Breeders Series Four - AD introduction

By Penelope Parisi

Breeders is a British dark comedy series created by and starring Martin Freeman along with co-creator’s comedian, writer, actor and director Chris Addison and comedy writer and producer Simon Blackwell.

The series follows a stressed out beleaguered regular middle-aged married couple Paul Worsley and Ally Grant who struggle through the trials and tribulations of parenthood and is partially based on Freeman’s own experiences.

It is a provocative show which highlights the realities of child rearing in an entertaining sometimes cringe inducing fashion. Paul and Ally’s relationship drives the humour and pathos. They enjoy a healthy dose of bickering and a good moan but are also quick witted and openly flirtatious.

Season four, episode one entitled Noel opens with Paul and Ally’s marriage hanging in the balance. A recap transports us via flashbacks to Christmas following the events of season three then we’re shuttled back to present time where the family have leaped five years on. Their children Luke and Ava are now 18 and 16 respectively.

The season focuses on Paul and Ally sandwiched between twinned teenage storylines and the graceful aging subplot of Paul’s parents Jim and Jackie, who have now moved out of their flat into an assisted living facility. We find Paul and Ally more united, sharing a deep fondness for one another as they navigate more challenges that life throws at them, topped off by a Christmas day bombshell, where Luke delivers some life changing news.

Paul Worsley played by Martin Freeman is a blue-eyed white man in his early 50’s. His face is softly lined, and his once light brown hair is now peppered with grey. He stands at approximately five feet seven inches tall and has a slim frame. Despite his caring and protective nature, he has previously fought to overcome his anger issues often letting his temper and bad language get the better of him in front of his children. He is emotionally stunted and has struggled with his relationship with his father who in turn is harsh and unable to show his feelings. Paul is frustrated and unfulfilled in his career having recently missed out on a promotion.

Ally Grant played by Daisy Haggard is Paul’s long-suffering wife. She is a blue-eyed white woman of a similar height to Paul with long locks of cascading honey blonde hair worn with a central parting. The series sees her reaching 50 years of age something which she finds hard to embrace despite Paul suggesting “it’s better than the alternative.” Her landmark birthday sends her into a period of midlife reflection. Although often stressed out and battling disappointment Ally is more positive than her husband. She’s the glue that fights to hold the family together. She is hard working and was a partner at a sound studio firm with Darren, a mutual friend of Ally and Paul.

Luke’s played by Oscar Kennedy. He is their 18-year-old son. He has grown taller than his father and is of an average build. His thick brown hair is cut short at the sides and is longer on the top. He is a sensitive soul, who’s struggled to connect with his father throughout his formative years. Subsequently he’s battled with anxiety, forming friendships, and health issues.

His sister, 16-year-old Ava played by Zoe Athena finds herself permanently in Luke’s shadow and craves the attention of her parents. She is smart and sensible which allows Paul and Ally to devote their time to her troubled brother, resulting in her feeling invisible in the family. She is loving and caring and enjoys the company of her grandparents Jim and Jackie. She has a warm open face neat featured face with long thick wavy dark brown hair.

Based in West London the family live in a modern, four storey, pale sand brick terraced town house. At lot of the scenes are shot over the split-level property. The lower floor comprises a study area and Luke’s bedroom. Up a level is the hall, housing a half flight of stairs to the open plan kitchen diner with large patio doors out to a small walled terrace. Another short flight of open tread stairs with a glass balustrade takes you up to a lounge. It has floor to ceiling picture windows with panoramic views across the high-rise buildings of the capital. On the top floor is a bathroom, Ava’s bedroom and the master suite.

Regular supporting cast members are Joanne Bacon as Paul’s mother Jackie. Alun Armstrong as Paul’s father Jim. Stella Gonet as Ally’s mother Leah and Patrick Baladi as Paul and Ally’s friend Darren.

Breeders the final season starts from October 20^th at 2am repeating at 10pm on Sky Comedy