Trying – Adopting Comedy For A Positive Spin On A Challenging Issue
- Aug 9, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 17, 2022
Photo: Apple TV
The third season of Apple Tv’s heart-warming comedy on the struggles of infertility and adoption is finally here! Let’s take a look at the show so far…
Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall) find out very early on in season one that having a baby of their own would not be possible due to infertility complications. We follow the couple on their journey towards adoption and building their own family and meet their loved ones who are, at least trying to, support them throughout the series.
The relationship between Nikki and Jason is admirable. The challenge of adoption brings them closer together rather than drawing them apart, their love is infectious and oozes beautifully out of the screen as their chemistry never feels too forced. Esther Smith wonderfully portrays how stressed Nikki feels about becoming a new parent and how much pressure she feels she is under to become a good parent. Jason’s character is perceived as a lot more laid back at first, when hidden underneath this front, he is equally as stressed as Nikki; we see him open up more and more as the show continues and, as always, Spall perfectly presents this.
The charming comedy of the show explains why the Rotten Tomatoes audience score is at 95%, it is used a tool to contradict the tragic events in the show, placing a positive spin on issues which effect many in society. We see the comedy mask the imperfections in characters and relationships, this is endearingly portrayed in the relationship shared between Nikki’s sister Karen (Sian Brooke) and her partner Scott (Darren Boyd). It’s immediately obvious that the two characters couldn’t be more opposite from one another, yet, every scene they share shows the underlying strengths of their bond.
A personal favourite character of mine is Freddy (Oliver Chris), Jason’s best friend. After his wife Erica (Ophelia Lovibond) leaves him, and the show, we see him deal with his unrecognised feelings by dating his younger colleague, moving out, overspending, and becoming incredibly arrogant. Oliver Chris remarkably plays these niche, self-absorbed characters that take almost three seasons to become aware of the love he shares for those around him. The parallel between his characters Freddy and Paul, in Motherland, only makes me love this show more.
The cast for this show is incredibly impressive and with side characters played by the likes of Imelda Staunton, Robyn Cara, Paula Wilcox and Phil Davis, the love this show has received is not to anyone’s surprise. Although, despite receiving so many positive reviews, the lack of attention towards the show can be questioned. It carries out an important purpose of raising attention towards the struggles of adoption and the flaws in the system, simultaneously representing the stories of many that have gone through similar experiences to Nikki and Jason. It is important that more attention is brought towards it in order to offer raise awareness for these people whose stories aren’t often told in TV.
In season three, we see even more of the love and strength shared between Nikki and Jason as they take on two kids and learn even more about what it takes to be good parents. The family community that surrounds them, in comparison to the first season, is heart-warming and tear jerking bringing even more light to the show. We also see the development of the character Bev (Clare Higgins) and learn more about her connection to the children, we are so excited!
Watch all seasons of Trying on Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/gb/episode/nikki-and-jason/umc.cmc.2dzdkdvedw0n9h25d49y9lh99?action=playSmartEpisode
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