TV: Mum, Episode 6, Fireworks Night, BBC2

If you've been watching this second series of Mum you'll know that Cathy (Lesley Manville) and Michael (Peter Mullan) have been getting closer and closer to each other, without very much being said or resolved. So how are things going to end up in the final episode?

Even if you haven't been watching this I think yo'll be able to work out what is going on as the family gets togther to celebrate Fireworks night. Dimwitted Jason and Kelly (Sam Swainsbury and Lisa McGrillis) are about to move into their own flat, but not before they've put their feet in it a few more times, failing to help Cathy out, leaving more mess around and generally being thoughtless about her age and thinking that she is going to die of loneliness without them around.

There are some lovely moments here from the ensemble as we get to see a side of Derek (Ross Boatman) we haven't seen before. And there is a scene where Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Wanna Have Fun plays and there is hardly any dialogue at all which is pretty brilliant. As elsewhere, it's all in the small gestures*. And, of course, Cathy and Michael provide the requisite lump in the throat moment.

This episode is ultimately about Cathy and Michael. As I tweeted last week, people were praising Lesley Manville for her Oscar-nominated performance in Phantom Thread but she is way, way better here. Everybody else on TV might as well give up now she'll be cleaning up at the television awards this year. And Peter Mullan as strong, silent and saintly Michael should bag a few gongs too. Oh, and writer Stefan Golaszewski should make some space on his mantelpiece too.

And, by the way, a third series has already been commissioned...

Series available on iPlayer here. Final episode will be available after broadcast.

*Nobody seems to writing about it, but Divorce on Sky Atlantic, starring Sarah Jessica Parker and written by Sharon Horgan, is very good too. Particularly the recent episode Ohio when Francies (SJP) supports ex-husband Robert (Thomas Haden Church) when his father is in hospital.

Tags: 

Articles on beyond the joke contain affiliate ticket links that earn us revenue. BTJ needs your continued support to continue - if you would like to help to keep the site going, please consider donating.

Zircon - This is a contributing Drupal Theme
Design by WeebPal.