“Henpocalypse”: A BBC Two Comedy Failing to Crack Audiences Up

Henpocalypse, BBC Two, review: A comedy about as funny as a penis piñata

A wasted opportunity

The recent release of the sitcom “Henpocalypse” on BBC Two has generated mixed reviews from audiences and critics alike. Created by the usually funny Caroline Moran, known for her work on “Raised by Wolves,” one may have expected a hilarious and entertaining show about a hen party set during the end of the world. Unfortunately, the first episode fell flat, leaving viewers disappointed and questioning the potential of the series.

The premise of the show revolves around five hens traveling from the West Midlands to a remote cottage in Wales for Zara’s special weekend. While the setup holds promise for comedic situations and interactions, the execution in the first episode leaves much to be desired. The humor relies heavily on pink, penis-related props and innuendos, offering cheap laughs that fail to hit the mark. Francesca Steele, in her review for the BBC Two show, aptly describes the episode as a “pink, penis-paraphernalia-strewn mess.”

The characters in “Henpocalypse” are introduced through their responses to a literal car crash en route to their destination. Bernadette, the loud-mouthed mom, causes the crash by yelling at another driver. Shelly, Zara’s best friend and the designated driver for the group, is portrayed as the goody-two-shoes. Jen, Zara’s cousin, suffers from ill-fitting heels that result in bleeding all over the furniture. Veena seems to be the tech-savvy one of the group, positioned as the only woman who understands Bluetooth. These characters, however, fail to engage the audience and provide the desired comedic effect.

As the episode progresses, the show tries to incorporate elements of the unfolding catastrophe of “crab measles,” which wipes out the population of Britain at an alarming rate. While attempting to integrate crude pandemic references, the humor falls short and feels untimely. The introduction of Officer Drew, who ends up chained to a radiator, adds an element of absurdity, but even this fails to elicit genuine laughter.

Unrealized potential

One of the main issues with “Henpocalypse” is the lackluster writing. The crude humor, while attempting to portray girls behaving badly, falls short of the mark set by successful comedies like “Hot Fuzz.” The show lacks the outrageousness needed to create memorable and captivating moments. Additionally, it seems hesitant to fully commit to developing the relationships between the characters, leaving the audience wanting more depth and substance.

However, in the midst of the puerile humor, there is a glimmer of potential. Behind the crude jokes and penis paraphernalia, there exists the possibility of a compelling gal pal story waiting to be revealed. The actors deliver strong performances, showcasing their talent, but they are limited by the material they are given to work with.

A call for improvement

With five more episodes to go, there is still a chance for “Henpocalypse” to redeem itself. The series has the opportunity to dive deeper into the relationships between the characters and explore the complexities of friendship during a time of crisis. By focusing on character development and refining the humor, the show has the potential to become a genuinely funny and engaging sitcom.

The creators and writers of “Henpocalypse” should take this feedback as an opportunity to reevaluate their approach and make the necessary adjustments. It is crucial to strike a balance between humor and substance in order to create a show that resonates with audiences. “Henpocalypse” still has the chance to live up to its potential and deliver on the promise of being an entertaining comedy.

In conclusion, while the first episode of “Henpocalypse” failed to deliver on its comedic potential, there is still hope for improvement as the series continues. With better writing and a focus on character development, the show has the opportunity to become a standout sitcom. It remains to be seen whether “Henpocalypse” can rise above its initial shortcomings and captivate audiences with its unique premise.