During the initial three minutes of "Only Child", an absolute riot of laughter ensued as Greg McHugh, the semi-successful actor, made his way back to his hometown to tend to his ailing dad, Gregor Fisher. This might just be the highest form of praise one can offer for the opening episode of a new sitcom. However, it's also the only way to sell this series as there's nothing particularly original or distinct about this persistently conventional comedy. Set in the sleepy town of Forres in northern Scotland, the show moves at a leisurely pace and delves into content that's both gentle and bittersweet, exploring the midlife turn when children start shouldering the responsibilities of parenting their own parents.

A Comedy That Tugs at the Heartstrings

Opening Moments of Laughter

The first few minutes of "Only Child" are a treasure trove of comedic moments. Greg McHugh's performance as Richard is nothing short of exceptional as he brings the character to life with such charm and wit. The scene where he arrives home for a quick visit and is immediately pestered by his dad for iPad help showcases the comical generation gap between the tech-literate and the less so. Ken's gruff reaction to his tablet confusion, with the iPad actually being the kitchen scales, sells the joke perfectly. It sets the tone for the rest of the episode, where laughter is never far away.

Another memorable moment is when Richard finds himself at a funeral of a man his dad can't stand. The banter between them, with Richard's deadpan remarks and Ken's matter-of-fact responses, is both hilarious and heartwarming. It shows the unique dynamic between the father and son and sets the stage for the emotional journey that follows.

The Realisation of Responsibility

As the story progresses, Richard witnesses his dad's decline. Mixing up pills and having a battered car in the garage reveal the dangers his dad has been facing since becoming a widower. This realization forces Richard to confront his own feelings and decide whether to leave or stay. His internal struggle is palpable as he weighs his career and his duty to his father.

The scene where Richard gets the news that his detective series has been cancelled is a turning point. It gives him the excuse he needs to stick around and take care of his dad. This decision showcases the growth and change in Richard's character and adds depth to the story.

The Masterful Performances

Gregor Fisher as Ken is a master at extracting every ounce of comic potential from his lines. His portrayal of a man with quirky behaviors and a heart of gold is both endearing and hilarious. From driving around with a child-sized doll to his passionate devotion to Jane McDonald, Fisher brings Ken to life in a way that makes the audience laugh out loud.

Greg McHugh, on the other hand, may not get to showcase his full range of powers in this series, but his character's relative seriousness invites plenty of abject humiliation. His interactions with Emily, his school friend, and his struggles with minor celebrity add another layer of complexity to the story.

The Emotional Core

After the cracking first episode, the series does take a bit of a turn. It becomes a bit repetitive and sluggish, but the emotional core remains strong. The transition from Richard's myopic self-involvement to his dutiful care for his dad is a relatable truth that most of us will experience at some point. The love between the two is portrayed in a touching and realistic manner, bound up in their stereotypically masculine emotional constipation.

The supporting characters also add value to the story. Paul Rattray's portrayal of Richard's kleptomaniac childhood friend Digsy and Stuart Bowman's bin-fixated neighbor Rod are both very amusing. Samantha Spiro's appearance as a famous actor also brings a touch of star power to the village.

In conclusion, "Only Child" is a comedy that has its ups and downs. While it may not set the world on fire, it has a lot to offer in terms of laughter, heart, and relatable stories. It's a series that will make you laugh, cry, and think about the complex relationships between parents and children.