Going Forward

Going Forward is a compelling British comedy-drama series that originally aired on BBC Four in 2016. It's a continuum that follows the character Jackie from the popular 2012 series "Getting On”, taking us on another exciting journey into her life post-NHS.

The series is multifaceted, mirroring the chaos of life while making a potent commentary on the ever-changing socio-economic landscape of Britain. Jackie, previously working at the NHS, now a private sector community health worker, is firmly at the center of this dynamic series. The show roller-coasters through the ups and downs she encounters at work, while managing a complicated family life, perfectly blending light-hearted humour with the deeper emotional pathways of the storyline.

The character of Jackie, as portrayed by Jo Brand, is intelligent, sarcastically witty, and efficiently compassionate. This compassionate health professional is the keystone of Going Forward, meticulously weaving together the varying intricacies of her private and professional life. Her work often sees her stepping into the private worlds of her patients, becoming an invisible yet crucial support in their lives.

Each episode captures Jackie's life as she balances discouraging hurdles and joyful triumphs. It provides a grassroots perspective on the trials and tribulations facing healthcare professionals in the modern world. The authenticity of Jackie's professional challenges rings true, possibly owing to Jo Brand's past experience as a psychiatric nurse.

In Going Forward, we find Jackie trying to balance work with the upheaval happening in her personal life. She's attempting to keep the different strands of her life spun together while facing economic difficulties and developing crises. The series skillfully blends emotive drama with comedic elements, as Jackie's experiences range from the amusingly absurd to deeply distressing.

Her home life is further amplified by her unemployed partner, played by Omid Djalili. Jackie's interactions with him and her children add another layer of complexity to her life. The depiction of her personal life is not just confined to chuckles, as it also provides profound insights into common modern-life dilemmas like juggling work and family, dealing with teenage children, and facing financial worries when one partner is unemployed.

Jackie's sharp wit and humor remain a constant even when she's dealing with a wide variety of issues, ranging from suburban politics, family troubles, patient concerns, to budget cuts in the healthcare industry. Going Forward is a beautifully balanced blend of laughter, poignancy, and social critique.

A noteworthy attribute of this series lies in its impeccable writing and characterization. The characters are complex, multifaceted, and realistic. They are grounded in reality and sincerely represent a slice of British society that is often overlooked in mainstream media. The various patients who Jackie treats in the course of her work provide fascinating and often heartbreaking insights into the realities of healthcare in Britain.

Going Forward stands out in its successful portrayal of a lead female character who is neither young nor particularly glamorous, but who is intelligent, competent, and extremely sympathetic. Despite the challenges she faces at every turn, Jackie continues to try her best for her patients and her family, with commendable resilience and grace.

Another standout aspect of Going Forward is its ensemble cast, which includes Omid Djalili as Jackie's husband, Kevin, whose optimistically humorous approach to life complements Jackie's sharp wit. The interplay between Omid and Jo Brand brings an abundant richness and sincerity to their characters’ relationship.

In summary, Going Forward is an engaging, insightful, and enjoyable exploration of the challenges, triumphs, and travails in the life of a healthcare worker. It is heartwarming, funny, and at times very poignant. At its heart, the show is a tale about perseverance, empathy, and primarily, humanity. It achieves a remarkable balance between humor, drama, and social commentary, making it a well-rounded series worthy of giving a watch.