Bad Move

Bad Move is a British television show set in the heartland of England's picturesque countryside. This comedy series, created by the dynamic duo of Jack Dee and Pete Sinclair, aired on ITV from 2017 to 2018. The story cleverly combines elements of situational comedy with playful humour commenting on the obstacles of modern-day country life, creating a hilarious portrait of city outsiders attempting to acclimate to rural living.

The show, punctuated with Jack Dee's distinct deadpan wit and dry humour, follows the lives of its two primary characters, Steve and Nicky Rawlings. Jack Dee plays the embattled Steve Rawlings, and Kerry Godliman breathes life into the role of Nicky, his ebullient wife. Both portray their characters with appealing fervor, creating an effective comedic contrast that dynamically carries the show. Steve and Nicky are city-dwellers turned country folk who leave the fast-paced hustle and bustle of Leeds, feeling captivated by the allure of the idyllic countryside and seeking a more peaceful life.

Their dreams of a perfect rural paradise in their newly bought cottage, however, soon turn into a series of comical misadventures in Bad Move. From grappling with the nuances of country living, such as poor internet and cell reception, to dealing with eccentric and intrusive neighbours, Steve and Nicky soon find that country life is far from the quiet, easygoing existence they had envisioned.

Each episode diminishes their romantic rural fantasies further, propelling Steve and Nicky into a perpetual struggle against endless unforeseen problems and challenges. This spiralling chain of events start from the second episode itself when the couple realise they've been sold a house that's falling apart at the seams. They must now navigate the local tradesmen's idiosyncrasies while trying to rebuild their crumbling home.

Bad Move's narrative is rich with witty dialogue and a collection of colourful supporting characters that supplement the main comic narrative. Among them, we encounter Matt, the unhelpful rock star turned organic farmer, spiritedly portrayed by Miles Jupp. Matt perpetually exasperates Steve and Nicky with his endless advice about organic living and self-sufficiency. Then there's Ken and Grizzo, a pair of oddball neighbours who frequently exhaust the main characters with their intrusions.

The light-hearted miseries of Steve and Nicky and their quirky neighbours make for enjoyable watching, while the interactions between the characters epitomize the classic humour of British sitcoms. Also, the breath-taking scenery and picturesque landscapes of Yorkshire, where the series has been filmed, add an additional layer of visual charm to the viewing experience.

Delivering a quirky mixture of traditional sitcom elements and satirical comedy, Bad Move offers a delightful and humorous look at the clash between urban and rural life. Every episode presents a new challenge for Steve and Nicky, keeping the viewers hooked for the next mishap in their pastoral journey. The characters' contrasting personalities and their perpetual struggles amplify the humour and drama of the show.

Bad Move is an amusing exploration of the romanticising of country life and a testament to the time-honoured truth that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. It takes a comic and often satirical view of the cliché of "escaping to the country". Combining skilful characterisation, comic timing, and laugh-out-loud moments, the series is a delight for viewers who enjoy traditional British humour.

In summary, Bad Move is an entertaining sitcom that has been brought to life by excellent performances from Jack Dee and Kerry Godliman, and a cleverly crafted script by Jack Dee and Pete Sinclair. It's a light-hearted romp through rural life and a comedy of errors that holds a mirror to the age-old city versus country debate. While it enjoyed a two-season run on ITV, its timeless humour and delightful storytelling continue to entertain audiences well after its final episode.