Review: Catastrophe
I recently watched (extremely quickly) all four seasons of Catastrophe, a quirky, biting romantic-comedy TV series, available on Stan.
Much beloved by critics and entertainment industry types – from whom I tend to get my recommendations for content, snobby I know – Catastrophe tells the story of Irishwoman Sharon Morris and American Rob Norris (yes, you read that right) and the aftermath of a ‘one-week stand’ that takes place while Rob is in London for work. Sharon falls pregnant and Rob decides to migrate to the UK to try and make it work.
The show is a hilarious blend of British off-beat humour and post-modern self-awareness. Sharon and Rob routinely verbally abuse, yet simultaneously nourish each other, making you, as a viewer, simultaneously writhe with laughter and gasp in horror. Some of the tensions that come with a long-term relationship are portrayed so accurately that they cause discomfort, but the warmth and depth of feeling portrayed by the actors makes it (almost) always an enjoyable watch.
The show is made richer by an outstanding cast of quirky side-characters. Rob’s one friend in London,Ìý a revolting corporate-minded drug addict named Dave allows for a hilarious series of comedic incidents, where the audience can enjoy mocking the ridiculousness of 21st century financial excess as it is contrasted with Rob and Sharon’s relatively humble (but beautiful and probably expensive) London lifestyle.
The show’s humour is often political, and watching it now after its run concluded in 2019, you can see the impact of Brexit and the election of Donald Trump on the show. Jokes about the threat of resurgent Nazis are common and tend to be pretty funny, while the show never shies away from some of the generational tensions of modern life.
Overall, Catastrophe finds that perfect blend of sentimentality and hilarity, and I would recommend it to all.
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