Delicious

Delicious is a captivating British television drama series that aired on Acorn TV from 2016 to 2019. The series is a tastefully crafted blend of comedy, romance, and culinary arts, capturing the audience's fascination with its delectable combination of human drama, food, and the tranquil backdrop of Cornwall, England. The show offers a distinct, freshly cooked narrative that is as intriguing as it is mouthwatering.

The central plot revolves around two formidable women, their relationships, secrets, rivalries, and friendships, blended with the backdrop of running a luxurious country house hotel and restaurant. The emotional undercurrents and complexities blooming between the characters serve as the cherry on top of this visually stunning series.

The series opens with Gina, a passionate cook and the ex-wife of renowned chef Leo Vincent, a charismatic gentleman who left Gina for the glamorous and more refined Sam. Leo Vincent, played by Iain Glen, is established as an eminent personality in the culinary world. He owes much of his success to Gina’s exceptional cooking skills which he took credit for. Leo, now a successful entrepreneur, runs the upscale Penrose Hotel located amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Cornwall.

Leo's current wife, Sam, portrayed by actress Emilia Fox, is a beauty who contrasts significantly from the dynamic, fiery-natured Gina, played by the talented Dawn French. Sam is an earnest, gentle woman, who, despite not being as skilled in the kitchen, manages the elegant Penrose Hotel gracefully, maintaining its grandeur reputation. Being entirely unaware of her husband's past doings, Sam deeply admires Leo and his achievements.

The world of Delicious gets even more tangled when it is unveiled that Leo has been rekindling his love with ex-wife Gina on the sidelines, culminating into a veritable menu of deceit. This secret ingredient in Leo's life reunites both women in an unusual collaboration that forms the heart of the series.

The notable aspect of Delicious is how well it incorporates the love for food and cooking into its dramatic narrative. The show is brimming with images of exquisite cooking prowess that seem to jump out of a gourmet magazine, so beautiful they can make anyone's mouth water. Food fans will particularly love how the show doesn’t simply treat cooking as a scenic backdrop but infuses it deeply into the character development and plot progression. The love for cooking isn’t just a theme but rather a metaphor representing passion, creativity, betrayal, and life itself.

Delicious is not simply about a love triangle between two women and a man. As the series progresses, it evolves into a portrayal of the empowering friendship between Gina and Sam. Caught in the whirlpool of Leo's betrayal, the two women form an unlikely alliance. Watching the relationship dynamics between these two seemingly opposite characters change from rivalry to partnership brings an intriguing and refreshing spin to the plot.

Delicious also takes advantage of its serene, picturesque backdrop - the serene English county of Cornwall. The blend of sunlit picturesque shots, stunning views of the ocean, charming village life, and the grandeur of the Penrose Hotel creates a captivating escapism that adds to the overall allure of the series.

Moreover, Delicious' narrative isn't limited to the central characters. It extends and explores the lives and relationships of other characters in the series, presenting multifaceted roles with intriguingly diverse storylines that consistently keep the narrative engaging.

A hallmark to the series' credit is the brilliant performances by the lead and supporting actors. Dawn French and Emilia Fox portray their characters with finesse, bringing out their complexities and vulnerabilities to the forefront. The dialogue exchanges, especially between Gina and Sam, are powerfully emotive, witty, sometimes laced with repartee, and at other times, with moments of deep introspection.

A fascinating blend of culinary adventures, comedy, romance, and human relationships, the series Delicious leaves a taste that is hard to forget in the viewer's mind. The mix of culinary passion, deceptions, and complicated relationships, accentuated with stellar performances, charming locales, and heartfelt sentiments, makes Delicious a must-watch.