Clatterford - TV-PG

Warm, woman-centered Britcom embraces eccentrics.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: BBC America Cast: Sue Johnston, Joanna Lumley, Jennifer Saunders Genre: Comedy

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this British comedy pokes good-natured fun at small-town life and an eccentric circle of gossipy women. A main character deals with the death of her husband and the change of direction her life takes in the aftermath. Strong language is sporadic, and body-related humor includes medical ailments like anal polyps and touchy subjects like Pap tests, all of which are played for laughs. While there's little content that's iffy for teens, kids may not appreciate the affectionate, character-based comedy the same way that adults (mainly women) will.

Families can talk about friendship. What makes someone a good friend? How does a deep friendship develop? How important are common interests in a relationship? Teens: How do you resolve differences with your friends? What challenges can arise within a large group of buddies? How does friendship change as you get older? Families can also discuss British humor. How is it different than American comedy? What parts of this show are distinctly British? Why?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Emily Ashby

The warm British comedy CLATTERFORD offers a tongue-in-cheek peek at the daily goings-on of residents in a small Devon town, spotlighting the eccentric members of the local women's club.

The series centers on Sal Vine (Sue Johnston), nurse to the resident doctor (who's also her husband) and the town's all-around go-to gal. Sal's days are filled with dispensing prescriptions, advice, and a helping hand to anyone in need. Her best pal, Tip (Pauline McLynn), makes sure that Sal's down time is filled with plenty of fun and frolic to lighten her load.

But when Sal's husband dies suddenly, her world is turned on end. Her son, James (David Mitchell), takes over the clinic, and -- to Sal's surprise -- his wife puts her out of a job. Taking the advice she gave to the grief counselor who came to her door, Sal gets a mini-makeover and heads for the local women's club she had always vehemently avoided.

Her fellow members are a rag-tag group of eccentrics whose combined quirks make for plenty of in-fighting -- and lots of gossip. From the serious, stately club leader Eileen (Maggie Steed) to church organist Delilah (Joanna Lumley) -- who crawls around town on her bike with training wheels -- to nutty resident Rosie (Dawn French) and her belligerent alter ego, Margaret, there's never a dull moment in this ladies' club.

With its subtle humor and strong cast,Clatterford delivers an affectionately comic glimpse at small-town life that's sure to amuse the female crowd. The absence of too much iffy material also makes it fine for sharing with teen daughters, too, as long as they (and you) don't mind occasional strong language (including "s--t") and some body-related laughs (like references to suppositories inserted in the wrong place) and can appreciate the character-based humor.

Fans may also enjoy Steel Magnolias, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, and Calendar Girls.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Occasional body humor includes comments like "Is it an itchy anus?" and mention of medical topics like Pap and urine tests.
Violence
Language Infrequent use of "damn," "hell," and "s--t."
Message
	Social Behavior The series exaggerates personality quirks and one character's mental health disorder, which resembles multiple personalities.
	Commercialism Rarely, something like a cell phone or iPod makes an appearance.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Adults sometimes frequent the neighborhood pub for a drink or two. Conversational drug references include mention of roaches and skunks.