Trying

Trying's pointed writing and winsome ensemble are an instant reminder of why this series is so addictive. By way of its six-year time jump, the show ambitiously alters its plots without ever losing steam.

“Trying” isn’t afraid to use a few choice coincidences now and again, but once things get past the small contrivances of the premiere, the show makes the most of the opportunities to dig into those personal hurdles facing the estranged Freddy (Oliver Chris) and Erica (Ophelia Lovibond), Nikki’s sister Karen (Sian Brooke), and any of the show’s would-be grandparents.

The first four episodes of this opening season definitely have their charms — Jason’s meet-up with an ex to try to heal some open emotional wounds has some unexpected push-pull moments — the back half is really where “Trying” settles into a groove.

Eminently watchable. Annoying, funny, treacly, poignant; it’s all here.

or my taste, Trying meanders too often into the saccharine zone, but it also has heart, charm and a cracking ensemble: Phil Davis, Siân Brooke, Paul Kaye and more. Watch out for Jim Broadbent’s turn as an internet dating hottie.

As is so often the case, the opening episode isn’t its best – there is an over-reliance on the traditional dramatic tropes of the childless couple (making awkward jokes about fontanelles to new mothers and so on), but it quickly finds its feet. ... The genuinely loving, intimate banter between Nikki and Jason in their quieter moments too is one of the series’ greatest strengths.

The zingy script is strongly performed but I spent too much of Trying being faintly irritated by the characters and the cynical way it’s all styled.