Hitmen

Hitmen is a distinctly British comedy series packed with dark humor and unconventional thrills. This Peacock Premium original is a somewhat irreverent twist on the crime genre, where two female best friends work as professional hitmen, navigating the peculiar challenges of their deadly profession while dealing with their personal lives. Shining a light on the often overlooked female perspective in the crime-comedy genre, Hitmen showcases an intriguing mix of thematic elements that provides a fresh take.

The main characters of the series, Fran and Jamie, are hilariously portrayed by Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc. Both women bring their distinctive comedic timing and sharp dialogue delivery, cultivated over years of working together. Their chemistry is central to not just defining their on-screen relationship and the charm of the show, but also for carrying forward its darkly funny atmosphere. Much of the series hinges upon their camaraderie, giving the audience not just a peek into their intriguing 'day job,' but also offering a nuanced portrayal of their deep friendship.

At its core, Hitmen is about these two best friends who just happen to make their living by ending the lives of others. However, despite the grim nature of their job, the series never fully dives into the darker undertones. Instead, it extracts comedy from the most unlikely situations, often juxtaposing the threat of violence with day-to-day banal conversations about mundane life problems. This balance is meticulously maintained throughout the series, as it oscillates between harrowing assassination plotlines and the duo's hapless attempts at personal betterment and normalcy.

This lively mix of crime and comical bungling is quite reminiscent of a British humor flavor of comedy. The witty one-liners, the morbid-yet-humorous situations paired with their failing personal affairs, and their strained relationship with their disinterested boss Mr. K, balance each other out, ensuring Hitmen keeps its viewers entertained while on the edge of their seats.

The show takes place primarily in the confines of a pink Renault van which functions as their office, stakeout spot, and occasional kidnap venue, with the reminder of their deadly profession ever-present in the form of the various ‘tools’ of their intriguing trade. This evokes a claustrophobic tension while their victims are stored in the back, but also acts as a unique framing device for the storytelling.

Throughout the series, viewers follow Fran and Jamie on a succession of hits. However, the series isn't simply murder after murder. Each episode is structured more or less like a situation comedy. Yes, there is a kidnap victim in the back, but more focus is given to how Fran and Jamie navigate each situation which often has unexpected (and hilarious) complications.

The viewers also get a glimpse into Fran and Jamie’s dysfunctional lives outside work, their romantic entanglements, their failed attempts at domesticity. However, the weight of their profession never fades into the background, creating a subtle, underplayed tension throughout. This lays the groundwork for dramatic depth while maintaining the light-hearted comedic dialogue that peppers the series.

Hitmen isn't just another crime show nor another comedy show, it's a blend of both in a fresh and fascinating manner. It injects whimsical narrative style into grim subject matter, seldom venturing into the blood-and-gore details of their job. The charm of its distinct characters, off-beat humor, and unexpected narrative arcs make this show a one-of-a-kind viewing experience.

In summary, Hitmen, in its uniquely British way, manages to turn the concept of two female contract killers into an absurdly funny series about friendship, personality quirks, and everyday life, where the characters just so happen to be hitmen. It's an amusing, enjoyable romp that's sure to be a hit with viewers who enjoy dark humor couched in absurd and ordinary-seeming situations, delivered in a uniquely British comedic style. Peacock Premium indeed brings something new with this series as it explores the humorous side of a dark profession through the lens of an everyday friendship.