Saxondale
Mid-life woes will tickle adults' funny bones.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the protagonist in this British comedy is a middle-aged divorcee who's dealing with anger, sexual function (or lack thereof), and a sense of an increasing generational divide. Sexual innuendoes are common, and the noises of intercourse (moans, headboards bumping the wall rhythmically) are heard, though nothing is shown. In one scene a man and woman discuss in generic terms the various positions they'd like to try for maximum pleasure ("me on top," "you behind me," "missionary position").
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What's the Story?
British sitcom SAXONDALE follows the life of newly divorced Tommy Saxondale (Steve Coogan), who is finding that the aches and pains of middle age aren't just limited to his joints. Lately he's noticed a growing communication gap between him and members of the younger generation, such as the peppy blonde receptionist at his pest-control company, or his assistant, Raymond (Rasmus Hardiker), whose eyes usually glaze over when Tommy sets off on his slew of multiple metaphors. At a loss to explain this disinterest in what he considers to be his fascinating life, Tommy often wonders what happened to that free-thinking music roadie he was not so long ago. With anger-management courses not living up to their advertising and his sex life with girlfriend Magz (Ruth Jones) often needing a Viagra-induced jumpstart -- adding insult to injury, Raymond's is going strong in the spare room upstairs -- Tommy struggles to find his middle-age niche.
Is It Any Good?
Saxondale combines smart writing and a humorous take on the woes of getting older into a hilarious package sure to please the adult audience. Tommy's pompous self-importance and dry sarcasm are sure to keep viewers in stitches. But parents should probably preview the show for teens because of the prevalent sexual innuendo (like when Tommy takes Viagra to put "lead in the old pencil") and multiple scenes that include intercourse-related noises (mostly groans and thumps).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about bridging the generation gap. How do your kids relate to adults? What common interests do they share with grown-ups in their lives? Why do teens often seem unwilling to accept advice from adults? Teens can also offer their parents advice on relating to young people. What do your kids wish adults knew about communicating with them? And what effect do the media have on the generation gap -- do they make it better or worse?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 19, 2006
- Cast: Rasmus Hardiker, Ruth Jones, Steve Coogan
- Network: BBC America
- Genre: Comedy
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: October 13, 2022
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