How to Be a Little Sod (1995– ) User Reviews

Not one for new first-time parents!

[cosmic_quest · 7/10 · 22 October 2006]

This hilarious little comedy follows the first year of a baby's life, giving an insight into what he's thinking in a 'Look Who's Talking' manner. The baby's parents are delighted with their little arrival but they are completely oblivious to the fact their newborn piece of perfection is determined to show them (and their poor cat!) who's in charge now, keeping a tally of his victories along the way. Between making his mother paranoid by crossing his eyes only when she is around, tormenting the cat and showing Dad he won't be seeing any action in the near future, Baby is definitely winning this battle of wills!

Based on the novel by Simon Brett, 'How to Be a Little Sod' probably is quite accurate since babies, despite or even because of their angelic appearances, know exactly how to manipulate adults into giving in and they certainly do bring a sense of chaos to their parents' lives. The book is funnier and I'd highly recommend it to everyone (except those planning a baby in the near future!) but this series nicely compliments it.

Funny because it's true!

[Rabical-91 · 8/10 · 3 May 2017]

As a father, I can identify only too well with this witty mini-series penned by Simon Brett. Done in the form of both live-action and animation and shot without a studio audience, 'How To Be A Little Sod!' is all about the inner workings of a baby's mind. A young couple, played respectively by Matilda Thorpe and Steven O'Donnell, have recently had their world turned upside down upon the arrival of their son. Providing the whining voice for the little brat was Rik Mayall. Each episode tackles the problems with conviction the problems that all new parents encounter such as sleep deprivation, the financial impact, the impact on one's social life etc. The opening credits establish firmly what to expect with a sequence in which the couple attempt to get fresh with each other, only to have their fun shattered upon hearing the grating screams from their baby.

As I earlier pointed out, the show was shot without the use of a laugh track. A wise move I thought. The series was intended to be a mockumentary and to include a studio audience or even the dreaded canned laughter would have ruined the feel of the show.

Both Thorpe and O'Donnell both played their parts well, though the supporting cast which included Diane Langton, Edna Dore, Daphne Oxenford, June Ellis and Andy Taylor helped add to the fun, though indeed it was Rik's unique narration that made the show what it was. I laughed out loud at the sequence in which the mother taught her son how to build a sand castle, only then to chastise him when he creates in similar fashion a castle out of his baby food. Also hilarious was the little sod's cruel treatment of the family cat. Also being a cat owner, I can relate to this as well ( my cat runs away in fear when my son goes near him! ).

Ideal fun for any parent, though anyone who is considering starting a family should maybe give it a wide berth!