Fortysomething

ITV1's amusing and relatable drama, Fortysomething, was first aired in 2003 and starred renowned British actor Hugh Laurie (known for his roles as the iconic Dr. House and Bertie Wooster on Jeeves and Wooster), alongside the brilliant Anna Chancellor, popularly known by her stage name 'Duckface' from Four Weddings and a Funeral.

The series focuses on the life of Paul Slippery (played by Hugh Laurie), a doctor facing a midlife crisis and pushing through his early forties. He struggles to connect with his indifferent wife Estelle, portrayed by Anna Chancellor, who has recently restarted her lucrative career in headhunting. Meanwhile, his mother’s lifelong mission is to witness her son live out a satisfying life.

Blending comedic and dramatic elements, the six-episode series takes viewers on a humorous yet heartwarming exploration of Paul's professional conflicts and his attempts to keep a grip on his personal life. Diligent and dedicated on the job, Paul finds himself bafflingly communicating with patients who haven't yet said anything, suggesting that he is either a mind reader, or perhaps just losing his.

As if his professional world isn't fiddly enough, his personal life teeters on chaos. The Slippery household, located in Putney, London, is not your everyday middle-aged family. Paul and Estelle's three young sons - Rory, Daniel and Edwin - are all in their late teens and early twenties. Like many siblings, they share strong bonds, but the rivalries and tensions between them are never far from igniting. The three sons are dating the beautiful Pilfrey sisters, stirring up further complications and entertaining troubles.

Rory, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, is the eldest and most driven, studying medicine and following in his father’s footsteps. Daniel, played by Neil Henry, is a serial womanizer, much to the annoyance of his father. Edwin, enacted by Joe Van Moyland, is more politically engaged, hyperactive, and ambitious. The trio's ongoing escapades serve as a counterpoint to Paul’s struggles with middle age and create a riotous, vivid synergy.

On the other hand, Paul's wife Estelle, is much too occupied with her successful re-immersion into the employment realm, her newfound career independence and the daily skirmishes of her sons to pay any heed to Paul's midlife crisis or his self-diagnosed prescience. Always pragmatic, always reasonable, Estelle struggles to understand her husband's sudden woes and job-related troubles.

Across the series, viewers get to witness the dynamic and eccentric marriage of Paul and Estelle, thrown into turmoil with Estelle’s boss who is oddly determined to seduce her. Paul, with his chaotic professional life and burgeoning insecurities, fumbles through attempts to safeguard his marriage and understand his sons, often leading to hilarious misinterpretations and slapstick mishaps.

Meanwhile, resident meddler Dr. Ronnie Pilfrey, played by Peter Capaldi, brashly tries to win the object of his affection, Estelle Slippery, leading to a rivalry with Paul that presents both comedic conflict and character depth. Pilfrey's smarmy, scheming psychiatrist and occaisional antagonist runs counter to Paul's affable if sometimes befuddled character, giving viewers an effective dichotomy that deepens the drama and furthers the comedy.

Fortysomething is built on an exquisite interplay of funny one-liners, farcical situations, and more serious emotional notes, making it an enjoyable rollercoaster ride of uncertainties and triumphs that showcases the midlife crisis from wonderfully new - and hilariously British - perspectives. Whether it's Paul's occasional bouts of 'hearing the future,' Estelle's determination to lead an empowering career, or the sons' exploits as they teeter on the bring of adulthood, audiences will find themselves chuckling, empathising, and rooting for these characters.

Overall, the series takes viewers on a heart-warming exploration of life, love and family through the medium of humour and drama. “Fortysomething” is delightful and poignant, loaded with an excellent cast and crisp dialogue that makes it a must-watch.