December 24th 2024.
As a longtime fan of Gavin and Stacey, the news of a Christmas Day finale had me feeling a mix of emotions. On one hand, the thought of spending the holiday with the Shipmans and the Wests on Barry Island warmed my heart. But on the other hand, I couldn't shake this nagging feeling that I might end up disappointed.
Five years ago, Nessa shocked us all when she proposed to Smithy in the last Christmas special. It was a cliffhanger that left us all on the edge of our seats, eagerly awaiting the answer. But as it turns out, we never got to hear it. And now, with the announcement of a new show, it almost feels like an afterthought.
I have to admit, I'm not looking for a neat, happy ending for these characters. That's just not who Nessa and Smithy are. They're meant to have a messy, on-again-off-again kind of relationship, especially after a few too many pints. So, the thought of a 2024 Christmas special doesn't really excite me.
Back in 2007, Gavin and Stacey captured my heart with its relatable storylines, hilarious cast, and subtle jokes. I was at the same stage in life as the characters, going on random dates like Stace and debriefing with my own version of Nessa. And, of course, I fell in love with Pam and Mick's quirky home life and Uncle Bryn, who is undoubtedly one of the funniest characters of our time.
Even now, when I'm feeling down, I'll re-watch Smithy's epic American Boy rap. The early episodes were filled with heart and didn't rely on over-the-top antics. They were simple and made with a sense of innocence, as writers James Corden and Ruth Jones had no idea the show would become such a huge hit.
But now, with references to serial killers, Nessa's famous exes, and a risqué incident with a toilet brush, the show feels like a time capsule that couldn't be made today. And while it may not have been originally intended to be a Christmas Day spectacle, that's exactly what it has become. And I can't help but feel like it's lost a bit of its magic.
There's just too much pressure on Jones and Corden to deliver a script that will keep viewers talking well into the new year. And that's not the kind of tactic that made Gavin and Stacey so special in the first place. The pressure leads to more obvious jokes and takes away from the slow-burning humor that made the show so beloved.
And let's not forget the added challenge of Corden's skyrocketing fame in the US. How will he be able to embody Smithy now that he's become such a big name?
For me, the show was at its best when it was tucked away on BBC Three. The subtle jokes, like Uncle Bryn's fishing trip, were what made the show so great. And it's a relief that we never found out what really happened between him and Jase on that fateful night. Dropping hints and leaving it up to our imaginations was far funnier.
The show also had a knack for bringing in new, unknown actors and giving them their big break, while still showcasing the amazing talent of the more established cast members like Alison Steadman and Sheridan Smith. It was a perfect balance that made the show feel real and relatable.
But now, with the pressure of a Christmas Day special, it seems like the focus has shifted. Instead of the understated humor and clever observations, the show has to rely on big, dramatic moments to keep viewers interested. And that's where it loses its charm.
As the Christmas special approaches, I can't help but feel nervous. Will it live up to the hype? Will it be as overrated as Dick Powell's bread sauce? I'll be sitting down to watch with a Mint Baileys and a sense of trepidation. Because let's face it, there have been rumors of different plots and outcomes ever since the show was announced.
But whether it's a funeral, Nessa gifting everyone the other tap to complete her 2019 present, or even a wedding, I hope that Jones and Corden stay true to the messy, realistic relationship of Nessa and Smithy. Because at the end of the day, a standard Christmas special is the last thing diehard fans want to see from their beloved show.
So, to James Corden and Ruth Jones, I have a simple request: please don't give in to the public's desire for a neat, happy ending. Let Nessa and Smithy continue their messy, imperfect love story, because that's what made the show so special in the first place.
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