Who would have thought rural Ireland would be the TV hotspot of 2020?
Lockdown was made a little easier – and a lot racier – back in April thanks to the rich and rewarding romantic drama Normal People.
Connell and Marianne though weren’t the original iconic Irish couple.
That title belongs to Jock and Conor from The Young Offenders, who returned for a third series last week.
The pair of Cork tearaways – and their questionable facial hair – are back and are now grappling with small matters such as being dads and boyfriends.
Jock is now proud father to Star and, with a dad like him, the child is in for an interesting upbringing.
Baby’s first heist went predictably well in the first episode. Jock changed Star’s nappy on the bonnet of a car to bystanders’ raised eyebrows.
No one would trust him with a baby that wasn’t his, Jock told them. Fair point.
Whereas Normal People seemed to break new ground with its sensuality and insight, Young Offenders is more safe in its choices. None of the jokes – especially the crude ones – would give the writing team on Frasier sleepless nights but there are chuckles to be had in the silly physical comedy.
There’s even a well-earned tender aspect to the criminal duo’s lives.
Not Normal People, no – but not everything has to be that good.
The Young Offenders BBC1, Friday
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