A British-Guyanese family work together to run a Barber’s shop and have fun.
This series is enjoyable primarily because all the characters are likable in various ways. They still have flaws but they are almost all consistently redeemed. It’s also good because it promotes dysfunctional family ethics but doesn’t use it as a format to suggest forgiveness no matter what. The family dynamic and character relatability also works better than similar comedies with a mostly black cast like The Fresh Prince of Bel Air () because they are working class and therefore feel like a genuine representation of people who also happen to be of dual nationalities; in addition this makes learning about their heritage and life experiences more interesting because they are based closer to the truth rather than a gimmick. The best characters in my opinion are Matthew and Beverley because they get some of the best lines.
The comedy style doesn’t necessarily create out-loud laughter but it’s all enjoyable and there are a fair few moments which are exceptions. Many of the jokes are similar or are openly reused but the better kind is the friendly jibes that they give each other and the more surreal moments work because they are rare so they have more impact.
The visual gags are reasonably effective even though they appear limited by the budget and there are still some location scenes in some episodes which provide variety, aside from these it’s mainly set in just a few small rooms so it does well to be consistently entertaining and even has some continuity throughout the series which makes all the difference.
The individual stories don’t always wrap up entirely, one argument in particular about retiring back in Guyana is left open but it still works because it makes clear that not all problems do find a timely and satisfying conclusion which generates realism. The less successful gambits are the classic misunderstandings because there’s one in nearly every episode and occasionally they get a little forced.
6/10 -Just a cut above average-
