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"Waiting for the Out" on BBC1.

(28 Posts)
butterandjam Mon 19-Jan-26 19:10:29

Has any one else been watching this series ?

Uninspiring title + storyline... " rather wet guy goes to teach philosophy to prisoners "

But......it is absolutely brilliant. Intelligent, fascinating. fantastic s actors . One of the best things I've seen in a very long time.

Bridie22 Sun 25-Jan-26 21:58:23

Brilliant series, just finished the last episode, what a role Dan played.

MayBee70 Sun 25-Jan-26 20:09:21

I’ve got to watch some of it again as I was so concerned about what might happen I skipped through a couple of episodes. Always a sign of a good series when you really care about what happens to the characters.

keepingquiet Sun 25-Jan-26 19:22:48

I finally watched the last episode last night, in fact I watched three episodes together.

I won't give any spoilers but I was in tears at times, and it takes a lot to move me. The script was human, compelling and well short of mawkish- the acting faultless (except for Phil Daniels who I felt hogged the screen a little too much) and the production values first-rate.

It will be on my best recent TV list and I would certainly watch it all again.

The best things since State of Happiness in my opinion.

I hope it receives lots of awards and I am telling everyone to see it!

Cabowich Sun 25-Jan-26 17:11:41

I absolutely adore this programme and love the main actor in it - so geeky, cute and troubled.

keepingquiet Wed 21-Jan-26 22:46:35

MayBee70

I think anyone that likes this would also like Leonard and Hungry Paul, also on BBC iplayer. I keep thinking back to when I was still working and was responsible for locking up the surgery and would go back and double check several times to see if I had locked up. Do the same with the car, too, and hope no one is watching me.

Yes I liked Leonard and Hungry Paul too, but felt a little disappointed at the end.

I hope there will be another series or something similar.

petra Wed 21-Jan-26 17:22:24

Soozikinzi

The acting in it is outstanding. Its a real test for the actors isnt it . The prisoner with the beard who knows some philosophy is superb .

I can never watch that actor without remembering that superb scene in EastEnders ( years ago) where his abused wife swung a hot iron at his head. 👏👏👏👏👏

MayBee70 Wed 21-Jan-26 17:06:06

I think anyone that likes this would also like Leonard and Hungry Paul, also on BBC iplayer. I keep thinking back to when I was still working and was responsible for locking up the surgery and would go back and double check several times to see if I had locked up. Do the same with the car, too, and hope no one is watching me.

Warmglovesandsocks Wed 21-Jan-26 16:46:17

Yes, I’ve enjoyed this series, even though I’m not one for Drama, and look forward to 21.30 on Saturdays after Casualty. Very well acted.

Knittypamela Wed 21-Jan-26 16:40:23

I started watching without much enthusiasm. Then I loved it. The lead character is brilliant. One of the best things on tv.

WithNobsOnIt Wed 21-Jan-26 16:26:49

Just watched the first episode on iPlayer. Was OK but l thought some of the characters were very contrived as a group of stereotypes to make up the numbers. Josh Finan can definitely act.

Yes, l know it was based on a book..

This sort of thing has been done many times before and becomes very predictable.

Jimmy McGovern.is first rate and would have written a great version of something similar.

Or,if you want authentic real character than get down to the real nitty gritty.. What about Mike Leigh?

Redactrice Wed 21-Jan-26 16:18:51

I meant provoking, of course. (Why is it impossible to delete or edit after you've posted? Grrrr!)

Redactrice Wed 21-Jan-26 16:16:22

Couldn’t agree more. Best TV series for ages. Mildly comic and extremely thought-povoking.

keepingquiet Wed 21-Jan-26 15:49:03

vegansrock

We enjoyed this but couldn't work out why the main character didn’t just buy an electric cooker.

Haha- I wondered this too! A very fancy cooker too which he didn't seem to need in what looked like a rental property.

However, in my expereince electric and induction hobs are more difficult to gauge of they are on or off?

Besides this I thought the portrayal of OCD was very well done.

I haven't watched all the episodes yet but I do think it is an unusual and well-written not to say acted drama and makes a real change from the usual rubbish.

It is based on a novel though, which I haven't read.

More of this kind of stuff, says me!

N4nna Wed 21-Jan-26 15:43:02

What channel is it on please?

vegansrock Wed 21-Jan-26 14:54:11

We enjoyed this but couldn't work out why the main character didn’t just buy an electric cooker.

Anneeba Wed 21-Jan-26 14:53:44

Loved it, I'm waiting impatiently for series 2. I thought the lead actor was fantastic, a really complex character portrayed with sensitivity and subtlety. So good. I'm jealous of those who haven't seen it yet!

Kate1949 Wed 21-Jan-26 14:51:31

Thanks for the recommendation. We enjoyed it.

Suzieque66 Wed 21-Jan-26 14:40:01

I did love it ...thought the lead actor was a feeble person who could be beaten up ?

Frogs Wed 21-Jan-26 14:25:21

I thought it was brilliant too 😊

Soozikinzi Wed 21-Jan-26 14:24:22

The acting in it is outstanding. Its a real test for the actors isnt it . The prisoner with the beard who knows some philosophy is superb .

Redlisa Wed 21-Jan-26 13:56:15

Just like you I found the title and storyline very off putting but I gave it a go and thought the acting from all was top drawer and the story was quite compelling. I ended up bingeing the series in a night. It was an unexpected pleasure to watch.

Whitewavemark2 Tue 20-Jan-26 17:27:19

Excellent

- “they fuck you up your mum and dad”

My gDIL deals with children severely affected by their parents.

Some will never make “normal” adults.

Wyllow3 Tue 20-Jan-26 10:37:03

It wasn't quite for me. I can see where they were heading and wanted to achieve, but the main character sort of constantly drove me spare.

Wyllow3 Mon 19-Jan-26 20:56:53

Thanks, off to watch it now, just needed a recommendation.

V3ra Mon 19-Jan-26 20:35:26

One to add to my list, thank you!
Currently watching the Inspector Lynley Mysteries on U.