32 replies to this topic

[Eri]

I've checked the last 20 pages and did not find a thread for it :)

Fresh Meat is one of the newer comedy-dramas to hit the 4oD screens, created by the creators of Peep Show. The show centers around 6 students attending university in Manchester who miss out on accommodation in halls and so are forced to share a house together.

The main characters are:
Josie - an upbeat and slightly naive girl who struggles to adapt to university life
Kingsley - a laidback nice guy with a crush on Josie
Howard - a social recluse with only a slight grasp on normal human behaviour
Vod - a forthright deadpan snarker with street smarts
Oregon - a follower of Vod who tries to fit in with the group
JP - an arrogant posh who tries far too hard to impress those around him.

With a second season that recently started last week, are there any fans out there that have seen or heard of the show? What are your thoughts on the first season or the characters as a whole?

[paulvdb]

I have watched all episodes so far and like most of the characters or at least enjoy watching them. The only exception is Vod who I usually don't like. My favorite is Howard.

I also like the new characters Sabine and Heather. One good thing about Sabine is that they got an actual Dutch actress to play her which ensures that Dutch dialogue and other texts are real Dutch and not the gibberish that American shows often use when their characters are supposed to speak a foreign language.

[Eri]

I think Howard is the most tolerable one because he doesn't try to change who he is and is pretty accepting of his personality. Vod is the same way, just a lot more brash about things with people. The others I don't care for all that much anymore. JP and Oregon are just sheep and have no substance except being fake! Josie is the worst of them all and my biggest frustration I'm afraid. I used to like her being nice and sweet but I didn't know she'd be so aggressive, feisty and manipulative. Kingsley was a pretty nice guy, I just don't like that he lets others walk over him (especially Josie) and looks confused 90% of the time, but that's an Inbetweener for you =P

Sabine is now my favorite housemate (I didn't know she was Dutch). She tells it like it is and is upfront with everyone which leaves them nonplussed. Their conversation in the pub about being able to function like a normal person without alcohol or drugs was hilarious, as I'm a non-drinker also. She was also right for charging everyone for eating her birthday cake, what nerve they have, I'd have been pissed! I cheered when she could spot the tension between Josie and Heather and told her she wasn't a very nice person, it's about time Josie was put in her place. Heather doesn't seem to be too bad for a secondary character so far, albeit a bit clingy now but we'll see where it goes.

I'm really beginning to wonder if the others have taken note (aside from Howard and Sabine) about Josie's feelings for him or vice versa because it seems she'd rather be bitter and not let anyone have Kingsely than actually try to be a friend to him. She's had more than enough chances to do so without screwing it up. Either say something to him or shut up already!

[brothertonbanks]

I've watched every episode and still can barely tell Oregon and Josie apart. Oregon is the one that slept with the professor, right? Kingsley was my favorite character last year. He didn't have much to do in the first episode this year. Howard is good for being really strange. I didn't like Vod when the show began, but have grown to like her over time. Starting the series with JP explaining about owt and nowt was great for me, since I watch The Geordie Shore. I do think they spend too much time with JP and his annoying posh mates. I didn't think the first episode this year was very funny, but I thought the second one was hilarious. The ice cubes and glass of spunk was a double whammy for me. It was great how quickly Sabine adapted to living there, and she provides a nice foil for the rest of the cast.

This show should probably be in the comedy section rather than drama.

Edited by brothertonbanks, Oct 18, 2012 @ 3:00 PM.

[Eri]

Yes, Oregon has the affair with "Stalker Shales" as I call him now. I thought that whole side story for her was a bit pointless, it just makes her look like some bimbo trying to impress and then dealing with his wife so casually is a whole other ballpark. And please don't remind me about the ice cube scenario. It makes me cringe just thinking about it :P I don't care much for JP's posh wanker mates either. More Sabine please!

It is a bit more comedy but I couldn't find a comedy section on here :(

Edited by Eri, Oct 18, 2012 @ 9:42 PM.

[Eri]

This week's episode ended on a decent note. Howard looked like a hipster with his "new look" but it was hilarious. Oregon hasn't folded to Stalker Shales' advances (thankfully) and Josie needs to get over herself. She's slept with two thirds of her household AND had a boyfriend on the side. Now she can't handle Kingsley in a relationship much less "hearing" him? If it really bothers you THAT much then just TALK to him instead of lashing out at everyone. Using Vod to get a job and whinging about him the rest of the time is borderline obsessive. Have a bit more grace than that least! Why do I get the feeling that Kingsley will cheat on his gf with Josie at some point later on. The unresolved tension they have is killing me! I'm glad they've made Vod a bit more responsibility now that she's upper management at her job. She looked a bit silly but stunning in a dress, that even JP had to compliment her. Who knew she had a feminine side? Of course she made a nice grandstand at the BP dinner lol.

[brothertonbanks]

Some things I liked:

Kingsley shagging Heather right next to Josie on the other side of the wall. I was surprised that the hole in the wall was still there. Eventually, Josie switched rooms with Sabine, "That is too loud"

Howard: It's 100% probably not an arm.

Vod: Stop treating this like a fucking hotel.

JP: People with my accent make people shit themselves.

Tony's bandaged nose was pretty funny. I was glad it wasn't healed yet.

I loved everything to do with BP including Vod's oil spill. Sorry, it was an accident. I didn't mean for it to happen.

I just finished watching The Valleys ep 5, after finally watching the first part of The Riots in Their Own Words, which was very unsettling.

Edited by brothertonbanks, Oct 28, 2012 @ 5:39 PM.

[Eri]

Kingsley shagging Heather right next to Josie on the other side of the wall. I was surprised that the hole in the wall was still there. Eventually, Josie switched rooms with Sabine, "That is too loud"

Yeah, I don't get that. She was doing the same thing in the previous season much to Kingsley's dismay but he wasn't overdramatic about it. She's driving most people in the house insane with her fatal attraction and it's just plain annoying at this point. She had her chance and she chose not to take it so just get over it already!

Sadly, I don't think Heather and Kingsley will last much either. She appears sensible though and her wit can be amusing.

"Well this is your house so....you'll be leaving your own house"
"Well you can't because...Berlin isn't by the sea"

Edited by Eri, Oct 29, 2012 @ 8:14 PM.

[lipgloss]

I love Sabine. Vod is more tolerable this season but Josie is now totally insane and impossible to watch which is frustrating, Kingsley is much more interesting with the guys than with women drama.

[brothertonbanks]

From the spoilery previews, I guess Sabine is going to get a lot more interesting this week.

[Eri]

That entire clip was hilarious. I'm very impressed with how the actress is able to have conversations (otherwise considered awkward to the others) and still keep a straight face. Her mature, straightforward nature is what endears me to her because she knows she's disliked in the house and yet can still live with them because she's not at all bothered. If I knew a Sabine in real life, she'd be my best friend :)

[brothertonbanks]

It was a pretty fucking JP-centric episode:
Holy fucking shit mummy.
It's a fucking outrage mummy.
My own mummy is making me homeless and she accuses me of being dramatic.
Mummy, have you any idea how fucking embarrassing this is for me?

Kinglsey: I don't think we can drink 147 bottles of wine by tomorrow.

Sabine: That was excellent. Thank you. Okay, it's my bedtime, out you go.

JP: Is it normal to have two crying steps?

I had completely forgotten about Josie's boyfriend or fiance that moved in with all of them last year.

Kingsley: My face on her ass, it's double edged really, isn't it.

Edited by brothertonbanks, Oct 30, 2012 @ 9:48 PM.

[Eri]

I think the show has started to get more interesting. The characters are now all comfortable enough to be around each other without feeling all awkward like they used to. It's a nice transition. This episode seemed to revolve a "You don't know what you have until it's gone" theme for everyone.

I knew JP was a mama's boy but not that bad, still funny moments though. I didn't know that he had any siblings and I kept wondering who Leon was (the mother's new boyfriend?). Perhaps his mother knew about the illicit affair and that is what has made her so aloof about selling the place. He and Vod shared a very nice personal moment at one point; I couldn't help but think they'd make a decent couple as they're the two strongest personalities in the household on both extremes and would level each other pretty well. Vod is finally starting to mature and she's not as extreme as she used to be which is nice. Oregon was ridiculously annoying and aside from the Shales storyline, I don't actually see any substance to her coming out. She still just seems like a poser and not branching out on her own if she's passionate enough about writing (instead using Shales as a way to get ahead).

Kingsley and Josie...need I say more? Does Heather live at the house now, because it was very strange that she's using the house like a library when Kingsely isn't even there. Well, at least she isn't an insecure, overprotective girlfriend that still lets him do as he'd like. Josie, on the other hand is a trainwreck. I can understand the homesickness but there is such a thing as karma and she had it coming. Though to be honest, if they're going by a timeline and Dave was able to meet someone new and then marry then within a year then it seemed a bit unrealistic. It's so unfair that she can blame Kingsley for "taking her wedding" away because Dave found out about him. Did she forget that she slept with JP first and on more than one occasion? If I were Kingsley, I'd never have driven her anywhere. Making rash decisions, throwing a drunken tantrum like a two year old, and then finding other people to blame to justify your own actions never works. Even the other housemates are tired of hearing/pretend to ignore her when she goes on her pity parties. She's becoming more annoying to watch with each new episode.

The best part of the show for me was Howard and Sabine. Between his phone war with customer service representatives and Sabine's frustrations, they were so hilarious together. I was under the impression that he had never been with a woman before, given he's the most awkward of the group, but then again he's been the longest resident in the house and is slightly older so who knows. I hope he doesn't get his little heart broken again :)

[brothertonbanks]

I kind of like JP and Vod together because they're both tall. I agree that Sabine's deadpan delivery works well, but Vod does almost the same thing. I guess they've only got 6 episodes this year too, right? I wish Kingsley would shave off that little jazz patch or soul patch or whatever they're calling, under his lip. I'm not sure that Howard was a virgin. I don't remember very much of the first season, it was so long ago. For some reason, I seem to have forgotten everything concerning Josie, especially.

[Evil_Eve]

I really enjoyed Giles from the first episode of this season. I was hoping he'd reappear.

[brothertonbanks]

I don't know why, but the first episode of the first season is on Hulu, only the first episode. Maybe they're trying to see how much interest they get before they put up more. It's also only 40:02 so it must be edited.

Edited by brothertonbanks, Nov 2, 2012 @ 12:12 PM.

[Eri]

I really enjoyed Giles from the first episode of this season. I was hoping he'd reappear.

I thought he'd have made a nice addition to the household too. Sabine didn't come off very suitable until they actually gave her a personality. Now I love her, she's my favorite character :)

[brothertonbanks]

I thought for sure they would have gone with the posh gay guy as the new roommate, and was surprised that Sabine was chosen, but I'm glad they went that way too. JP works better without other characters like him. I watched S01E01 on Hulu and didn't notice anything edited out.

[paulvdb]

Channel 4 airs this show in a 50 minute time slot with commercials, so they usually only have 39-40 minutes of actual content.

[kony5669]

I hope that the point of having Josie be a train wreck is to have her grow up and redeem herself. Also, I can think of no reasons to like Josie, and yet somehow I still do...don't know why, but I felt bad for her when in the latest episode she said she'd "fucked everything up". She did, but hopefully that will make her wake up, as she's practically an alcoholic now. I hope she takes time to grow by herself instead of pining for guys constantly.

[Eri]

Yeah, Josie needs some serious help and I appreciate that Heather wants to still be there for her despite being with Kingsley. I don't know why she can't just own up to her responsibilities and admit when she's wrong instead of finding excuses to blame others -- Sabine being accused was funny but ridiculous (don't know who did it? blame it on the foreigner). The stuff that was stolen could be replaced but having JP's urn stolen was crossing the line and then at the end she still screwed up, it made the previous episode pointless if all of JP's belongings were going to be taken from him. She's right to finally admit she can be a bad person and hopefully will make up for her behaviour in time. I just don't want Kingsley to take her back or cheat on Heather with her because that's the road they seem to be going down. Josie doesn't deserve to be with anyone right now.

The whole Vod storyline was ridiculously overplayed but amusing. Don't really care what happens to Oregon as she's annoying; her reporting the handyman out of prejudice and assumptions made me dislike her even more, but maybe she'll actually be herself around the librarian and quit being a poser. JP is beginning to act like less of a wanker so I hope his character remains softened for a bit before returning to douche-bag status.

Poor Howard, he took a chance and still feels rejected. At least his sense of humour remains intact as he provided the most comedy this episode. Give him a chance Sabine!

[brothertonbanks]

I thought that was a totally weird episode. I only laughed at Josie drilling her patient's cheek. Was the handyman supposed to be one of the guys from the bar that Vod hooked up with the night before? Because otherwise I didn't think it made any sense at all. Sabine gets better and better. Howard ranting about her and at her all episode got old pretty quickly for me. Kinglsey is wearing a stupid hat with his stupid soul patch. His "house hug" was pretty funny. At least Oregon was away from the professor and his wife. JP remembering the instructions that the handyman told him was good. Otherwise, I thought it was the weakest episode yet.

[urbanmilkwoman]

I loved this episode. Best one since the second. I feel the same as kony5669 about Josie. She's absolutely horrible but I still like her, kind of, or at least I enjoy watching her unravel, if "enjoy" is the right word. Breaking Heather's arm, the drilling accident, her behaviour generally in last episode when they visited JP's house, she's been funny to watch in all these moments. And it looks like she will do some damage control (hopefully) next episode, so I've been enjoying her.

I thought all the stuff happening after the break-in was hilarious. JP and the handy-man, Vod's love affair with the handy-man, Howard getting his Jessica Fletcher on (even if it only was in a jealous rage to implicate Sabine).

Kinglsey's relationship with Heather is the only thing that doesn't interest me much simply because it's rather dull compared to the other stuff (I like Heather though).

Oregon was horrible about the handy-man. It would have been more "okay" if it all ended up just being talked about, but with her actually filing a report made it just nasty and just seemed like one more thing to be thrown in so that Josie would take responsibility. I wish they would have found another way for Josie to do that. Otherwise I'm fine with Oregon.

Sabine is fabulous.

[Eri]

I enjoyed tonight's episode a lot better, karma comes back to all the housemates!

Josie's finally getting consequences for her actions but I do feel a bit sorry for her as she's now lost mostly everything that meant anything to her. She still holds a poor poker face though. That could've really been an opportunity for her and Heather to get closer and clear the air and tension about Kingsley. Oh well.

I like how realistic they've made Kingsley. For a young guy, I imagine he'd still be feeling insecure despite Heather remaining faithful to him (although I was worried the writers were going to hint to her cheating with JP). I was beginning to wonder what happened to Dan the Geology Man so it was nice to see him introduced again. The boys interactions with each other were hilarious as opposed to the girls' drama.

Oregon finally got what's coming to her, especially after what she did to the poor handyman in the previous episode. I never would've guessed that about Dylan! They never revealed

Spoiler

whether Professor Shales had a son, or any children for that matter

but it's interesting to find out. What if he wants to introduce her to the family? LOL

Poor Howard, he's so smitten and Sabine is oblivious. The ending was suitable and had me laughing from ear to ear!

[brothertonbanks]

Yeah, that was a great episode for everybody. JP's drawings and movie references, Howard's "socially able" smile, Sabine's matter of fact delivery, Vod's piss meltdown, Josie and the Professor, Kingsley and Geology Dan, Oregon and Mr. Perfect, son of Mr. Not so Perfect. Is that the finale?

Edited by brothertonbanks, Nov 13, 2012 @ 10:38 PM.

[Eri]

This season has 8 episodes so they've almost reached the finale. Vod's meltdown was funny, but I was concerned that she's falling back into her wreckless ways. Despite all that's going on, I'm fairly surprised that no one's put two and two together about Josie, her behaviour or the drinking problem she's developed. She acts fake in front of everyone and is terrible at pretending she's fine. Hopefully things won't come to a head where she'll make Kingsley choose between her and Heather. I so want Howard and Sabine to get together though! I've never seen him work so hard to get a woman's attention and if anything, it's an endearing side to him outside the awkward personality.

[brothertonbanks]

I'm glad to hear they have more episodes this year. Howard seems to have an emotional attachment to Sabine, but she just wants a fuck buddy. I was a little surprised that he didn't go for the hand job. She's really had an impact on him. I kept thinking that that rock formation that they visited was the one where someone committed suicide on Hollyoaks. I liked the 127 hours reference too.

[Eri]

Tuesday's episode finally exposed Josie's secret to the household. I was particularly annoyed that she'd be gambling and spending her days eating ice cream, drinking and wandering around town instead of doing something about her problems. I'm not sure how she could keep it from the group forever and it's unfair that she'd want Heather to keep lying to everyone for her. I can understand the embarrassment behind it but I find it hard to believe that she can't ever be a dentist. Can't she just transfer to another university or find other dentistry programs elsewhere that may take her on so she can continue with a fresh slate?

Wow, Oregon actually has something interesting about her now..a singing ability (she has a nice voice!). I was worried they were going to drag the father/son affair further but I'm glad they exposed the truth or part of it anyway. I can only imagine what Jean Shales is going to think of this bit of news. Tony, on the other hand, is becoming more evil and inappropriate by the episode especially with Vod and the author.

Vod is becoming more of a motherly figure to the group as they all seem to go to her for advice and she's experienced enough to tell them the truth, no matter how much it helps them. Her idea of belting Josie was hilarious.

JP was actually genuine for once when it comes to treating women with respect. I'm so sick of Ralph and his posh idiot friends influencing him and I'm glad JP finally stood up to them. Unfortunately, he still has a bit of a ways to go before he'll find a woman that cares for him if he doesn't stop putting on the "I'm going to hit that" facade.

Kingsley was only a bit of a douchebag about the band idea but I guess when you're going for a hipster look, you want to do your own thing. I really wanted him to play so he could realize how ridiculous he sounded the first time. Instead they want to imply that he still has feelings for Josie. Admittedly, it's always been there but poor Heather is going to get hurt and it'd be a waste of their relationship and her and Josie's friendship.

Noooo Sabine! I was sooo sad for Howard, it's no wonder he was snubbing everyone with the power; although they do deserve it, they are fairly annoying housemates lol. I really hope something promising happens for them in the finale.

[Eri]

I think this finale was way better than Season 1's. Shale's breakdown was the highlight and the laugh I so rightly needed tonight =D

[brothertonbanks]

Best line:

JP: She's a sarcastronaut and she rides an ironicycle.

Second best:

Mrs. Shales: My brother Andrew and my aunt Eleanor are coming to the party. Try not to fuck either of them.

Edited by brothertonbanks, Nov 27, 2012 @ 10:12 PM.