Gap Year

Gap Year is a British comedy-drama television series that aired on E4 from February 2017 until April 2018. Created by Tom Basden, who draws from his own backpacking experiences, the eight-episode series showcases a unique blend of well-timed comedy mixed with in-depth depiction of friendships, relationships, self-discovery, and the various trials and tribulations of youthful explorations around the world.

The series revolves around the unplanned travels of two childhood friends, Dylan and Sean, whose initial plan to explore China en route to Australia eventually turns into a full-blown multicultural journey. The lead roles are played by Anders Hayward and Ade Oyefeso, who both deliver delightful performances, immersing the audience into their characters' unique yet relatable world. The exploratory nature of the show, combined with the diversity of its characters, helps in creating an intimate yet expansive narrative, filled with high-stakes drama and humor in equal measure.

As the series progresses, Dylan and Sean cross paths with other young travelers with diverse shapes of life stories: Ashley, a forthright American who had a quick virtual romance encounter with Dylan; May, a recovering corporate-workaholic struggling with a midlife crisis played by Alice Lee; and Greg, an accidental travel writer who tags along with the group, adding further comedic shades to this motley crew of backpackers. Together, the group navigates through unexpected problems, get into hilarious antics, undergo personal growth and explore friendship in new and enlightening ways.

Gap Year offers a fresh perspective on the coming-of-age genre chiefly due to its non-linear storytelling approach and its multi-cultural settings and themes. The group’s journey isn't confined to a single country, instead, it travels through various territories including Vietnam, Malaysia, Nepal, and part of Europe. This broad geographical scope allows for a diverse range of adventures and experiences, presenting a nuanced exploration of different cultures as seen through the eyes of the young and intrepid backpackers.

Basden brilliantly stages the show in a way that highlights the contrast between the wanderlust-filled backdrop of the different countries and the characters’ personal battles and dilemmas. The writing beautifully captures the highs and lows of backpacking life—the fun and intrigue of being young, free and away from home, coupled with the trials that unforeseen events, impulsive choices, and personality clashes bring.

While humor is a key element of Gap Year, it isn't just a run-of-the-mill comedy series. The show digs deep into the emotional realities of its characters. Its articulate portrayal of youthful assurance transitioning into fragmented confusion, the inevitable romantic involvements and disentanglements, the cycling through jobs and acquaintances, and the continuous self-discovery — all these aspects are handled with great sensitivity and depth.

Poignant themes of love, friendship, life decisions, and the struggle of finding one's identity in a foreign land are showcased with authenticity. At many instances, the series brings forth the irrational but all too human tendency to escape one’s known environment in search of answers only to find that the real quest is within oneself.

Technically, the series excels in cinematography with spectacular visuals and shot compositions that truly capture the essence of each location. The narrative also includes documentary-style video logs that are used as interludes to offer fresh, personal insights into the characters.

Overall, Gap Year is an adventurous, heartwarming, and often amusing take on the backpacking culture among the youth who embark on unexpected escapades in search of themselves and their place in the world. While the series may have been short-lived, its filming locations and themes make it a worthwhile journey for the audience - one filled with joy, chaos, laughter, heartbreak and much-needed life lessons.