Gavin & Stacey : Complete BBC Series 2 [DVD]

The first series of Gavin and Stacey brought the show richly-deserved BAFTA recognition, and left the two title characters married by the time it came to an end. Series two picks things up from there, as they settle into married life, and the challenges that ultimately brings.

Never forgetting its comedic roots, Gavin and Stacey now follows the pair, and the collection of characters around them, as they adjust to married life. It doesn’t take, for instance, for Stacey’s homesickness to kick in, while the programme also takes time to spend time with their friends, Nessa and Smithy, as they too evaluate their relationship (and impending baby!).

In lesser hands, Gavin and Stacey’s ingredients could easily go sour. But thanks to some terrific scripting, and quite exceptional performances, it gels superbly well. Much of the credit should go, of course, to Mathew Home and Joanna Page’s endearing performances in the title roles, as well as James Corden and Ruth Jones for their exceptional writing work (the pair also play the aforementioned Nessa and Smithy in the show).

Eschewing gimmicks and cheap lines in favour of three dimensional characters and genuine laughs, Gavin and Stacey is a television gem, and one that deserves to find a wider audience. Hopefully, this DVD release will help to redress that. --Jon Foster