Watch Empty

Empty is a compelling British sitcom that debuted on BBC One in February 2008. The series was penned by the versatile quartet of Robert Harley, David Earl, Tony Bagley, and Rupert Russell. Over its short stint on the air, the show has gained considerable viewership and applause for its unique blend of comedy and drama, underpinned by a sprinkling of raw realism.

Set amidst the picturesque setting of Glasgow, Empty unravels the apathetic life of skeleton staff, Jacky Allen (played by Gregor Fisher) making him the central pivot around which the storyline evolves. Jacky is a part of a two-man roving maintenance team working for an anonymous company. He is tasked with clearing unoccupied flats and performing necessary repairs, a seemingly mundane job that takes on a fascination of its own as we delve deeper into Jacky’s world.

Jacky’s counter partner in the two-man gang is Tony (Billy Boyd), the younger of the two. Fisher and Boyd contribute dynamite performances, bantering and bickering like an old married couple. Their on-screen chemistry as idol workmates, despite the perennial grumbling and cynicism, is simply unmatched.

The duo's work might seem insignificant to an outsider, but as the series unfurls, viewers will realise that there's more than meets the eye. Each flat that they empty holds untold stories and left-behind mementos from the people who once called it home. Jacky and Tony offer a piercing social commentary as they sift through the left-behind stuff.

The framework of the sitcom was inspired by Laurel and Hardy’s classic films, infused with a modern and relatable setting, hued in a melancholic palette. The creators have ventured beyond the realm of comedy to subtly touch upon nuanced themes like alienation, the ennui of urban existence, and the existential strain of maintaining cheerful veneers in the face of drudgery.

The tagline of the show, 'Life’s a Beech', a clever play on words, encapsulates the show’s essence and almost works as a rallying cry. The phrase not only brings out the character's attitudes toward their daily routines but also provides insights into their upbeat spirit despite the mundanity around them.

Empty also manages to make Omaha Beach, the infamous World War II site, a recurrent motif that pops up in the most unexpected instances. The continuous references to the war and the beach mull on a deeper level, hinting at suppressed aspects of the human psyche and its struggles.

The writing of Empty is smart and insightful, definitely one of its stand-out features. It’s a sitcom that doesn't rely on punchlines or zany antics to make its audiences laugh. Instead, the humor is more contained, revealing itself in the witty dialogue and character dynamics. The character of Jacky Allen, his fumbling antics and his street-smart insights, especially, draw easy laughs while also delivering poignant reflections on life.

Empty’s narrative is also accentuated by a soothing and unobtrusive soundscape. The music is beautifully subdued, neither too dominant nor too recessive, just enough to evoke the right emotions. Each character, each empty flat, that Jacky and Tony walk into, feels real and lived-in, thanks to the attention given to the set design, lighting, and cinematography.

Empty stands out because it dares to deviate from the regular sitcom format by integrating serious socio-cultural themes within the folds of its humor. Laden with realistic characters, minimalist humor, and multi-dimensional themes, Empty allows its viewers to seamlessly oscillate between laughter and introspection. Overall, it's a show that brings out a unique viewing experience that transcends its comedic facade and delves deep into the fabric of human existence.

So get ready to join Jacky and Tony in their daily round of life as they march ahead, bitterly chuckling at their woes while humming to the beats of 'Life's a beech.' Let's join them in their exploration of myriad lives, one empty flat at a time.