Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Juice is a British comedy about Jamma (Mawaan Rizwan), a self-obsessed, immature man working at an advertising agency. Although he’s living with his boyfriend, Guy (Russell Tovey), who is older, he has yet to unpack his things. Since Guy understands that Jamma is a bit immature and has commitment issues, he gives him time to settle in.
Throughout the first season, Jamma gets a promotion at the marketing firm where he works, realizes that other men may be interested in him, and has to deal with his parents bickering when his mother (Shahnaz Rizwan) kicks his father (Jeff Mirza) out of the house. On top of that, his younger brother, Isaac (Nabhaan Rizwan) gets a job at the marketing firm, which brings out Jamma’s competitive side. And all of that fuels all eight episodes of this madcap comedy.
Some Thoughts:
Juice is an imaginative comedy that suffers from a main character who is difficult to sympathize with. He brings all his problems on himself and acts like a child. he’s so immature that it’s hard to understand what Guy, who is secure and responsible, sees in him. I find it hard to believe that Guy wouldn’t have kicked him to the curb after the first date.
Jamma’s overactive imagination takes up most of the stories, which adds some charm and occasionally makes it confusing. Although I don’t mind the fantastical element this brings, it often feels like a lazy way to explore plot dynamics. This is on full display in episode 5, where Jamma discovers things about his mother that could have been handled with simple dialog. I can’t get into details without spoilers, but I found it to be a bit of a stretch.
The production values are fine, and the acting overall is okay, but it’s never actually funny. It’s supposed to be an absurd look at life, but the jokes never land and the main character is too annoying to be funny.
The Final Verdict:
Juice is an absurdist comedy that lacks humor. The main character is annoying, and the romantic leads lack chemistry.