This Country

This Country is a widely admired comedy series produced by BBC Three that aired between the years 2017 and 2020. A beautiful blend of comedy and reality, this mockumentary-style show offers a fresh and side-splitting take on the everyday trials and tribulations that occur in Britain's small, isolated rural communities.

Set in the quaint yet quirky Cotswold village of Northleach, This Country tells a tale of the highs and lows experienced by an array of offbeat characters living their lives far from the hustle and bustle of the city. It deftly captures the essence of the so-called 'countryside conundrum', where opportunities for work and personal development are scarce, and the inhabitants find themselves in a constantly shifting balance between fulfilment and frustration.

The series' primary focus lies on the lives of the young brother and sister duo, Kerry and Kurtan Mucklowe, played by Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper respectively, who are also the brilliant writers of the show. Raised and rooted in the countryside, these two characters are often found leisurely wasting their time away or creating a hullabaloo in town that results in hilarious situations. Their sweet yet occasionally frustrating dynamic forms the backbone of the series, offering viewers a chance to peek into the paradoxes of rural life through a comedic lens.

Interactions with other eccentric village inhabitants widen the scope of the narrative, lending more depth and layers to the series. From ineffectual authority figures to unconventional romantic interests, every character is unique and contributes to the colourful canvas that This Country paints of rural life.

A significant factor in the show's appeal is its understated wit and charming authenticity. Anyone who has lived or spent significant time in similar small-town settings may find themselves identifying with at least a scene or two. Despite the comedic touch, there's a sense of unfeigned reality persisting throughout the narrative, making the audience ponder the desolation and hope that coexist in such remote rural spaces.

The series superbly marries situational humor with delicately soaring human sentiments, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the English countryside. With the simple yet effective use of the mockumentary format, the show subtly highlights the unavoidable monotony and lack of opportunities facing youngsters like Kerry and Kurtan in such settings. Yet, the narrative persistently ensures it doesn't compromise on the humour quotient.

One defining characteristic of This Country is its dry and self-deprecating humor that pervades every episode. The humorous insights, often grounded in the mundane, strike a chord with the audience, making them both laugh and empathize. The sharp dialogue, with its distinctive Cotswold dialect, provides an additional layer of realism and regional flavor, often raising the comic stakes.

Impeccable performances by the cast, specifically Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper, elevate the show. Their portrayal of the Mucklowe siblings is so natural and convincing that it often blurs the line between fiction and reality. Supporting characters, too, bring in their eccentricities to create an ensemble that's delightfully quirky yet relatable.

With its unique blend of character-driven narratives, distinctive humour, and authentic rural atmosphere, This Country offers an observational comedy experience that resonates with wide-ranging audiences. Its critical and commercial success is a testament to this, with the series earning BAFTA awards and a loyal viewership over its three-season run.

In sum, This Country is a delightful and poignant exploration of rural life that successfully turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. Its realness, humour, and humanity make it a must-watch for those looking to delve deep into a world that’s comic, yet sometimes frustrating and often heart-warming.