It Takes a Worried Man

It Takes a Worried Man is an engaging and relatable British television series from the early 1980s that combines comedy and drama, making it a classic of its era. Produced by Thames Television for the ITV network for three seasons from 1981 to 1983, the show is a part of Acorn TV's repertoire of classic and contemporary British television collections available for streaming today. The series was acclaimed for its unique humor and insightful commentary on societal norms and interpersonal relationships, during the period when they were rapidly changing.

Philip Roath, the central character of It Takes a Worried Man, is an ordinary middle-aged man stuck in a mundane 9 to 5 job and is on the verge of experiencing a nervous breakdown. Roath's mundane existence takes an exciting yet challenging turn, as he battles anxiety and stress, leading to his self-imposed mental health therapy. Philip was portrayed by Peter Tilbury, the show’s creator, who worked alongside a skillful cast led by the legendary British actors, Diana Fairfax and Sue Holderness.

The show depicts Philip’s sessions with his psychiatrist where he reveals his deepest fears, insecurities, and frustrations. Throughout the series, we witness his exploration of self-discovery and personal growth in a humorous yet relatable way. The conversations in the psychiatrist’s couch form a considerable chunk of the storyline, where Philip's honesty about his vulnerabilities becomes both the primary source of the comedy and drama in the series. This setup allows viewers to understand and connect with Philip's life in a way that is uncommon in television sitcoms of the time. Simultaneously, it offers a critique of society's standards and expectations for personal success and happiness, notably in the guise of a so-called 'good' job and a 'happy' marriage.

Philip’s professional and personal life also plays a significant role in the plot. On the job front, he works at an unfulfilling and vaguely described 'desk job' where he feels trapped, surrounded by a host of uninteresting colleagues. His uninspiring work environment adds another layer of complexity to his internal struggles, making his life more intriguing to the viewers. In contrast, his personal life brings a completely different set of troubles and provides the audience with a refreshing perspective on his life. Notably his complicated relationships with his estranged wife and his new romantic interest, Liz, his co-worker at the office.

It Takes a Worried Man is a masterclass in classic British comedy. It subtlety critiques societal norms of the time while providing ample doses of humor and witticism to keep the viewers entertained. The characterization is meticulously done, especially Philip, who despite his flaws, is a character with whom the audience can sympathize and relate to because of his honest portrayal. The series, with its combination of comedy, drama, and intricate plotlines, generates an appealing blend of humor and feelings, keeping viewers enthralled through each of the produced three seasons.

With the striking writing and original content, It Takes a Worried Man set itself apart from most sitcoms of the period. It presents a nuanced portrayal of a mid-life crisis, mental health discussions, and the ongoing struggle to find personal satisfaction amidst societal expectations, the themes that remain relevant even today. The show is known to have mixed comedy with the seriousness, which was a new approach to British TV, thereby pioneering a distinct style of comedy-drama that would become popular in the following years.

In summary, It Takes a Worried Man is an intelligent mix of humor, wit, and drama as it tackles the quite difficult issues of mid-life crises and mental health, a rarity in the early 80s. Its unique blend of narrative elements makes it an unforgettable series, resonating through the decades post its release and appealing to a broad spectrum of viewers. On Acorn TV, the series continues to be discovered by new audiences, cementing its status as a timeless classic of British television comedy.