Hunderby

Hunderby is a dark, British comedy-drama television series from the BBC that aired between 2012 and 2015. The show stars Alexandra Roach, an actress known for her portrayals of intricate characters that walk the fine line between drama and comedy. Set during the 1830s, Hunderby captures the essence of an unconventional and twisted period comedy.

Emerging from the comedic genius of Julia Davis who wrote, directed and even acted in the series, Hunderby offers humor with an underlying sharpness. Davis uses the historically romantic period as the backdrop for her hilariously twisted tale, allowing her to create delightful parodies of traditional period drama clichés, turning them on their heads and infusing them with a wonderfully wicked sense of humor.

Hunderby's central character is Helene, a shipwreck survivor played convincingly by Alexandra Roach. Following her tortuous ordeal at sea, Helene is washed ashore on the beach of Hunderby, a small village with a plethora of eclectic characters. Respectively she becomes the second wife of the town's pastor, Edmund, who remains unaware of his wife's past experiences and her distressed mental state.

The fundamental strength of Hunderby comes not only from its unique story but its superb characterization. Helene, portrayed by Roach, is a character defined by her innocence and naiveté, struggling to blend into an entirely unfamiliar societal setup, yet she is strangely resilient. Edmund, meanwhile, is a character firmly defined by his religious duties and the expectations of his society, not fully understanding what his new wife has undergone.

Amidst these central figures, a rich tapestry of supporting characters adds a level of depth to the narratives. The bitter housekeeper Dorothy, portrayed by Julia Davis herself, swings between concern and malice for Helene in an utterly captivating performance that creates a blend of antagonism and dark humor. Hunderby’s cast of quirky characters each contribute their own unique flavor to the narrative, making each episode a delightful watch.

The show's typical British humor is intelligently juxtaposed with the picturesque period setting, offering a visually captivating experience. It flaunts the paradox of the idyllic and the macabre, the innocent and the scandalous, creating a fantastic texture that makes it stand out. Its comedic timing is impeccable and often unexpected, creating moments of intense laughter amid situations of devastating gravity.

Hunderby has a distinct voice, combining elements of dark comedy and period drama in a unique package. From the satirical take on the trope of “the brooding Byronic hero” to the depiction of the societal injustices of that era, the show provides a refreshingly subversive take on period dramas. It extrapolates the inherent humor from the absurdity and the extravagances of the period romantic genre, resulting in a clever, comic pastiche.

Alexandra Roach's portrayal of Helene is both articulate and poignant, successfully capturing her character's innocence, ambiguity, and the progressive transformation throughout the series. She stands out in her ability to keep step with the tonal shifts of the narrative. This coupled with the rest of the ensemble cast, makes for an engaging and captivating viewing experience.

Hunderby’s writing pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling and takes risks with its comedic tones, gloriously punctuating the tragic with the funny, the dark with the light. It could very well be described as a saucy seaside postcard come to life, unafraid to explore the risqué while skillfully managing the balance of comedy, drama, love, and societal satire.

In summary, with its dark, satirical humor and a complex ensemble of characters, Hunderby makes for an unconventional, pleasantly unsettling, yet utterly hilarious viewing experience. For viewers seeking a historical drama with a comedic twist that offers satire, romance, and an intriguing narrative, Hunderby is an excellent destination. This unique series reflects why shows like this continue to contribute to the variety in British television production, breaking the mold, and challenging audiences' expectations.