Watch Going Forward
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7.0 (88)
Going Forward was a British sitcom that first premiered on BBC Four in May 2016. The show starred Tom Davis, Omid Djalili, and Jo Brand in lead roles. Written by Jo Brand, Andy Hamilton, and Guy Jenkin, the show contained six episodes in total and featured a unique storyline that focused on the life events of a group of friends who work as carers in South Wales.
The show revolved around the life of a single mother named Donna (played by Jo Brand) who worked as a carer in South Wales. Donna was an independent woman with a no-nonsense attitude towards life. She shared a house with her two best friends, Karen (played by Elaine Cassidy) and Fauzia (played by Yasmin Akram). Karen was a kind-hearted woman who had a history of failed marriages, while Fauzia was an ambitious woman who wanted to start her own business.
Donna's life takes a sudden turn when her ex-boyfriend Karl (played by Tom Davis) turns up at her doorstep with the news that he has lost his job and has nowhere else to go. Karl, a reformed criminal, was trying to get his life back on track and reconnect with Donna and their daughter, Ameena (played by Rakhee Thakrar).
Despite being skeptical at first, Donna eventually agrees to let Karl stay at her house, but with a set of rules to follow. The arrival of Karl in the house brings about a change in dynamics, as Donna tries to come to terms with her relationship with him and her own feelings towards him. Meanwhile, Karen and Fauzia try to juggle their own responsibilities while dealing with the added drama that Karl brings to their lives.
Throughout the series, Donna and Karl's relationship unfolds, as they try to navigate their past and build a future together. However, things are never easy, and the couple soon face a range of challenges that threaten to tear them apart. The show tackles themes of love, friendship, and family, as well as issues such as poverty, unemployment, and immigration.
One of the most notable aspects of the show was its realism. The writers did not shy away from portraying the harsh realities of life that many people face, including financial struggles and relationship problems. The show was also praised for its diversity, featuring a cast that was reflective of the multicultural society in which the show was set.
The acting performances of the cast were generally well-received by critics. Jo Brand, in particular, was praised for her natural and sincere portrayal of Donna. Tom Davis was also commended for his performance as Karl, bringing a sense of vulnerability and likability to a character who was flawed and complex.
Overall, Going Forward was a heartwarming and relatable sitcom that tackled important social issues with honesty and wit. While it only had a short run, it left an impression on viewers and cemented its place as a standout show of its time.