TV review: GameFace, E4, Episode 2

By one of those quirks of scheduling one of the storylines in the second episode of GameFace is very similar to a subplot in the Curb Your Enthusiasm episode which just went out.

Interview: Roisin Conaty on GameFace

"Comedy is like sex or food. You can't talk someone into it."

TV review: GameFace, E4

If you are the kind of person who doesn't watch E4 because you think it is a bit too youthy, then make an exception for GameFace, the new series written by and starring Roisin Conaty.

Roisin Conaty is the new joker in the sitcom pack

With her comedy GameFace back on our screens this week, stand-up star Roisin Conaty is channelling the Bridget Jones-style singleton for a new generation. She explains why, like her character, she's looking for laughs not love.

Women take the comedy throne at Channel 4

Game of Thrones aside, it is the women who catch the eye in Channel 4's forthcoming comedy line-up.

Jolly, though not a lot more original, GameFace (Channel 4) stars and is written by Roisin Conaty. She's Marcella, an "actor" (postal worker), struggling to get her shit together. You know: work, driving licence, love, what she eats and shouldn't be eating, all that. Life, basically. She's clumsy and disorganised, not one of life's winners in the traditional sense, but funny in a self-deprecating kind of way. There's something of Miranda about her, though with more of an edge and attitude - swearier, more real, more now, less cosy, less annoying.

GameFace isn't breaking any new ground. A lot of it feels at least medium to well-done - a little self-loathing, the comfort eating, the life coach (usually a shrink), the denial, saying she's "in communications" about delivering the mail, the book group, not having read the book ... But I did enjoy the irate explosion of the book-group woman who actually wants to discuss The Scarlet Letter. And Marcella's "Don't be an arsehole" talk to her old school. Moving almost, as well as good advice. I'll certainly give it another go.

Any show that starts with a proud walk of shame is good in my books. Roisin Conaty has written and stars in the new Channel 4 pilot GameFace. This first episode is perhaps a little rough around the edges, but I loved it. The pizza scene is a definite highlight... and the meeting an old school friend... to be honest all of it was a little close to home. I think one quote in particular sums it up: "You look quite nice without chicken on your face." I'm so glad Conaty has finally been given the limelight, both writing and acting.

I loved GameFace and found it hilarious, but whether the first episode alone is enough to grab both the masses and Channel 4 commissioners is something I'm not sure of. Like a lot of recent sitcoms (Uncle, Man Down, Hebburn), it may be a grower not a shower. They all improved massively as the series went on, and I think GameFace has the potential to do this.

Hopefully Channel 4 will realise that GameFace is so much better than endless panel shows. Please commission a full series!

GameFace review

I really can't wait for a series to be made of GameFace as I love Roisin Conaty, the scripting was excellent, and there were many unique aspects to the programme.