Ep 1. Hair

In the fifth season premiere of Men Behaving Badly, titled Hair, we dive back into the chaotic lives of Gary and Tony, whose antics promise to deliver the hilarity and absurdity that fans have come to love. The episode opens with our two protagonists in the familiar setting of their cluttered flat, which serves as the perfect backdrop for their misadventures. It’s a typical day, but an unexpected turn of events sets the stage for an episode filled with witty banter, comic misunderstandings, and the thematic question of what it really means to look good.

The plot kicks off with Gary receiving an unexpected phone call from his mother, prompting a moment of reflection on his current life status. The freedom of bachelorhood seems appealing, yet he can’t help but feel the weight of his responsibilities—or lack thereof. This call serves as a catalyst for the episode, making Gary contemplate his image and how others perceive him, especially in contrast to his best friend, Tony. With Gary grappling with his self-esteem and identity, the theme of hair—both literal and metaphorical—takes center stage.

As the narrative unfolds, Tony, ever the carefree spirit, hatches a plan to boost Gary's confidence, insisting that a new hairstyle could unlock a more appealing version of himself. This innocent scheme snowballs into a series of ludicrous attempts to give Gary a makeover, including a misguided visit to a trendy hair salon. The salon visit is filled with comedic moments as Gary awkwardly navigates the world of hair products and styling, trying to find his footing in an environment completely foreign to him.

Amidst the chaos, we also see the return of Deborah, Gary’s love interest, who brings her own brand of hijinks and sass to the episode. Her interactions with both Gary and Tony provide a dynamic that amplifies the humor. Deborah's reactions to Gary’s attempts at self-improvement serve as a comedic foil, as she alternates between encouragement and bemusement. Her observations on gender expectations and male vanity create an engaging dialogue that reflects contemporary social norms while keeping the tone light.

The episode captures the essence of male friendship, highlighting the vulnerabilities each character faces while trying to uphold their macho personas. The humor is rich, with snappy one-liners, physical comedy, and situational gags that arise from the simplest premises. As Gary and Tony navigate through their misadventures, they continue to push the boundaries of their friendship, testing each other’s patience yet reinforcing their bond.

As the narrative progresses, Gary’s inner conflict regarding his appearance escalates, leading to a series of disastrous hairstyles that only serve to amplify his insecurities rather than alleviate them. Each failed attempt is treated with a balance of hilarity and poignancy, as Gary is forced to confront the absurd lengths to which he is willing to go for the sake of vanity. Tony, meanwhile, remains blissfully unaware of the deeper implications behind their antics, often leading to humorous moments of confusion and misinterpretation.

The climax centers around a social event that Gary has been invited to, where he intends to unveil his new look. The lead-up to this moment is fraught with tension as Gary begins to doubt his decisions and whether his changes will be accepted by his peers. In true Men Behaving Badly fashion, the event spirals into a comedic disaster, filled with slapstick moments and unexpected occurrences that challenge Gary’s resolve.

The closing scenes drive home the episode’s themes of acceptance and friendship. Despite the trial and error of Gary's makeover, it becomes clear that true confidence comes from within and that one’s self-worth is not defined by superficial changes. The camaraderie between the characters shines through, leaving the audience with a sense of satisfaction that comes from witnessing their growth, however humorous or imperfect it may be.

Overall, Hair captures the essence of Men Behaving Badly with its clever writing, relatable characters, and a comedic premise that resonates with viewers. It tackles topics of appearance and masculinity with humor and heart, offering laughs while also provoking thought. As the fifth season opens, fans are in for a treat—a misadventure that stays true to the show’s legacy of exploring the missteps of its endearing yet flawed characters.