Apple TV+ may be one of the most overlooked new streaming services. Perhaps due to the fact that the platform exclusively offers original content, not many people have expressed an interest in signing up for Apple TV+ outside of those who receive a free trial after buying an Apple product.
That being said, those who haven’t taken advantage of their free trial with Apple TV+ are missing out on brilliant original content such as Trying, a British romantic comedy that centers around a young couple (Jason and Nikki) going through the adoption process.
The Journey
Trying focuses on a young couple going through the adoption process. This process leads the two characters to go on a journey toward adoption, showing them as they struggle with the emotional side of adoption, as well as the other issues that come with being a young, childless couple in London.
The series shows how Jason and Nikki, along with several strong supporting characters, change over the 8 episodes in an engaging and compelling manner.
Strong Supporting Cast
While the main strength in the series is contained within the stellar performances of Rafe Spall and Esther Smith, the supporting cast also helps to pad out the world, bring their own compelling drama into the central plot.
While some shows would have the supporting cast be relegated to one-dimensional characters with the sole purpose of getting a laugh, Trying gives them their own intriguing story arcs. Imelda Staunton in particular deserves a special mention for her stellar performance in the show.
Awkward Humor
British comedy is built around sarcastic and awkward humor and Trying is no exception. Rather than building up unrealistic levels of awkwardness, the show mirrors the awkwardness encountered on an everyday basis to great effect.
The awkwardness of everyday life is subtle and allows the audience to relate the characters, sharing in their own experience. In other words, the show captures the mundane nature of life and highlights the comedic elements.
Exploration Of Past Relationships
Trying also features a mature exploration of past relationships. Rather than focussing on the classic plot of the ‘revenge fuelled ex’, the show has a storyline built around reconciliation.
This mature exploration of past relationships is a breath of fresh air that shows the audience, not every past relationship has to lead to an individual you can no longer speak to. This allows for more of a fresh take than is usually seen on TV, particularly sitcoms.
Modern Life
The setting of Trying is rooted firmly in the modern world of London. While this London centric setting might appear to exclude certain viewers, the struggles experienced by the main characters are universal.
While Jason and Nikki are comfortable money-wise, they must also contend with politically incorrect and rude parents, growing older, and even relationship issues; all under the backdrop of a modern and forward-thinking London.
Flawed Characters
Like in real life, the characters in Trying have character flaws that often drive the plot forward. This show uses these character flaws to great effect, using them as both emotional and comedic plot points.
Additionally, the 8 episode journey of the season shows the characters aiming to overcome these flaws in order to go further in the adoption process. This character development helps to separate the show from many other romantic comedy shows, which put humor above character development.
Intelligent Humor
Subtle, intelligent humor is one of the most difficult things to find in a comedy today. Without discrediting other styles of comedy, a more common form of sitcom relies on a punchline rather than character progression.
Trying, however, finds humor in the mundane. The mundane nature of the show’s comedy is subtle and intelligent, without being seen as pretentious or difficult to follow.
Emotional And Comedic
Emotion and comedy can work incredibly well together, it just has to be done right. Some sitcoms attempt to throw in emotional scenes, but it often doesn’t mesh well with the overall theme of the TV show.
Much like a Ricky Gervais show, Trying masterfully combines the comedic with the emotional, seamlessly switching between the two in an effortless manner. The layers to the show allow the audience to understand and connect with the characters even more.
A Different Family
Family sitcoms are incredibly popular, perhaps because they’re so relatable. Trying, however, focuses on a different kind of family. It shows two young people learning how to become parents before they’re even parents so that they can adopt children.
Not only is this understandable and relatable to the wider population, but it is also relatable to those who have gone through the adoption process.
Chemistry Between The Two Protagonists
Without a shadow of a doubt, the best aspect of Trying is the incredible chemistry between Rafe Spall and Esther Smith. The two blend into their roles magnificently, brilliantly delivering the humorous scenes in combination with the touching scenes.
Without the stellar performances of Spall and Smith, this show may have been just another romantic comedy series, but the strong performances help elevate it into something that makes it more than worthy of being Apple’s first original British scripted show.