"Please Like Me" is a fantastic Australian comedy created by Josh Thomas, who also stars in and writes every episode. The series begins with Josh getting dumped by his girlfriend Claire (played by Caitlin Stasey) who tells Josh that she thinks he might be gay. Afterwards, Josh goes to his friend Tom (Thomas Ward) at his work and meets Tom's gay new co-worker Geoffrey (Wade Briggs), who ends up having dinner with Josh, Tom, and Tom's somewhat insane girlfriend Niamh (Nikita Leigh-Pritchard). Geoffrey insists on staying the night with Josh, who starts to realize that Claire was right and that he is attracted to Geoffrey. And so, Josh begins the process of coming out and getting comfortable with himself, as well as trying to maintain a working relationship with Geoffrey, which is one of the main focuses in the season. The other focus would be the relationships among Josh and his family, especially between Josh and his mother (Debra Lawrance), who attempts to kill herself in the first episode, prompting Josh to move in with her since she can no longer be alone. Josh's parents are divorced and his father (David Roberts) has found a new wife in Mae (Renee Lim) who moved from Thailand to be with him. Josh's strict, christian Aunt Peg (Judi Farr) has a close relationship with both Josh and his mother after the suicide attempt.
The comedy in "Please Like Me" is found mostly in the awkwardness of a situation or the quirkiness of a character. In the very first scene, Josh orders a huge and expensive sundae to share with Claire, but before they start eating it, Claire breaks up with Josh. In another scene, uptight Aunt Peg is visiting and casually asks Josh "How big are your testicles?" because she though he could have some disease that had small testicles as a side effect, and so she keeps pestering Josh about his. The dialogue is also frequently hilarious. For example: "Didn't she once light your passport on fire?" "She didn't want me to leave, it was romantic."
The characters are what really make the show. Josh is quirky and fun, and he is one of the most realistic depiction of a gay character currently on TV. He isn't overly flamboyant or effeminate, but you wouldn't say he's manly in any way. Almost all the characters on the show are entertaining to watch, although Geoffrey just never seemed like a fully realized person. He was just there to introduce Josh to the world of homosexuality and that's it. Their relationship never really felt worthwhile and Geoffrey was boring to watch, especially around other, much more interesting characters. Tom and Niamh's relationship could've been better defined as well. Niamh was one of the better characters on the show and deserved a lot more screen time than she got. Josh's mother, Rose, was also a great character. Her struggle with depression is one of the heavier aspects of the show, but it's handled perfectly. Many of her scenes have dark undertones but are delivered with levity and optimism, so it doesn't ever feel hopeless or bring you down too much.
"Please Like Me" is a comedy, but it also has numerous heartfelt and dramatic moments. At one point, when Josh and his family are in church, the other church-goers start discussing homosexuality and many of them call it unnatural and a sin. Aunt Peg, however, stands up for Josh and delivers a beautiful speech on why she still loves him. You really get the sense that the characters all care for each other and are good friends.
Overall, "Please Like Me" is a marvelous show and more people should definitely be watching it. It still has some improving to do, but even at its worse, the show is highly entertaining and funny. I would recommend it to anyone.
Story: 7/10
Characters: 8/10
Humor: 8.5/10
The second season of "Please Like Me" begins on Friday, August 8 at 10:30 pm on Pivot. I will definitely be watching, and I hope many other people do too.
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