The latest ratings stinker from the BBC, Mayo attracted me to watch it just because of the sheer critical mauling it was getting from all the critics and reviewers. It seemed that this series was not only a dog, but the type of dog that everyone was queuing up to gleefully kick. The basic concept seems to be about a, wait for it, collection of unorthodox detectives led by the unusual Inspector Mayo. So each week we get a different case that the team take on with a light sense of humour, lots of goofing around and a sharp sense of deduction.
I watched a couple of episodes to see if it was worthy of my attention or worthy of the kicking and very quickly could see all the things that the others must be hammering it for (although it probably isn't as bad as everyone says). The problem with it is just how very derivative, unimaginative and lazy it all it. It seems to be trying to repeat the many successful "quirky" detective shows but do it in a sort of ironic sort of way. However it isn't any good just by doing this and indeed if this approach does anything then it only succeeds in undercutting the value of the material, leaving me wondering why I was supposed to be interested in or amused by these characters. The cases lack any tension or excitement and the focus is very much the "humour" of each episode.
Sadly I didn't find it funny so much as, well, inane and grating. The script is clunky and lacking energy so even reasonable gags just fall flat. The cast don't help this at all. McGowan is a fine impressionist but as an actor he is all at sea here. You can see why he was cast his style does suit the material, but this isn't of any value because the material doesn't work. Outside of this he has no ability to get to grips with his character and bring anything of interest out. His team are just as weak as he is Bealsy, Rhys and Oyelowo are too basic and just seem to be hanging in there until the next lame line comes their way. The occasional guest stars don't do anything to help either, mainly because the tone and material is all over the place.
Overall then, a silly, poorly structured and pointless entry in the "quirky TV detective" genre. It isn't interesting, the cases are dull and the attempts at jokey humour mostly fall flat and, at worst, are embarrassing. With so many good cop shows on television there are many that are much better than this; for the love of God, Monk is on various channels all the time even repeats of that series are of greater value than this.
I watched a couple of episodes to see if it was worthy of my attention or worthy of the kicking and very quickly could see all the things that the others must be hammering it for (although it probably isn't as bad as everyone says). The problem with it is just how very derivative, unimaginative and lazy it all it. It seems to be trying to repeat the many successful "quirky" detective shows but do it in a sort of ironic sort of way. However it isn't any good just by doing this and indeed if this approach does anything then it only succeeds in undercutting the value of the material, leaving me wondering why I was supposed to be interested in or amused by these characters. The cases lack any tension or excitement and the focus is very much the "humour" of each episode.
Sadly I didn't find it funny so much as, well, inane and grating. The script is clunky and lacking energy so even reasonable gags just fall flat. The cast don't help this at all. McGowan is a fine impressionist but as an actor he is all at sea here. You can see why he was cast his style does suit the material, but this isn't of any value because the material doesn't work. Outside of this he has no ability to get to grips with his character and bring anything of interest out. His team are just as weak as he is Bealsy, Rhys and Oyelowo are too basic and just seem to be hanging in there until the next lame line comes their way. The occasional guest stars don't do anything to help either, mainly because the tone and material is all over the place.
Overall then, a silly, poorly structured and pointless entry in the "quirky TV detective" genre. It isn't interesting, the cases are dull and the attempts at jokey humour mostly fall flat and, at worst, are embarrassing. With so many good cop shows on television there are many that are much better than this; for the love of God, Monk is on various channels all the time even repeats of that series are of greater value than this.