Clatterford

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What’s the Story?

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), the town's all-around go-to gal, gossiper, and advice giver. But when Sal's husband dies suddenly, she takes the advice she herself gave to the grief counselor who came to her door -- she 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.

Is It Any Good?

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) can appreciate the character-based humor and don't mind the occasional strong language (including "s--t") and some body-related laughs (like references to suppositories inserted in the wrong place).