We take a look at the brand new ITV comedy series starring Brenda Blethyn. Check out our Kate and Koji review below.
Our core cast (from left to right) Blake Harrison, Brenda Blethyn, Jimmy Akingbola and Barbara Flynn.
Synopsis
Kate, the working-class owner of an old-fashioned seaside café forms an unexpected and sparky friendship with Koji, an African asylum seeker.
Although from very different worlds, they are similar in ways which they do not recognise, including a dogged determination to never back down!
When the fur does start to fly, Kate’s resourceful nephew ‘Medium’ acts as peacemaker.
So used to seeing the stern faced Vera character that Brenda Blethyn is so famous for it’s a nice refreshing change of pace to see her letting loose in this rather charming first episode.
Bouncing lines between the core cast with ease Kate and Koji is a breezy and engaging little comedy.
Jimmy Akingbola plays the very serious Koji and with such limited dialogue delivers his lines with ease. I’d go as far as saying he was the standout performer of this introductory episode.
Blake Harrison of Inbetweeners fame is always at his comedic best but is slightly reigned in with this first episode.
It’s hard for me to ever take him seriously at the best of times but the brief exchange between his character Medium and Koji is worth a chuckle and teases the shows future potential.
Using studio laughter reminds me of old school TV shows. A very Mrs Browns Boys approach using a live audience.
The show has a strong 80’s vibe to it and a glossy high-def TV ruined the ambience some what.
I’ve been born into watching re-runs of Only Fools and Horses and Open All Hours and sadly these new glossy comedies that have 80’s inspired themes look a bit out of place on a nice new TV.
Overall
A bit uneven in places when it comes to line delivery and its certainly a show that’s not going to be for everyone.
The snowflakes are really going to love it!
Regardless, ITV are toying with comedies again and its far from a terrible introduction.
Kate and Koji is off to a quirky start and I look forward to seeing more of what’s to come.
This 6 episode series will be airing on ITV at 8pm every Wednesday.
Kate and Koji review by Sean Evans
Individual Episode Reviews
Our Rating
Summary
A good introductory episode bringing a little much-needed humour to ITV during these uncertain times.
Kate & Koji has a little wink and nod to glorious 80’s comedies of old whilst still being modern and relevant. A good place marker for episodes to come.
