Year of the Rabbit

This was much more entertaining than I thought it would be. Could be a hit.

Brilliant concept and characters, I cannot get enough of it.

Detective Inspector Eli Rabbit is a policeman in Victorian era London. He's a hard-bitten, tough-as-nails veteran whose seen just about everything. He's given a new partner, a young, inexperienced and naïve Sergeant, Wilbur Strauss. Together they investigate crimes, often in the sleaziest parts of the city.

I watched this because it stars Matt Berry (The IT Crowd, What We Do In The Shadows, Toast of London, amongst others) as Rabbit. He is well cast for the role and puts in a decent performance and the episodes are reasonably funny. The Victorian setting contrasted with some modern vernacular and sensibilities makes for some great gags.

Berry is upstaged, however, by Susan Wokoma as Mabel Wisbech: she has the best lines and delivers them perfectly.

However, while good the show is not brilliant, lacking that special something to make it so.

Clever writing, intelligent use of language (obscure, period based and obscenities) are all timed and delivered beautifully. Great acting, uniquely scripted and very well casted. All the characters are perfectly chosen for their roles and do it so very well. I can only think those who don't like this show obviously do not appreciate Matt Berry humour. Loved him in IT Crowd, he was awesome in Action Team and in this one he really shines.

I cannot wait for more of this series. Deserves Nine Stars, Year of the Rabbit is a return to clever British comedy that keeps you engaged with every episode.

Dan of most of Matt Berry's other stuff, wasn't 100% sure about Year of The Rabbit after the first episode, but cracked on with the second, then third and then the rest. Loved it. Different type of character played by Berry in this to his usual pompous type but very believable and interesting. All other cast are well suited and it just seems to work very well indeed. 100% recommended.