Review of Manchild

Manchild (2002–2003)
8/10
fun with middle aged dudes
29 August 2004
I'm only 24, so why do I relate to this series about aging British guys? I suppose men never change, regardless of age; we're always out for sex. Since that's what this show is all about, Manchild has been billed as "Sex in the City for men." But, unlike its US counterpart, Manchild is frequently willing to poke fun at its oversexed leads as they indulge in their quest to nab younger women. They're lame... lovable, too, but lame.

Great performances all around, which helps to make the characters sympathetic despite their flaws. I've liked Havers ("Chariots of Fire" and the wonderful "Sleepers") for a long time, and it's nice to see Anthony Head in a series that doesn't stink (*ahem*). The big surprises, though, were two guys I'd never heard of; Ray Burdis is extremely cuddly and funny as a worn-out husband, and Don Warrington gives a totally insane performance as everyone's arty, rich, totally crazy buddy.

Like most British shows, Manchild comes and goes quickly; it's only seven half hour episodes. Maybe that's all you need to tell this kind of story. American shows, by contrast, just repeat themselves endlessly...so there may as well only be seven episodes!
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