When you watch most BBC videos, at least the ones we’ve covered here so far, there’s often a little blurb before the presentation starts, talking about the various content offered. And one of the things they describe is the British capacity for drama. When you take a class-ridden society that represses its emotions on a regular basis, or something like that, you have the capability to produce said drama. And that’s kind of what you’ll get with Reggie Perrin. And the folks out at Acorn Media sent out a copy of Reggie Perrin set one for us to review, and the end result is terrific drama couched in a surprisingly delightful comedy.

Reggie Perrin follows the title character, Reggie Perrin, the head of a disposable razors division that’s seen better days. Work is getting downright absurd, he’s getting bored at home, and his entire world is getting more absurd and alienating every single day. But Reggie has two things that keeps him sane: his fantasy life, which is unsettlingly active, and his aggressively tactless nature. He’s resolved to live a little more on impulse, but will this cause more trouble than it solves?

Reggie Perrin is actually a spectacularly funny affair. In the first episode alone I think I laughed half a dozen times, and in a half-hour sitcom, that’s not normal. And in fact, it’s a delightful change. What impresses me about this, though, is how often the parts of Reggie Perrin prove to be the same from episode to episode, but with slight changes between them. For instance, there’s the Late For Work Excuse section, and the Late Coming Home Excuse section. At one point, Reggie’s regular commuter train is delayed, and the reason? “Whatever.” Really, “whatever”. That was the reason. And I just laughed like crazy.

Reggie’s fantasy life, meanwhile, has a strange way of getting him in trouble and saving him from it, which always leaves you wondering just what’s going to happen to him next. Yet, on a certain level, you often know what will happen next. And it usually winds up being hilarious.

This is one of the better sitcoms out there, and frankly, I’m almost ashamed to see the Brits beat us to it. But they have Martin Clunes, who is his era’s Kelsey Grammer, so we can hardly be blamed for losing out on this one.

The Screenhead Ten Scale gives Reggie Perrin Set One an eight out of ten. It’s uproarious, delightful stuff that may not be for everyone, but should be at least worth a look for most anybody.