Sharon Horgan's 'Motherland' spin-off 'Amandaland' returns for a second season, and Lucy Punch's social-climbing mum Amanda is as insufferable and hilarious as ever. The series, which follows the immaculately coiffed, endearingly self-centred mum-slash-influencer, has hit its stride in its sophomore outing.
Amanda's Money Troubles
Still reeling from the perceived step down of moving from Chiswick to South Harlesden, Amanda has money on her mind. In the opening scenes, she strides into a high street bank and pitches her perma-floundering social media brand, Senuous, to a baffled adviser. She seeks investment to upgrade her flat, claiming it's vital for business: "It is vital that I look like someone who lives in a large house." She settles for £3,000 to buy fancy lights for content creation, coining the phrase "illuminate to accumulate."
Classic Amanda Antics
Each half-hour episode sees Amanda face different low-stakes situations, from genteel fly-tipping to dealing with her mother's online hook-ups. She also tries to secure a spot at the school careers evening to inspire "a whole generation of online creators." The jokes are sharp and sometimes dark, as when Amanda retorts to a colleague: "Women can't be paedophiles, Daniel!" Punch's performance, with her huge smile and doe eyes, makes even Amanda's absurdities endearing.
Supporting Cast Shines
Amanda remains fixated on status. This season, she sparks a one-sided feud with Abs (Harriet Webb), the ex-wife of her handsome neighbour Mal (Samuel Anderson). Upon learning Abs works at a food bank, Amanda virtue-signals: "Senuous is a not for profit organisation – we've literally never made a profit." Philippa Dunne is wonderful as the put-upon Anne, who cultivates a friendship with ChatGPT. Joanna Lumley steals scenes as Amanda's glamorous mother, now the last OAP standing in her social circle. Siobhan McSweeney's Della is underused, but Rochenda Sandall's Fi remains an enjoyably offbeat presence.
Verdict
Season two underlines that Amanda was far too good to remain a supporting character. She's well on her way to achieving BBC comedy icon status. Just don't tell her that – it'll inflate her already super-sized ego.
