White Gold

White Gold is a British comedy-drama television series from BBC Two that aired between 2017 and 2019. Known for its captivating storytelling style and maximum comic effect, this two-season show features Ed Westwick, renowned for his role in the hit television series Gossip Girl, James Buckley and Joe Thomas, well-recognised for their previous roles in The Inbetweeners.

Set in the cultural and design landscape of the 1980s, White Gold tells the story of Vincent Swan, a charismatic, unscrupulous and cocky sales agent in Essex, played by Ed Westwick. Vincent is a man with a gift for selling - regardless of what the product might be. In White Gold, that product happens to be double-glazed windows, a true symbol of upward mobility in the era, and a lucrative business in the UK during the period.

The series takes an exciting and humorous look at the window selling industry, capturing the unbridled ambition, greed, and manipulation that fueled the economic boom of the 1980s. Vincent’s character is a smooth-talking, almost resplendent personality, who charms his way through sales, making promises that, more often than not, surpass the realm of reality.

Supporting Vincent on his sales exploits are hapless but endearing junior salesmen, Brian Fitzpatrick and Martin Lavender, enacted by James Buckley and Joe Thomas. These two well-meaning sidekicks bumble their way through business, creating many comic scenarios. They idolise Vincent, although he has a propensity to exploit their respect and naivety to his advantage. The trio's foolhardy adventures in their commission-based roles provide the foundation of comedy and conflict within the series.

Lindsay, Vincent’s long-suffering wife, played by Linzey Cocker, adds another layer of complexity to the plot. The subtleties of their relationship and domestic life, intertwined with Vincent's rollercoaster career, crafts an interesting narrative beyond the cutthroat world of business.

White Gold balances the nostalgia of its 1980s setting with a contemporary comedic tone brilliantly. The series is as much a character study as it is a situational comedy, with Vincent's narration providing insight into his character and outlook on life, effectively humanising him beyond his outwardly breezy sales persona.

The writer and director, Damon Beesley, has managed to present a humorous and entertaining exploration of the excess of the Thatcherite 1980s. The narrative is dealt with sensitively, showing the impact of the politics of the time on regular people and their livelihoods. The show brilliantly presents the harsh realities of a period marked by consumerism, and financial booms and busts, through the lens of an industry that is rarely the subject of such insights.

White Gold is peppered with a fantastic blend of retro music, fashion, and aesthetics that make for a visually enticing and immersive viewing experience. The performances by the three lead actors are commendable and the onscreen chemistry is delightful to watch, providing a unique, comic spin on the corporate world.

Ed Westwick is particularly impressive in his role as the smooth, hustling salesperson, using charisma and deceit equally well to close business deals. His performances hold the viewers’ interest throughout the series with his cunning tactics and idiosyncratic one-liners. Meanwhile, the inseparable duo of James Buckley and Joe Thomas adds a lovable charm to the series with their unique blend of humor and clueless innocence.

While taking the audience back to the ‘80s and presenting the charm and cringe of the era, the show manages to maintain a strong narrative, and combines a variety of elements such as comedy, drama and nostalgia to create a well-rounded series.

In conclusion, if you're a fan of British comedy or are intrigued by the bygone era of the 1980s, White Gold delivers a nostalgic, humorous and an absorbing watch. With brilliant performances from a talented lead cast, relatable characters and an often overlooked setting in Thatcher-era Essex, White Gold is an impressive piece of comedic storytelling. This show is sure to offer both chuckles and thoughtful smiles as it explores the world of small-time hustlers during one of the most important economic eras in modern British history.