Coupling: Complete Series 1 [DVD]

Coupling's first episode is a tremendous introduction to what we can expect guys and girls in awkward relationships to do in real life. The awkward dumping, the niceties, the emotional heartbreak and of course the importance of being in `the zone'.Shot mainly in a bar Coupling uses some tremendous trepidation in Jack Davenport's Steve gearing up for breaking up with Gina Bellman's Jane and Sarah Alexander's Susan's converse over her dumping with Ben Miles' Patrick spells some sharp cheeky comedy.For me the keystone to Coupling is it's ability to tell two different tales at the same time, interpreting different concepts. For example the opening in the first episode splits and cuts between Susan and Steve, allowing us to interpret one meaning when it means another. The method of two different stories continues throughout the show right up until its climax in series 4 and whilst a few of these stories are not the best they are a brilliant set up for what is to come.Whilst Steven Moffat depicts excellent real life situations that men and women would rather not admit to, it is down to a wonderful array of protagonists that bring all these ideas to a vivacious surrounding.The three men, Jeff, Steve and Patrick are all typical blokes who enjoy watching porn, like their fast cars and work a steady day's work. Encoded are glorious puns about women, drinking and general day to day activity that has a constant upbeat mood that never hinders on the dramatic moments of the series, whereas there actually are not many. Do not expect a soapy collection of love and lust this thanks to the writing, feels renewed and appreciative of the environment.Jeff (Richard Coyle) is a revelation in this show. A character who over analyses everything and has the humour of a true comedian, No hyperbole here, Coyle creates a barbaric and catastrophically flamboyant protagonist with his material. His interpretation of "The giggle loop" is a series highlight whilst the section regarding his confrontation with the Israeli woman is a charmingly energetic affair.Bellman, Alexander and Kate Issit (Sally) are equally profound in their respective roles, generating that feeling of closed off emotions and an annoyance as to why men simply don't get them. Kate Issit's constant analysing over her appearance has developed her character into the image of today's modern culture that will speak volumes to female viewers.This series is consistently brilliant, analysing the trials and tribulations of everyday coupling that has zippy humour, physical and dialect, that will make you laugh for time on endOther series are better, especially series 2 and 3 but this is where the magic started.9/10

I stumbled onto this years ago and it’s still as funny maybe more so as I get some of the jokes more now I’m older. Jeff is the best character and his love of the tv is hysterical, it’s a shame these didn’t go on for few more years.This is perfect for when u need cheering up

I love this series. If you haven't heard of it give it a try. Very funny. You'll laugh at the stupid things that happen. Do you want to know what a giggle loop is? One of my favourite series. I bought this because I have the set of all 4 series but lost the first disk. Definitely worth watching and I have plenty time to sit at home just now.

There is seldom a weak episode in Coupling. Very, very funny

I've love this series for two decades. Awesome writing by Stephen Moffat. Brilliant acting by the ensemble. Excellent stories. Compelling characters. So quotable. An absolute pleasure.

Felt so nostalgic watching something from my childhood..

Not great

Probably a four really but I rated it five because I watch it over and over again. Geoff is superb, Steve annoys me, Patrick is an acquired taste, Jane, I could strangle and Sally was funny twice. Sarah Alexandra is so gorgeous that I cant even remember her character name because im too busy researching her life on-line.Well worth a few quid for this DVD