Colin from Accounts (2022)

Overview

"Colin from Accounts" is an Australian production that stands out for its sharp wit and unconventional approach to romantic comedy. Written by Chris Sampson and Harriet Dyer, the show drew extra attention when the real-life pair fell in love with each other during filming. At the heart of the odd but warm relationship between Ashley, played by Harriet Dyer, and Gordon, brought to life by Patrick Brammall, is a dog who is, in fact, named "Colin." The show's lead cast also includes names like Laura Gordon, and the production unfolds against the backdrop of everyday life in Sydney.

Breaking away from classic romantic comedy formulas, the series follows two strangers who meet through a bizarre accident and end up becoming part of each other's lives. With its short episode runtimes and fast-paced dialogue, "Colin from Accounts" stands out as a modern and original production that manages to draw viewers in from the very first episode. The script, heavily infused with Australian humor and cultural references, still manages to strike a tone that's accessible to international audiences.

Premise

The story begins when a young woman named Ashley gets distracted while driving and hits a dog. This unfortunate incident brings Ashley together with a man named Gordon, and the two end up having to take responsibility for the injured dog. With nothing in common between them, these two characters unexpectedly enter each other's lives and begin meeting frequently for the sake of the dog's care.

The relationship that develops over time is not merely a romantic spark; it also lays the groundwork for both adults to question the gaps, fears, and habits in their own lives. Ashley's pursuit of a medical degree while working as a bartender, and Gordon's more settled but unfulfilling life, reveal the clash—and gradual complementing—of two very different lifestyles. The series chooses to portray this process in a way that's free of clichés, realistic, and full of humor.

Why Watch It?

"Colin from Accounts" stands out for turning the typical romantic comedy formula on its head. Rather than the usual "love tested by obstacles" theme expected of the genre, the show focuses more on the complexity of adult relationships, communication styles, and personal growth. This sets it apart from classic examples of the genre and allows it to appeal to a more mature audience.

The performances are one of the show's strongest points. The chemistry between Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall feels extremely natural and convincing, aided by their real-life relationship. The dialogue flows smoothly, the timing is sharp, and the way the characters communicate with one another is fueled by a realistic sense of humor. The show's short episode length also offers a dense narrative in which every scene serves a purpose, without dragging the story out unnecessarily.

The authentic atmosphere the show offers of everyday Australian life is another element that makes the production interesting. The streets of Sydney, local culture, and sense of humor create a structure that, even if unfamiliar to viewers, is easy to connect with through its portrayal of universal human relationships.

Who Is It For?

This series appeals especially to audiences who love adult romantic comedies and want to watch realistic relationships free of clichés. It's an ideal choice for those who enjoy fast-paced dialogue and appreciate British and Australian-style dry humor. It also offers a pace well-suited to viewers who prefer short episode runtimes and don't want to waste time on long seasons.

On the other hand, viewers looking for action or dramatic tension may not have their expectations met by this show. "Colin from Accounts" favors a calmer, more everyday, character-driven narrative. Viewers who are generally not fans of the romantic comedy genre but are open to cleverly written scripts may also enjoy this production.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. The natural and convincing chemistry between Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall is one of the show's strongest assets.

2. The cliché-free, cleverly written script brings a fresh perspective to the romantic comedy genre.

3. Thanks to the short, concise episode runtimes, the pace never drops, and viewers keep going without getting bored.

Cons:

1. The heavy Australian slang and cultural references may be difficult for some international viewers to follow.

2. For viewers looking for drama or tension, the flow of the story may feel too calm and mundane.

Genre and Tone

Although the show falls within the romantic comedy genre, it has a more realistic and mature tone than classic examples of the form. Elements of dark humor, the absurdities of everyday life, and the complexity of human relationships create a light yet thought-provoking atmosphere. Emotional moments and comedic elements are skillfully balanced; the show is neither overly melodramatic nor superficial.

Visually, too, the show offers an aesthetic that reflects the modern, lively atmosphere of Sydney. Most of the scenes take place in realistic settings, which adds to the believability of the story. The overall tone aims to offer an enjoyable and relaxing viewing experience without wearing the viewer down.

Runtime and Viewing Experience

"Colin from Accounts" consists of episodes that each run approximately 25-30 minutes. This short format keeps the show moving at a brisk pace and doesn't allow the viewer's attention to wander. It's quite easy to watch several episodes in one sitting, which places it among productions well-suited to binge-watching.

Similar Productions

• Fleabag (2016) – Offers a similar tone through dark humor and honest character analysis.

• Catastrophe (2015) – Shows parallels through its structure depicting the development of an unexpected relationship.

• Please Like Me (2013) – Similar in being an Australian production and in its humorous reflection of everyday life.

• The Other Two (2019) – Offers a similar kind of enjoyment with a script that cleverly handles the relationships of adult characters.

• Modern Love (2019) – May appeal through its structure, which portrays different relationship dynamics in a realistic way.

Final Verdict

"Colin from Accounts" is a cleverly written production, backed by sincere performances, that brings a breath of fresh air to the romantic comedy genre. With its clichè-free structure, realistic characters, and short but effective episodes, it offers viewers an enjoyable experience. This series, which blends the complexity of adult relationships with humor, stands out as an option not to be missed for fans of the genre. Both entertaining and thought-provoking, "Colin from Accounts" can be considered an original production that has managed to win over a wide fan base in a short amount of time.