although, everything goes well for Gavin, Stacey is having much difficulty finding a job, so she decides to move back to Barry and move in with her mother, Gwen (Melanie Walters). They later settle in Wales, but that does not go over so well with Pam and Smithy. Pam is having empty nest syndrome, while Smithy is having seperaration anxiety from living so far away from his best buddy.
Early in the series Smithy and Nessa have a one night stand, which they would soon regreat. The pair soon grow repulsion toward one another and are constantly at each other’s throats. Nessa later reveals to everyone that she is pregnant, Smithy is in shock but delighted that he is going to be a father. She later gives birth to a healthy, bouncing baby boy. Unlike, most sitcoms the couple does not immediately fall into each other’s arm, if they ever do.
After Gavin moves to Barry, he is lucky enough to get a good job, so they feel that it is time to start trying to conceive. Stacey has difficulty getting pregnant and she blames it on herself. They seek the advice of a physician and he runs a few tests and everyone is surprised to find out that the Gavin has the medical issue, not Stacey.
When everyone is feeling down and out uncle Bryn (Rob Brydon), is always there. Stacey’s father passed away when she was younger so Bryn took it upon himself to become a father figure for Stacey.
If you want to experience the drama and hilarity of Gavin and Stacey’s relationship be sure to get hold of this series one way or another.
Review
I love, love this series. It is so wholesome, funny, and romantic. I appreciate how the writers made the characters come together to become a close nit family. When one character was faced with a dilemma, all the other characters quickly provided them with support in their own unique way. The dialouge is very funny and clever, but not in a cheesy way. Even though Bryn’s character was meant to be funny and possibly cheesy, he was very realistic and stood out above the rest.
Fox unsuccessfuly attempted to recreate this British classic but the writers and producers failed miserably. Do not bother with Us & Them, stick with the original Gavin & Stacey. I give this series 8.5.
Jay Skelton is a fan of all television shows and movies. He tries his best to keep up with the latest foreign television shows and movies. Jay loves skinny dipping in the dark too.
