Wasted

Wasted is a British comedy television series made by BBC Three that first aired in July 2016. It represents a clever, often hinting at eccentric, amalgamation of comedy styles, featuring quick-witted dialogue and offbeat humor in a wonder-filled blend that might just be the perfect antidote for viewers tired of predictable sitcom tropes. The series consists of one season with six episodes that are approximately half an hour each - like most British comedies, it’s a brief but highly entertaining ride.

Set in rural England in a small, fictional village called Neston Berry, the narrative follows the lives of four close-knit friends who are navigating their way through early adulthood with low-paying jobs, no significant romantic relationships to mention, and an unshakeable feeling of life’s stagnancy. The four main characters are Morpheus, Kent, Sarah, and Alison, each coming with their distinct personalities and individual goals, providing much room for character-based comedy in the storyline.

Morpheus, our protagonist, is the arrested development hero who owns a bong shop, and whose life is about as aimless as one could be, defined more by seasons of Doctor Who than societal markers of success. He works alongside his sweet-natured but equally aimless sister Sarah in the local joke and novelty shop named 'Stoned Henge', offering quirky and peculiar items to the rather disinterested townsfolk.

Next in line is Kent, Morpheus's best friend who has returned home from his failing DJ career. Kent personifies the overconfident underachiever archetype, determined to make an impact in the world of music but falling short due to his lack of direction and talent.

Lastly, we have Alison, Sarah's best friend who is a sucker for trouble. Persistent and resourceful, she works at the local pub and is constantly entangled in one mishap or another, adding a good dose of chaotic energy to the mix.

One of the standout features of the show, making it distinctive from others in its genre, is the regular appearance of Sean Bean - not as himself, but as a spiritual guide to Morpheus in the guise of his character from Game of Thrones, Ned Stark. In some of the most hilarious sequences of the series, Morpheus has imaginary consultations with Stark, often using him as his muse to understand and react to his life's little troubles.

The show is shot in a style that combines classic comedy sitcom techniques with a few cinematic flourishes - the incorporation of imaginary sequences, breaking of the fourth wall, pop culture references, and a tongue-in-cheek exploration of existential crisis. The cleverly written dialogue often touch on the absurd nature of life and the mind-numbing monotony of rural living.

Wasted thus uses humor to deal with the existential angst that often grips young individuals, making the storyline not just funny but also meaningful. The plotline revolves around the characters' struggling life, constant disappointments, and their attempt to break away from the monotonous and seemingly inconsequential nature of their existence. Despite the struggles, the characters share a deep bond, and the series explores that friendship with heart and irregularity.

The show is one of BBC's underappreciated gems. With vibrant characters, well-conceived plotlines, and hilarious performances, Wasted draws the viewers into the absurdity and simplicity of rural life. While the plot threads of each episode vary dramatically from one to the next, they are all bound together by the backdrop of the fictitious Neston Berry.

Screenwriters Jon Foster and James Lamont, known for their works in Paddington and The Amazing World of Gumball, have crafted a show seeping with quirky humor and heart, blending outrageous fantasy with a surprisingly moving exploration of friendship and ambition. The talented cast, along with the innovative writing, makes for a unique experience that might not be as outlandish as it initially seems.

In summary, Wasted is a distinctly British comedy featuring delightfully witty writing, memorable characters facing the existential crisis of the modern generation, and a noble portrayal of the enduring power of friendship - all served with a surreal dash of Sean Bean. This hidden treasure from the BBC is a testament to the fact that sometimes laughter really can be the best medicine for life’s neverending challenges.