Fortysomething (2003) – Series Review
Fortysomething is a quirky, offbeat British comedy-drama that aired in 2003, starring Hugh Laurie in a role that beautifully showcases his comedic timing and rising dramatic chops just two years before he became internationally famous as Dr. House. With only six episodes, this miniseries offers a fast-paced, often absurd, and thoroughly entertaining glimpse into the chaotic life of a man struggling with midlife identity, family dynamics, and his own insecurities.
Laurie plays Paul Slippery, a London GP who is, quite frankly, losing his mind. At 46, Paul is facing the usual midlife crises his career feels stagnant, his relationship with his wife Estelle (Anna Chancellor) is strained, and, to his horror, he feels invisible in his own home, especially to his three oversexed sons who treat the family house like a student hostel. On top of that, Paul inexplicably begins to hear people’s thoughts, adding a surreal twist to his downward spiral.
The heart of Fortysomething lies in Paul’s desperate and hilarious attempts to make sense of his increasingly chaotic life. Hugh Laurie carries the show with immense charm, balancing slapstick comedy with moments of existential dread. Whether he’s interrogating his sons about their sex lives or flailing through awkward dinner parties, Laurie delivers each scene with impeccable timing and that uniquely British mix of self-deprecation and manic energy.
Anna Chancellor is a perfect foil as Estelle, Paul’s wife, who’s rediscovering her own confidence and career path. The dynamic between them strained yet affectionate, sarcastic yet deeply rooted in shared history adds emotional depth to the zany storyline.
The supporting cast also deserves a spotlight. A young Benedict Cumberbatch, in one of his earliest roles, plays Rory, the eldest son, bringing a snarky intellectual arrogance that hints at his future stardom. Alongside him are Ed Coleman as Daniel and Joe Van Moyland as Edwin, both adding to the family chaos with their own eccentricities and romantic escapades.
What sets Fortysomething apart is its willingness to veer into the surreal. Paul’s mind-reading ability is never explained, but it acts as a clever narrative device to explore themes of communication or the lack thereof within families and relationships. The humor ranges from dry and witty to wildly farcical, with scenes that feel like modern Shakespearean comedy mixed with British sitcom sensibilities.
Despite its comedic surface, the series touches on real, relatable themes: aging, intimacy, the fear of becoming irrelevant, and the changing nature of relationships as people grow and evolve. It’s this balance between absurdity and emotional truth that makes Fortysomething more than just a midlife crisis sitcom.
Though it only lasted one season, Fortysomething remains a hidden gem, especially for fans of British humor and ensemble storytelling. It’s a fast watch, full of sharp writing, unexpected twists, and endearing chaos.
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