The holiday meal gone wrong is a classic sitcom episode and genre of comedy, as surprise revelations and drama abound. Amy Yeo’s Crash and Burns revitalizes this classic trope into a chest-achingly funny, coming-of-age episode that leaves us gasping for air.
A chest-achingly funny, coming-of-age episode that leaves us gasping for air
Instead of an American Thanksgiving, the is set during Burns night as Katie (Aishling Jones) tries to host a Burns night supper for her close friends from university. As the evening progresses, so does the drama as we learn about the various relationship dynamics and conflicts within the group.
All the classic American tropes have been translated into a more familiar Scottish setting, from the holiday itself to the tiny student flat that absolutely no one wonders how Katie and Louisa (Clare Wessely) can afford it. But we also have the sports game that is used to divert conversation, and the sharing of information in corners, just mere steps away from the rest of the group; and that's part of why it's so funny to watch events play out. Crash and Burns is very episodic; we are literally dropped in the middle of these characters' relationships. The show gives us enough about the characters to give them some sort of connection, but hints that there is more to the story before - and after - this show begins. And this style is very firmly reinforced by the quick snaps of the lighting - like cut scenes - directing our attention from one conversation to another. Usually miscommunication as a source of comedy is frustrating to watch, but instead Yeo’s writing creates an off-beat and amusing comedy.
The cast have a great sense of comic timing. Their acting is completely natural and they communicate as much through their voices as their overall expressions. Their interactions are very realistic, and it’s very easy to believe and buy into their shared history.
The light comedy of Crash and Burns provides an ideal opportunity to just switch-off and enjoy the show. It's so good that if this were an actual sitcom episode, you wouldn’t be tempted to use your phone during it.
