Oh, what's occurrin'? If there's one word that comes to mind when thinking of British comedy series Gavin & Stacey it's bittersweet.Created by James Corden and Ruth Jones, Gavin & Stacey is a comedy series that's just as likely to make you laugh as it is to make you cry. It's a romantic comedy that never turns maudlin or melodramatic and finds humor in the awkwardness and beauty of young love, overbearing families, and national differences.
The first season of Gavin & Stacey, now available on DVD after a run last year on BBC America, tells the story of the romance between Essex lad Gavin (Matthew Horne) and Welsh lass Stacey (Joanna Page), the most adorable duo to hit the small screen since... well, ever. These two lovebirds instantly hit it off over the phone and finally agree to meet face to face in London and bring along their respective best friends Smithy (James Corden) and Nessa (Ruth Jones). Falling head over heels in love, Gavin and Stacey decide to get married as soon as possible, throwing their families into more chaos than usual.
I've written about Gavin & Stacey since it first came to these shores last year on BBC America and I can't say enough wonderful things about this hilarious and heartfelt series. All of the actors from the series' four amazing leads to its dynamo supporting cast--including Alison Steadman, Rob Brydon, Larry Lamb, and Melanie Walters--are not only top-notch but inhabit their roles with a dedication that makes them appear to be actual, off-their-rocker people.
Presented as a whole, Season One of this genuinely touching series depicts the rapid path from first meeting to exchanging of vows, all over the course of six sensational episodes. Unlike most American series, which would have dragged out their courtship over several seasons, Gavin & Stacey accelerate this time with wild abandon and yet it's never anything but clear how perfectly made for each other Gavin and Stacey really are, as they face the trying circumstances facing any young couple. They argue, they misunderstand, they make up, and they face the world together. (My only complaint to this day is that there seems to almost be an episode missing between the fifth and sixth installments as a row between Stacey and Gavin gets paved over with uncharacteristic lack of detail.)
All six episodes of the first season of Gavin & Stacey are presented here along with some fantastic bonus material including audio commentaries with writers/co-stars Ruth Jones and James Corden and director Christine Gernon, outtakes, a behind the scenes featurette on Gavin and Stacey's first meeting in Leicester Square, and "How It Happened," a look at the making of the series.
Ultimately, Gavin & Stacey: Season One is a must-have for any fan of whip-smart British comedy or romantic comedy in general and will undoubtedly become a frequently viewed DVD in your own household. Or as Nessa herself might say, fair play.
Gavin & Stacey Season One is now available for purchase on DVD. Own it today for the suggested retail price of $24.98 or get it for $17.49 in the Televisionary shop.
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