Empty

Empty is a delightful British comedy that aired on BBC One in 2008, offering a unique blend of humour, emotion, and real-life portrayals. Conceived and designed as a situational comedy, Empty spans over one season and is made up of six episodes, each weaving its narrative around the distinct theme of everyday hustle and bustle. From the house of BBC which has been instrumental in producing some classic British comedies, Empty is a product of clever scripting and strong character portrayal which strikes a chord with the viewers.

The show beautifully captures the day-to-day lives of two men, Jacky Allen and Tony MacBryan, who are the central characters of the series. The plot revolves around their jobs as council workers in Glasgow, Scotland, where they are responsible for cleaning out vacant houses or “empty” of the city after the occupants move out, pass away, or get evicted.

Local Glaswegian Gregor Hunter is brilliant in his portrayal of Jacky who is the rational half of the duo. Jacky’s level-headed approach towards things and his sarcastic outlook often serves as the necessary balance towards his partner, Tony. Tony, played wonderfully by Billy Boyd (famous for his role as Pippin in Lord of the Rings) is portrayed as the more impulsive and high-strung half of the pair. Jacky and Tony's contrasting personalities create a perfect cocktail of humour and relatability, driving much of the comedy in the series.

The gaping void in the lives of the departed is effectively reflected by the task of clearing out theirs' "empties," which unknowingly becomes a source of self-realization and introspective discussions for Jacky and Tony. Several life questions surface during their interaction, creating fascinating and often humorous dialogues. The characters’ day-to-day routine is speckled with a touch of human emotions and sentimentality, offering viewers a look at complicated life scenarios through a comedic lens.

The show explores various facets of human emotions and relationships in a powerful and appealing way. The dynamic nature of the series lies in being more than just a comedy show, as it delicately peels back layers of human sensitivity, phobia, guilt, and redemption which are at the heart of this sitcom. Consequently, Empty is not just a title for the series but a metaphor for the emotional emptiness that the duo encounters amidst these abandoned homes, subtly echoing in their own lives.

Shot on location in Glasgow, Empty extends an authentic feel to the viewers. The city's aesthetic appeal serves as a perfect background enhancing the storytelling and performances. Furthermore, the occasional intrusions of Scottish weather, varying from torrents of rain to glimpses of rare sun, provide a rudimentary but effective plot device, significantly contributing to the visual texture of the series.

Although it is a sitcom, Empty delves deep into the unexplored territories of vacated houses, loneliness, and survivor's guilt, drawing humour subtly and intelligently from these themes. The interplay of comedy and drama coexists without overshadowing one another, making it a compelling watch for its audience.

The humour in the series is predominantly dark and situational, primarily deriving from the actions and reactions of the characters towards different scenarios. The quintessentially British style of humour imbued with sarcasm, self-deprecation, and irony distinguishes the show from contemporary sitcoms, providing it a unique comedic flavour.

Empty is interspersed with thoughtful moments among its humour, as the creators, Rob and Neil Forsyth, skillfully blend the tragic with the comic, producing scenes that make viewers laugh and think simultaneously. The dialogues are crisp and thought-provoking, serving as the strong pillars upon which the sitcom stands tall.

The light-hearted banter, coupled with meaningful conversations between the two lead characters, provides a unique and enjoyable viewing experience. The storyline flows smoothly without unnecessary diversions. The careful selection and individualistic treatment of each episode's plot showcase the expertise of director Iain Davidson and producer Angie Daniell.

In conclusion, Empty is a sitcom with substance, blending humour, exploratory dialogues, and raw human emotions to a great effect. It's a show that packs a solid comedic punch while also providing food for thought.