Ep 1. Babies

In the season 4 premiere of Men Behaving Badly, titled Babies, viewers are reintroduced to the hilariously chaotic world of flatmates Gary and Dermot, whose lives are about to be hilariously disrupted by unexpected news. The episode kicks off with the usual shenanigans of the duo as they navigate the trials and tribulations of their bachelor lifestyle, complete with late-night drinking sessions and questionable life choices. Their carefree existence is hilariously contrasted with the serious responsibilities of adulthood, setting the stage for a comedic exploration of fatherhood.

The episode begins on a typical morning in their flat, with Gary and Dermot lounging around, engaging in their usual banter, and managing to avoid any semblance of adult responsibilities. This lazy routine is abruptly interrupted when one of their friends, who has recently become a father, visits with tales of sleepless nights and the challenges of parenting. The realities of fatherhood hit home for Gary and Dermot, sparking a series of absurd discussions about what it means to be a parent.

As they digest the information, both men react in characteristically different ways. Dermot embraces the notion of fatherhood with enthusiasm, eagerly diving into thoughts of diaper duty and the joys of nurturing a child. His naiveté leads to a series of over-the-top fantasies about being the perfect dad, complete with grandiose plans to build a treehouse and throw lavish birthday parties. Meanwhile, Gary is much more cynical and hesitant about the idea of babies, expressing fears and doubts that resonate with viewers who might share his reluctance to embrace adult responsibilities. Gary's reluctance leads to a plethora of laugh-out-loud moments as he imagines the chaos and loss of freedom that comes with raising a child.

To further complicate matters, the episode introduces a comical subplot involving Dorothy, Gary’s on-and-off girlfriend, who is grappling with her own feelings about motherhood. Her perspective provides additional depth to the storyline, as she challenges Gary’s immature views on parenting with her own blend of realism and humor. This dynamic creates tension and comedic friction, as Gary attempts to navigate his relationship with Dorothy while grappling with his fear of commitment and family life.

As Gary and Dermot's discussions go on, the episode delves into themes of friendship and responsibility, accentuated by poignant moments of self-reflection. They engage in humorous debates about the best parental techniques as they attempt to avoid outright commitment, leading to increasingly ridiculous scenarios that highlight their reluctance to grow up. The back-and-forth between the two not only serves to entertain but also brings forth a more profound commentary on the difficulties of transitioning from carefree youth to the serious world of adulthood.

The comedic timing and sharp dialogue that audiences have come to love from Men Behaving Badly are evident throughout the episode. Supporting characters add to the hilarity, with their own reactions to the prospect of Gary and Dermot potentially stepping into parental roles. Friends and acquaintances share their own amusing parenting anecdotes, showcasing a variety of parenting styles in contrast to Gary’s and Dermot’s laid-back attitudes.

Visually, the episode captures the chaotic energy of the men’s flat, filled with a range of comical props and settings that frame their conversations and misadventures. The visuals serve as a backdrop for their emotional and humorous highs and lows, emphasizing the contrast between the carefree chaos of their bachelor pad and the orderly chaos of family life.

As the episode progresses, the discussions about babies shift from playful banter to more serious reflections on what it means to be an adult, enriched by the underlying theme of friendship as Gary and Dermot wrestle with their fears and potential growth. Ultimately, Babies sets the stage for a season filled with laughter, growth, and perhaps a little more maturity as Gary and Dermot confront the idea of growing up in their own uniquely humorous way.

Fans old and new will find plenty to enjoy in this engaging and humorous opener, which remains true to the series' charm while exploring new depths of character and comedy. With its blend of humor, relatable themes, and delightful back-and-forth dialogue, the episode promises to deliver another unforgettable chapter in the lives of these beloved characters, setting the tone for more misadventures to come in the rest of the season.