Review: Queen of Oz, BBC One
Tate’s flops now outweigh her better work
Catherine Tate has had her fair share of successful projects, including her iconic portrayal of the stroppy schoolgirl Lauren and her role as a companion in Doctor Who. However, her recent comedic endeavors have left much to be desired. Queen of Oz, her latest sitcom on BBC One, is a prime example of this decline.
A desperate and lazy sitcom
Queen of Oz, unfortunately, lacks the wit and effort required to be truly funny. Tate’s portrayal of Princess Georgiana, a drunken embarrassment who is sent to Australia to serve as their queen, falls flat. While the central idea of a royal black sheep finding herself in a new environment could be entertaining, the execution leaves much to be desired.
A disappointing lack of effort
Tate’s commitment to her character’s posh accent is inconsistent, undermining the believability of her role as a royal family member. This lack of attention to detail reflects the overall laziness of the show. It seems that Tate is more interested in seeking laughs than putting in the necessary legwork, resulting in a lackluster performance.
Crude humor without substance
The comedic approach chosen by Tate and co-writer Jeff Gutheim is disappointingly crude, relying on offensive language and derogatory comments. Georgiana’s constant use of vulgar language and demeaning remarks diminishes the potential for intelligent humor. The reliance on such crass jokes as the sole source of comedy is a missed opportunity to create a more enjoyable experience for the audience.
Is Tate still a comedic talent?
There is no denying that Catherine Tate has had her moments of comedic brilliance, but her recent endeavors suggest a decline in her abilities. Her previous successes, such as the sketch show character Lauren and her role in Doctor Who, are becoming more distant memories. The failure of projects like the Netflix prison comedy Hard Cell and the critically panned The Nan Movie raises the question of whether Tate’s comedic talents have waned over time.
Supporting players shine brighter
In Queen of Oz, it is the supporting players who truly shine. Niky Wardley, known for her memorable role in Peep Show, brings humor and charisma to the dim-witted lady-in-waiting. The contrast between the stronger performances from the supporting cast and Tate’s lackluster portrayal of Georgiana only further emphasizes her struggle to connect with audiences.
A central problem of likability
The central problem with Queen of Oz lies in the unlikeability of Tate’s character. Georgiana’s drunken antics and offensive behavior make it difficult for audiences to sympathize with her or invest in her story. Even attempts to build a connection between Georgiana and her bodyguard fall short of redeeming the character. As a result, it becomes challenging for viewers to maintain interest in the show.
Looking for better royal comedy
For those seeking a truly entertaining royal comedy, The Windsors on Channel 4 is a better option. With its clever writing and excellent cast, including actors like Hugh Skinner and Louise Ford, The Windsors offers a more enjoyable and memorable comedic experience.
Overall, Queen of Oz fails to deliver genuine laughs and falls short of the comedic standards set by Catherine Tate’s earlier work. It is time to reassess our expectations of her comedic talents and perhaps seek out other sources of entertainment for a better comedic experience.
<< photo by RDNE Stock project >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
