Its comeback hits its stride with a newly confident swagger. It’s hard not to be swept along by its juvenile jollity. Just don’t mistake it for a children’s programme, or your offspring could be psychologically scarred.
The latest run is the best yet, fairly fizzing with gossip and intrigue. It starts slowly but gathers pace beautifully, complete with some gasp-inducing cliffhangers.
There is still plenty here to mock – and rest assured, we will – but there’s also just enough of the old magic to make this a nostalgic guilty pleasure.
The whiff of stage management often pervades proceedings. A few scenes are billed as “reconstructions”. Some conversations feel set up. .... The places where the camera can’t lie are on the pitch, in the stands and on the streets. That’s where Welcome to Wrexham truly bursts into life. Match footage is electric.
Those who criticise the rebooted series for being preachy and overtly political are unlikely to be placated by this unsubtle swerve into the culture wars. A shame, because as far as episodes introducing new companions go, The Robot Revolution works a treat. Varada Sethu makes an immediate impact as Belinda Chandra.
This was an impressive debut for a spin-off which on paper looked gratuitous. Charming, cheerful and just gripping enough, it was the cosy crime treat we didn't know we needed.
