Two Doors Down has been running for two series now, but this Christmas special, ahead of the third series starting February 2018, was the first episode of the Glaswegian comedy I’ve ever watched. And what a treat it was.
The plot – French (who else?) air traffic controllers have gone on strike, meaning Cathy and Colin can’t fly to Grenoble – or “Chernobyl,” as Cathy keeps repeating – for their Christmas, whilst Sophie can’t get back from Disneyland to be with Christine and baby Maddison for theirs. Alongside Ian and new boyfriend Gordon who have changed plans, they all end up at Eric and Beth’s for their Christmas dinner.
It’s a joy to see the comedy originate so naturally and organically from the interactions of the characters in such a claustrophobic setting: Cathy’s drunken state, kissing Gordon on the lips in front of her husband and generally pissed off at everything; Beth’s generosity, dividing up a Turkey that “serves four;” Gordon’s over exuberance and social awkwardness, “I’m not saying that you stink,” whilst giving a present of perfume; and Colin’s inquisitiveness, asking whether they met “online or in a park.” These wonderfully awkward moments are hilarious and excruciating to watch at the same time, and they’re packed into the episode. The fact that they don’t feel forced, but reflect the embarrassing moments we’ve all experienced, make them even better.
But the biggest laughs for me come from the joy that is Christine, who promises to “not disturb,” whilst picking up on every little detail with a wry aside, constantly repeating, “You’re not doing a proper Turkey?” and “is she doing a pig in a blanket?” to her hosts. Her over emotional, alcohol-infused state produces some great lines, mourning the fact Sophie won’t be there as she’d got her “two pairs of tights and a big dairy milk.” I love the way she holds court from her sofa, passing comment on everything and not afraid to offend. Two standout moments for me: the scene where she correctly predicts what everyone is getting as they open their presents, and the other when she inadvertently outs Gordon to his dad on the phone.
The underlying competitive nature between the neighbours and their lack of any social normality made this Christmas special extremely funny and entertaining. I’ll certainly be back for Series 3.
Rick On TV 