Hey friends! I’ll share a little secret: despite getting screencaps, gifs, making social media posts, and sharing interview pics and videos, I never actually got to sit down and watch The Responder. I live in the U.S. (Texas…yes, the part that just went through Hurricane Beryl) and can’t watch BBC programs live. Fortunately, for us poor souls there’s Britbox that usually has our favorites up quickly. This is especially good timing, because my power is back on, I was able to replace most of the food I lost, and I feel like celebrating! What better way to do that than watching Adam play Franny! My reactions here will be more focused on Franny, but I enjoyed watching the first series as well when it first came out. I watched it because I’ve always been fond of Martin Freeman (Shout out, Freemaniac!) and figured anything he was in would be good. Martin never steers you wrong. Let’s get on into it!
Chris, how you gonna get out of it this time?? Damn, I know Chris (Martin Freeman) can get himself into some shit, but most of the time, I just want to give the man a hug. The dude is a tank to keep hanging on with some of the things going on in his life. Also, Lord don’t I feel the ‘job fatigue’ and not being able to get anywhere. Rachel and Chris both exude weariness and frustration. They are done, done, and ALL done before it even starts. These two need some happy in their lives, and a damn break. They need to meet some new, good people that will bring positivity into their sphere. Instead, though…
The first full Franny experience! He seems like such a conscientious plasterer. Going about his business, wearing his little coat, working hard. Then you see his eyes and that smile. He’s got a scary vibe to him. He’s a small-statured, unassuming little man, and you know damn well after one look in THOSE eyes, that you don’t ever want to fuck with him. His vibe is ten feet tall and bulletproof. There was something a little different about Franny than any of Adam’s previous characters. He’s played a few smol but mighty meanies, but Franny is always on simmer, just a little bit away from a full boil.
Despite how oddly spooky he is, every time I see Franny, I sit here smiling like a goofball. Always all into those bad guys, me. No wonder I love Nagaitis so damn much! He’s SO good at villains. I remember reading an article that Martin Freeman especially wanted Adam for Franny. See? Follow Martin, he’ll never steer you wrong.
For real though, one look at Adam as Cornelius Hickey and resistance is futile. I mean, check him out over there to the right, being our beloved ship rat and cannibal. Leading Camp Mutiny into total chaos while wearing his over-sized ‘borrowed’ coat and longjohns, like all true leaders do. Perfection! But I digress…
While watching with no sound and getting the screencaps, it was obvious that Franny is a drug-dealer, so that was already a given. Not sure how much we’ll get into Franny’s backstory, but I’d love to know what all went on in his life to give him that quiet yet frightening presence. Whatever it was, you know he’s used to perseverance. He didn’t get where he is by being the bully that muscled kids out of their lunch money on the playground, but your lunch money most likely ended up in his pocket. That’s OK, he’ll give it back to you, for a few favors of course. Might even throw in some homemade brownies someone’s mom made. All good. Franny’s got you. You know where to come to get what you need.
Deb Barnes is definitely into his vibe! Who could blame her, he’s stunning. I can’t wait to get into their relationship. While going through the show without the benefit of dialog for context, I first wondered if she was with him out of fear or blackmail. Her just being one of the many resources to help him run The Empire of Franny. Whatever it is, Deb’s entrenched. She’s got some of that good ‘ole lunch money too. After watching the episode, I now feel like she’d probably do anything for him, and she’s there because she wants to be. I feel ya, girl. Some of us just fall for the bad guys.
I know my big focus is on Franny and his illicit activities, but Kate annoys me. Kate’s ‘man’ annoys me. They belong together because they’re both rubbing me the wrong way. Don’t take Tilly away from Chris, damn! Can this man catch a break? Also, same ‘ole-same ’ole Casey! Still trying to be a schemer, and probably about to drag everyone into some crazy bullshit. Girl, I don’t think that thug life is for you, and we’re probably going to find all that out in grand fashion.
First ep takeaway? Captivating. Oddly amusing. Ready for more! This show is so beautifully done. From series one, I remember feeling drawn along, needing to see the next ep but almost cringing because I knew something bad was coming. Series two carries that feeling along. Things have been set in motion. Probably dangerous things, lurking right around the next corner. I’m resisting the urge to binge the first two Britbox have up and take it a week at a time, savoring the story and its cast…especially our naughty Franny!
Here’s to next week, friends!