I really wasn’t sure how I would feel about The Inbetweeners. I missed the entire first series when it originally aired on Channel 4 so by the time the second series came round I had no idea what to expect. The TV advert before episode one of the second series managed to drastically lower my expectations. It seems that the advert, which gave us a glimpse at what each of the characters were up to, would only be of benefit to those who had watched the first series and knew the background story for each. In other words I had no idea who the characters were, or what was going on, and all I could see was a bunch of idiots saying silly things which didn’t make any sense.

Note – Never judge a book by its cover and never judge a TV series by its advert.

It’s hard enough jumping into a TV series when you’ve missed everything before that point but when you’re fully expecting it to be poor it really puts a downer on the proceedings. I am very happy to report that any fears I had were blown apart while watching episode one of the second series. The writers have done such a great job in creating a group of characters who will remind you of people you know from school, college, or even your workplace.

This is the British American Pie but with the volume turned up to eleven. Will is reminiscent of Finch with his perceived higher class and inability to fit in with his peers. Simon reminds me of Jim with his constant awkwardness around girls. Jay reminds me a great deal of Stifler with his special brand of perverted male chauvinism. Neil slightly reminds me of Oz because he’s a “jock” but in his loveable stupidity he is perhaps closer to Todd from Scrubs.

The supporting cast do a great job with personal highlights being the giant sadistic teacher Mr. Gilbert, and Will’s hot mother, Polly. In yet another similarity with American Pie, Polly is a MILF, but unlike Stifler’s mum this woman is actually worthy of that title.

I enjoyed this so much that I went back and watched the first and I must say that, while I also enjoyed those earlier episodes, the actors seemed more comfortable in this second series and if that improvement is anything to go by we’re in for a great third series. Channel 4 have managed to pull yet another rabbit from the hat and I eagerly await the return of The Inbetweeners almost as much as a new series of Shameless and Skins.

8.5/10

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