A Brilliant episode. Full of the same, with punchlines and jokes left right and centre. But this episode has an interesting plot-twist, and was cleverly written. This is a slow burner type story, and it works so well. Everything connects to the dots. And in this case, it all evolves around Lee being suspicious. But before we talk about the story, let's talk about Lee Mack and Hugh Bonnerville.
These two actors have great onscreen chemistry. And whenever there together, there one-liners are intreging and pop culture is the main theme in this story. The performances were better this time around then in the previous two seasons, numbers 11 and 12. And this leads me to my next point. Not going out is a good show, because Lee, being an ordinary guy, that constantly blurs out one-liners, and says the first thing that Pops up in his head. It makes you route for the character, as he's awkward to talk to, and maybe in a sense abit of a nerd. But that's what so great about the siries, as we have got a character that in some way we can all relate too. That's what makes these stories more grounded, and at its disposal using jokes to hook the audience in. In this case, it does a fantastic job of showcasing the great chemistry the cast has, whilst having some LOL moments. With great character development and moments at its core.
The story is fantastic. I like the fact that it's a slow burner. I think that was a clever choice. The first reason why this is a good choice, is the fact that we get more time with our Characters that we have grown to love and even appreciate them over the years. So seeing them have abit more of a character study I think is a breath of fresh air. The story evolves around Anna having lessons. Yep you've guest it, Italian Lessons. She makes a lie and says she was with Lee and Lucy. This ofcourse creates for a debarcle as Lee thinks that Anna is cheating on Tobey. There's a debarcle as Lucy thinks nothing off it. Lee has no proof of this, so decides to take pictures of Anna. For Proof. And if it wasn't crazy enough that Tobey had previously told Lee about her getting back at midnight. So Lee has every right to be concerned of this. Lee gets some cloose as to where and when she might be at a certain place, which is room 23 at a Hotel. Lee meets up with Tobey, a drunken Tobey. Which is all the more hillarious. And gives him more character development. However Tobey mentions to Lee how his work Lady has a crush on him, a massive fat one mind you. So he wants to leave. This makes Lee worried and confused. I like that. Good sense of Irony. And he's not doing it as a joke or a punchline. This adds more character moments, with more emotion. And that's what I like. Drama and tension at it's core, but character moments as it's main premise. They then see Tobeys crush. As she feels him streight away. She too had a great performance. Then they go up to the Hotel room, room 23. She tries to have sex. Whilst Lee is hiding in the Closet and comes out just before they Kiss. His explanation is so that Tobey won't regret anything. This leads to one of the best moments inside the show, that Tobey says He loves Lee with Anna in the room, without those too noticing. That's some good Drama. As it leaves Anna and the audience stunned. And this creates Tension and buildup to then a pay-off, or what is really a plot twist at the end. The Slow build up approach makes it all the more clever.
And I've always loved the Powerful music in this show, it's great listening too it. It's upbeat and works well with the slower pace entry as it gives it a bit of life, and reminds us that this episode whilst small in size, isn't afraid to take big and bold risks.
The drawbacks of this episode is the fact the Lady at the Hotel didn't spot Lee sooner. As he was quite obviously taking pictures of Anna. And you could even hear it. So that's kind of dumb. But other then that odd choice I loved this Episode. Dot to Dot, everything in this story connects well, and the themes and the elements are better and bolder then ever before, as I have just previously mentioned. Go watch it. What are you waiting for. Now time for the bit you have been waiting for, my verdict.
Verdict,
8.5/🔟 A superb story, great acting and chemistry, and great beats from the story that's also well integrated with the Music.