This show is aptly named "Vexed", as the switcheroo that occurs after the first season is truly vexing! The all-too-short season 1 was such a delightful introduction to a cadish, but lovable, Jack and his hapless partner Kate; it rates a solid 9+ in my books. The chemistry between these two was excellent, and they were well matched in their comedic abilities. We particularly delighted in Jack's insensitive remarks, from which much of the humor stemmed. Unfortunately, all that changed quite dramatically in the second season. Lucy Punch was replaced by Miranda Raison as Jack's new partner- an earnest know-it-all who sucked all the humor out of the show. Jack's character was also toned down to a disappointing shadow of his first season's character. What a waste of Toby Stephen's great comedic talent! I would love to see this show brought back in the format of the first season, but I suppose that ship has sailed as the actors have moved on to greener pastures. Again I say, what a waste!
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"Vexed" was a promising series that ran for two seasons in England. It starred Toby Stephens and Lucy Punch in the first season and Stephens and Miranda Raison in the second. It's a derivative series, about plainclothes detectives solving murders. One nice non-derivative thing is there's no romance. Stephens' first partner is married, and his second barely puts up with him. So there is a lot of repartee.
The first three episodes were outrageously written, with someone looking at an apartment as a possible rental after stepping over the dead body in the room. In the second season, there were still some great moments but it was toned down.
In part, this was because Lucy Punch left the show and was replaced by Miranda Raison. Punch is a more interesting type than Raison, who is certainly beautiful and a fine actress. Punch is more comedic, with long blond hair of no particular style, a tall frame that is normally informally dressed, and a unique speaking voice. She and Stephens were a scream together.
Also, Punch's character had a more interesting private life than Raison's. Convinced at one point that her husband is cheating on her, she reacts in a way that sends him to the hospital and puts him on crutches.
The Stephens character is a sort of overblown DeNozzo from NCIS - he only thinks of sex, swaggers around, is a misogynist, and it all hides a lot of hurt. And some of his comments are too much. When he suspects a woman's late husband might be gay, he asks her, "Did he have a particularly strong reaction when Princess Diana died?"
I've read some complaints on this board about Stephens. I think he is very good and handles the comedy well. I have seen him do other things, and he is a wonderful and versatile actor. How bad can the son of Dame Maggie Smith and Sir Robert Stephens be, after all? He is a successful stage actor as well as a film and TV actor. And he's handsome to boot.
I enjoyed both seasons, though I know a lot of people were disappointed in season 2. Season 1 was edgy and funnier; season 2 was a little calmer, but still good. -
SnoopyStyle8 October 2013This is odd little police procedural from Britain. DI Jack Armstrong (Toby Stephens) is a Neanderthal misogynist.
The first series had 3 episodes where Armstrong is teamed with DI Kate Bishop (Lucy Punch). She's neurotic, witty, and sometimes violent. They are not Sherlock by any means, but they get the job done. It's their relationship that's the most fun. Something about Lucy Punch makes her adorable even when she's crazy.
The second series had 6 episodes and a new partner for Armstrong. Bishop is replaced with DI Georgina Dixon (Miranda Raison). She's a bland character and just doesn't have the witty exchanges like Lucy Punch. I could barely finish watching the first episode. The cases are still forgettable, and without the energetic Punch, this show becomes an unfunny bore. -
the_curious_tongue1 September 2010OK so let's start with the obvious. What is Vexed? Vexed is a new BBC2 hour-long comedy focusing around two newly partnered DCIs (Detectives for USA,) Kate (Lucy Punch) and Jack (Toby Stephens.)
The outline is simple. They go solving crimes in their own way. With Jack being an arrogant, self centred, shallow man and Kate being a neurotic, violent and yet endearingly cute at times.
I like the fact that they are new partners, it gives license to explore what first impressions they give each other, and also is a very clever way of introducing the characters as they can ask questions about each other without it being strange, helping the viewer.
The comedy in the show is very British. Irony, sarcasm and quick-wit. Sometimes immature. The acting is first class. I rarely say that but this time it's spot on. Punch's and Stephens' on screen chemistry, or rather purposefully the lack of it, is near genius.
The stories are original and well thought out.
The only problem is that this show needs, and I mean needs, to be given time. 3 episodes should get you. Unfortunately this will probably be cancelled because it's not some two pints/coming of age rip off. Or rather because it hasn't got the now annoying Russell Howard.
If you love sarcasm and irony. Love misogynistic jokes being torn apart by a woman, enjoy good acting, well written stories and some genuine laugh out loud moments then you'll love this.
If you love arse and tit jokes along with ott accents and slang - then go watch repeats of two pints on Dave or Gold. -
DJOfRadioGallifrey21 October 2010This show is a gem, though it could easily slip under the radar, with the time and place it's broadcast....so look it up.
The characters are established in the first episode, meaning whose the darker one, or the smarter one. But I can say it doesn't follow that particular formula, they're both relatively smart and witty, and they both can be dark, strangely enough the smarter and moralist one of the pair seems to have a darker side. Though the carefree dumbed-down one is slightly cynical. There partnership can go in any direction which is the appeal with most programmes, though what makes it interesting is they are not two singletons thrown together; one is married and the other single and proud.
The cases though not exactly 'Sherlock calibre' they are smart and flow, and leave me surprised at every new turn....meaning the 'Oh yes...but of course.' moments.
The acting is good, the comedy good, the drama good. The number of episodes.....needs more. -
HersiliaS8 April 2013The long gap between the two series does make for a slight chance for its recommissioning, even though I know this is most likely wishful thinking. But I'd really love to see another season of this series, which made me laugh and at the same time watch the story lines with genuine interest, which is a rare combination in detective comedy.
The first season is definitely better than the second one, mainly because it's much more irreverent and more politically incorrect, which is one of the series' greatest assets. Also the female character and her story is more interesting with DI Bishop than with DI Dixon; moreover the (intended and perfectly played) absolute lack of chemistry between Jack and Kate is a much better premise than the growing liking between Jack and Georgina. Still, I would definitely enjoy a sequel, possibly with yet another partner for Jack, and with all the crazy humour of the first series.
The second season had good crime stories, always with good twists to them, only the grown up and tamed Jack was slightly out of the place (the last episode with the pillow battle with the brother made up for many earlier shortcomings of the character, though). I particularly loved the post-gender episode with the nice David Lodge touch to it, partly because apart from the really good storyline it also showed the former boldness in touching current issues and fashions. It also portrayed the academic life very well, even if ironically, which makes me believe that other episodes were also well researched for small details.
As for the actors, I could watch Toby Stephens forever, and I would encourage the producers to let him balance on the border of overdoing a comical character - he can perfectly do it, as he showed in the wonderfully camp Prince John, one of the few redeeming qualities of the otherwise hardly watchable "Robin Hood". Jack Armstrong could use more camp features, too, as the 'mature student' scenes in the academic episode showed.
Lucy Punch is certainly a better actress than Miranda Raison, but the latter did better and better from episode to episode, and much as the first ep. of the second season left me with huge doubts about the character's development, she had her moments later and I even ended up liking her. Her 'picky and desperate' single trait made her character less interesting than Kate's troublesome marriage, though, so the actress could not help that.
Still, the series has got potential and would certainly benefit from a third season. -
saratonkinson19 July 2020Great micky take of 70s 'sexy' cops, loved this. Well cast and well acted also still has the ' who done it factor'.
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pensman29 March 2013Come on, you have to love this show. In episode one it appears D.I. Jack Armstrong and his partner D.I. Kate Bishop are checking out apartment rentals until they step over dead and bloody body. Toby Stephens as Armstrong is cynical and laid back and out of step with his comments on everything. He is so non PC that you know this show would never make it on American TV. But he is a good cop with good instincts. He does go through two female partners, Lucy Punch in season one and Miranda Raison in season two. Their characterization are completely different but both work well with Armstrong. The stories are interesting and laced with humor. Think of the better episodes of Castle with darker humor. Roger Griffiths plays Tony who runs the bar where the two detectives go to drink and think. Took me a while to recognize Griffiths who also starred in Chef. A fun series. Hope they do a third.
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Calicodreamin25 April 2020A fun and quirky British detective show. The main character was an absolute goof, and the main characters had good chemistry and good banter across both seasons.
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gwynhafar5 November 2012This review is for the overall show, "Vexed". I have purchased Season 1 via Amazon Prime Watch Instantly and will try to purchase a box set of Seasons 1 and 2 (hopefully including some great extra features) as soon as I can legally purchase them in the US.
At first I was curious about the show based on the actors involved, but then I just loved the perverse black comedy of it all. Not many shows surprise or delight viewers anymore. This one did, but you have to get on board with your tongue firmly in the cheek. Really, really laugh out loud funny on so many fronts.
I wish someone who is bold, who has vision, and who has the right pull would see what a gem this whole idea is and rescue it from obscurity. My kudos to the writers, production team, actors, and all involved. Please do not give up. You do have an audience - even if the BBC broadcasting moguls try to bury your show opposite the Olympics. Shame, shame, shame on them! -
Prismark1012 January 2014Vexed wants to be a British version of Moonlighting.
The first series was a three parter from Howard Overman, with Jack played by Toby Stephens, an arrogant, uncaring and misogynistic cop. His new partner played by Lucy Punch, exasperated with his methods and attitude. She also had a madcap relationship with her fiancé played by Rory Kinnear.
The first series was not a great critical or viewing success.
A re-tooled second series appeared two years later. Punch was replaced by Miranda Raison and Jack was toned down. He was made a little bit more sensitive and a better detective.
Stephens tried his best to be a charismatic series lead.
Like Moonlighting it is off beat enough with a hint of 'will they or won't there' and crime solving thrown in.
Unfortunately the second series was also not a hit with the audience. It left the creator slightly vexed! -
Mouth_in_Foot7 September 2015A foot in mouth review.
I had never heard of this show, I recently discovered it on Netflix, OMFG it is amazing, this is on another level of funny, Hot Fuzz is the closest thing to it that I know of.
So well written and executed performances! I told a couple of the lads about this show and they have fallen in love with it. I will admit to this because I am a man a manly man, I laughed so hard I cried and peed on the sofa, good thing mine is leather.
Season 1 episode 3 is incredible!
I don't want to say to much because you have to experience it.
Toby Stephens is utterly epic in this program as DI Jack Armstrong and steals the show really he plays an utter git, but he is so likable because he is an ass.
I really would love to see this show come back! -
snowyprecipice25 March 2019Okay, I'll be honest, the rating would have been a 6 had I not been so taken in by Toby Stephens. I love that actor, man. He just has this charisma and subtle facial expressions which really draw me in. Pity he's playing such a cliched character.
Lucy Punch was amazing in the first season; she and Toby played well off each other. Season 2 wasn't as fun, but the last 2 episodes weren't too bad. Miranda's character was a little boring, and oddly written at times, but I felt she found her footing in the last 2 episodes.
Overall quite an entertaining show to pass the time, but the mysteries are pretty contrived and not that interesting. Still, if you're looking for a comedic crime series, it might be worth having a go! -
busdrivr-4782120 January 2019Really enjoyed the first series. Don't know why they didn't keep Lucy Punch but they lost me as a viewer! The show is not the same!
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geoffmss22 August 2010It is always very tempting to write a comedy drama off if the laughter factor is low from the start. It is a dangerous thing to do so so early - I only have to point to the Blackadder First Series and the first two series of Only Fools and Horses and say actually they weren't that funny to be honest.
With the pedigree of the writer of Misfits and the Producer of Little Britain I expect this series to develop positively. The first episode went along at a lightening pace and I have to say it sucked me in. The jokes hit my spot. The idea of building a comedy around a loyalty card stalker is a nice one - and there were plenty of one liners to please. Not everything came off - no "pussy cat" jokes again please - they went out with Mrs Slocombe in Are You Being Served.
OK it is not easy to replace the very excellent Sherlock but no comparison should be made. I'll be tuning in hoping to see this one progress. Toby Stephens and Lucy Punch were a delight but they carry the whole show on their own. Deepen the involvement of secondary characters and we might see this improve. -
cherold5 September 2017Vexed is, overall, an amusing, dumb comedy detective series. Both seasons have the same male star, Toby Stephens, as an idiot detective, but different female partners (Lucy Punch and Miranda Raison). These two partners represent two different approaches, the second of which is less interesting.
Season one is about two terrible detectives. They don't take the job seriously. The male is a pig whose only real interest is sex, the female is marginally smarter, and they tend to just stumble on the solution to the crime.
This worked very well, the episodes are very funny, and there's a lovely rudeness to the whole endeavor.
Season 2 replaces the bad female detective with a good female detective, young and pretty and a forensics nerd with self-esteem issues. So now it's one pigish detective being lectured by one nice detective. It's not bad, but it's a more conventional approach and comes across as the producers playing it safe, with the detectives actually solving the crime through some level of competence and the male becoming just slightly more competent (though no more professional). Perhaps the producers just thought a younger, prettier actress would help the ratings?
Anyway, season 2 is still generally enjoyable, with amusing dialogue and generally inane cases, just like the first season, but it lacks the edge of season 1, and the final episodes are quite weak. I would give season 1 an 8 rating and season 2 a 7, and since season 2 has twice as many episodes the show gets averaged out to a 7.
I would highly recommend watching the three episodes of season 1. And I'd say go ahead and keep watching through season 2. -
rwjford2 April 2020Watched this again and couldn't stop laughing. I wish there was more of Vexed, particular Jack (played by Toby Stevens).
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SixteenFiftyNine12 August 2020It's been said elsewhere, in fact SnoopyStyle basically wrote what I was about to write. The first "season" which unfortunately contains only 3 episodes is a fun and interestingly different show.
The second "season" which contains 6 episodes mostly isn't worth watching. The chemistry between DI Armstrong (Toby Stephens) and DI Kate Bishop (Lucy Punch) has great energy and is what had me watching this beyond the first episode. 3 episodes later on Prime and it's suddenly season 2 already and DI Armstrong has a new partner. My interest flatlined after giving it a chance. All of the quirky fun and chemistry that it had with Punch has suddenly evaporated. I'm unfamiliar with Miranda Raison and she my well be a perfectly good actress but the magic was gone. No wonder it didn't live beyond that second season. -
Vexed was a fun detective show. Which, I guess, is why it failed. After all, there must be 163,482,632 episodes of Law and Order, Criminal Minds, NCIS ad nauseam shows, which are the same bloody body, disgusting violence, hatchet in the head, boring repetitive garbage. And since that crud is so popular, it prevails.
So if you want something different, watch Vexed. But there are only 9 episodes. If you want the blood and guts format, simply turn on the TV and you can find it with your eyes closed. Face it, you would be hard pressed to not find it. -
lynpalmer126 November 2020I only rated this 6 because the first season was very good-8, second season I could barely get through the first episode-4, then gave up. Therefore I'm splitting the vote-6. They never even bothered explaining why his first partner left. It was much funnier and outrageous the first time round.
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mictester19 April 2020The first, all too short series of just three episodes was sublime. Both of the main characters, played by Toby Stevens and Lucy Punch, were well written and wonderfully acted. It was billed as a comedy drama, and that's what they achieved. There are a few comedic touches (like the opening of the first episode) that had me howling with laughter.
Unfortunately, the second series wasn't written by the series originator, and Lucy Punch was replaced with the gorgeous, but not quite as funny, Miranda Raison. I was at a dinner with Miranda a while ago, and asked her about the series. Like me, she wished that there had been a third series, and she also would have liked it to have been written by Howard Overman - the fellow who wrote the first series.
How I wish that the series had continued, but the BBC had been infested with PC drones by the time of the second series, and there was no chance that something so un-PC would ever be commissioned.
Toby - if you read this, and fancy doing another series, I might be able to get the ear of the folks at Netflix....... -
theoriginalantiblonde23 May 2017I've only just discovered this series (seven years after the fact, sigh) and am only on the second episode, but am already wondering why there were only nine episodes in total? Very funny stuff! I'm constantly almost spitting out whatever I'd just sipped, choking with laughter. Lovely dark humour, successfully throwing zaps in every direction. I did read in these reviews that the effervescent Lucy Punch left after the third episode, and her replacement wasn't as interesting, so I might yet be coming back here with a different opinion. Even so, when I see that something as lame, predictable and just not funny, as "The IT Crowd" or "Love" have lasted for almost four times the episodes... Quite pathetic!
A quick followup regarding "the replacement"... Not quite sure why Miranda Raison's character, DI Georgina, would be seen as either "uninteresting" or "straight laced", as she doesn't come across as either of those in my opinion. I like her character a lot -- she's genuinely funny and nicely out there, all the while portraying a competent detective in contrast to DI Jack's not so competent anything. She's not an imitation of the DI Kate Bishop character, and nor should she be. Miss DI Kate, but not disappointed by her replacement at all. -
spokanegolfer11 July 2017I thoroughly enjoyed each and every episode! The 1st season only had 3 shows and the 2nd had a total of 6. While DI Jack Armstrong remains a constant, his partners change for each season. For some reason, I liked the 1st season, Lucy Punch better, yet both are real good! In fact, I would watch either one of them in other shows, however, I would prefer more of Vexed!! The second season is written a little bit better as well!!
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I like the series, especially the second. However I watch detective show only for the acting, which I liked in this case. There is no resolution of relationships which is unfortunate since the series is over and there may as well have been. Also there was less chemistry between the two protagonists, if they may be called that, in the first series. I think the show got off to a bad start which it never overcame in the eyes of the critics. Many of the criticisms of the first show, that the acting was over the top were corrected in the second series. My complaint about the chemistry between the stars was too. However the actual murders and mystery remained secondary to the dynamics of the partners and to me that is the charm of the show. It is about the relationships between men and women. Many of the 'victims' are very plain and the passionate love affairs are between quite ordinary individuals. Even the main characters are not gorgeous in a conventional sense. To those who are fans of the genre the lack of dramatic mystery is a terrible feature. For me it was part of the appeal.
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jam-jmm28 December 2017Agree with the others who rate the first season way higher than the second. Love Lucy Punch's quirkiness. Her replacement is a snooze, and brings down the whole show. Enjoy the first, all-too-short, season, and then search for something else.