The final episode of Big Boys closed on a moment of profound devastation, delivering a heart-wrenching conclusion to a series that always existed under the shadow of grief. The show, based on comedian Jack Rooke’s university days, chronicles the life of Jack, a semi-fictional protagonist who struggles with loss and self-discovery. Early on, we learn that Jack’s father, Laurie, passed away when Jack was a teenager, and that loss forms the emotional backbone of his journey.
Though the series began as a coming-of-age story about Jack’s awkward foray into the gay scene at university, it wasn’t until the second season’s final episode that the full weight of his grief was felt. Jack’s cousin Shannon goes into labor, and as the family is thrust back to the site of Laurie’s death, the show deftly intercuts the chaotic birth scene with flashbacks to Jack’s painful memories. This juxtaposition of absurdity and sorrow exemplifies the show’s ability to blend raw emotion with comic relief, capturing life’s most precious and mundane moments in equal measure.
However, Big Boys isn’t merely a story of loss. The sitcom’s more complex layers emerge through its meta narrative structure. While Jack is portrayed by Dylan Llewellyn, the real Jack Rooke takes on a dual role, narrating the story as an older, wiser version of his on-screen counterpart. Yet, Rooke’s voiceover isn’t just a reflection of his personal journey—it’s addressed directly to Danny (Jon Pointing), Jack’s close friend and roommate. As the story unfolds, it’s revealed that Danny struggles with depression, a pain deeply tied to the real-life suicide of Olly, a friend of Rooke’s from university.
With the stage set, the third and final series of Big Boys begins on an unexpectedly light note. The narrative takes us back to the summer of 2015—before Brexit, before Covid, and before air fryers—as Jack grows more confident and Danny finds happiness with their bright and supportive friend Corinne (Izuka Hoyle). The first few episodes follow the group on a holiday to Greece, where they navigate academic pressures, explore performance poetry, and indulge in nostalgic 2010s moments—from Jeremy Clarkson’s departure from Top Gear to the bizarre Celebrity Big Brother drama with David Gest.
It’s during these early episodes that Big Boys is at its most uplifting. The show paints a vivid picture of ordinary British life—bingo halls, Tesco meal deals, and endless cups of tea—as the characters bumble through their lives with endearing charm. The show’s humor is often anchored in cultural references, particularly those from the early 2000s, with Shannon, played by Harriet Webb, emerging as the show’s comic dynamo. Her quick-fire references—from Balamory to Hollyoaks Later—add a layer of nostalgic humor that keeps the series grounded in its relatable British roots.
While the show’s warmth and relatability shine through, it occasionally veers into sitcom cliché. The antics of sunburned Jack and his mother’s awkward date in ill-fitting shapewear feel familiar. Yet, these well-worn tropes also serve a purpose in making the show feel grounded in reality. The subplot of Jack attempting to be a performance poet—while rooted in Rooke’s own experience—is both comedic and painfully real.
As the series progresses, however, Big Boys begins to shift its tone. What begins as a lighthearted look at young adulthood soon takes a darker turn. The exploration of mental health, loss, and friendship culminates in a final act that brings together all the threads of the series in an unexpected, devastating moment. In this finale, Jon Pointing’s portrayal of Danny’s inner turmoil is nothing short of brilliant. His performance captures the crushing weight of depression—both from the outside looking in and from the perspective of those living with it.
By the time the final curtain falls, Big Boys has transcended its roots as a sitcom, emerging as a deeply meaningful exploration of friendship, mental health, and the lasting impact of loss. It’s a show that’s as heartbreaking as it is beautiful, and its ability to balance profound emotion with humor marks it as a rare and valuable television experience. In a world where sitcoms often stay on the surface, Big Boys digs deep, leaving a lasting impact long after the credits roll.
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