Pushers review – Rosie Jones’s hilarious disability drug sitcom is pure silliness | Television

Disabled individuals have long been marginalized in society, often facing underestimation, ignorance, and patronization. This societal backdrop serves as a clever foundation for comedian Rosie Jones’s new sitcom, Pushers. Co-written with Peter Fellows from Veep, the show portrays the life of Emily Dawkins, a woman with cerebral palsy who navigates a world that often overlooks her capabilities.

The plot unfolds when Emily’s benefits are inexplicably cut by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), forcing her into a corner after a degrading work capability assessment. In a chance encounter with her old schoolmate Ewen, who is shocked to see her alive, Emily finds herself thrust into an unexpected role—drug dealer. Initially skeptical, she accepts 50 pounds to deliver a mysterious package for Ewen. Gradually, she discovers that her disability offers her opportunities not typically afforded to people in her situation, allowing her to thrive in a world of criminality.

The premise, while rife with potential for heavy and dark themes, navigates away from grim realism. Instead of being powerless, Emily becomes the engine of the drug operation. As Ewen, whose goal is to move his £500,000 cocaine stash and retire, remains a rather bumbling figure, Emily unexpectedly diversifies into other drugs, bringing her own team into play. She recruits Harry, a dance enthusiast with Down’s syndrome, and Hope, a steadfastly ordered character, to assist in distributing their products more quickly. Ewen’s insistence that his "tough-as-nails" mother joins the operation adds to the chaotic dynamic.

This ensemble comedy thrives not only on Emily’s character but also through the antics of Ewen, portrayed by Ryan McParland. His obliviousness, reminiscent of characters from I Think You Should Leave, injects an element of absurdity into the routine. Lines that could fall flat are elevated through his physical comedy and exaggerated expressions, creating moments of genuine hilarity amid the chaos.

Rosie Jones’s performance as Emily is a study in contrast. While traditionally a more exuberant comedian, she holds back slightly, serving as the anchor to Ewen’s ridiculousness. The show plays extensively with physical comedy, often illustrated through Emily’s interactions—with a remarkable amount of spilled cocaine that amplifies the farcical aspects of the drug trade.

Each episode offers a mix of engaging humor and poignant observations about disability, as Emily’s quips about her condition normalize conversations that are often considered taboo. For instance, her lighthearted remark about her cerebral palsy—“I didn’t breathe for 17 minutes”—reveals the sharp comedic edge Jones brings to the narrative.

As the series progresses, however, the narrative pace becomes increasingly convoluted. Alongside the central plot of drug dealing, romantic entanglements begin to emerge. Emily’s involvement with Jo, her glamorous boss at Wee CU, signals a potential love story that feels somewhat forced and distracts from the hilarity that has been established. Emily’s swift shift from reluctant participant to master strategist lacks clarity and could confuse those following her character arc.

The slapstick and lightheartedness, while appealing, may begin to lose impact as the series develops. Although Pushers successfully avoids sentimentality and embraces an unapologetically comedic tone, it occasionally seems to disregard the biting satire that its concept promises. Moments that could have landed with more sharpness instead veer into chaotic overkill, leaving viewers wanting more substance alongside the laughter.

Despite its occasional missteps, Pushers successfully presents a fresh take on the narrative around disability and drug dealing, serving neither as a grim representation of life for disabled individuals nor as a purely comedic escape. Its charm lies in its ability to push boundaries and explore deeply human experiences through the lens of absurdity. The series thrives on the portrayal of its characters as multifaceted individuals who challenge societal norms, demanding a reevaluation of what it means to be disabled in contemporary Britain.

Viewers can tune into Pushers on Channel 4 now, witnessing a blend of humor, resilience, and a candid exploration of unconventional friendships amid life’s absurdities. As the sitcom continues to progress, it offers a rich, multifaceted view of a world often ignored, all packaged in a manner that balances comedy with a hint of deeper societal commentary.

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