Dinosaur Season Two Review: A Hilarious and Heartwarming Glaswegian Classic
The second series of the BBC Three sitcom Dinosaur opens with a poignant shift in scenery, as our heroine Nina, portrayed by Ashley Storrie, finds herself eight months into a palaeontology dig on the Isle of Wight. This location is a stark contrast to her beloved Glasgow, involving a seven-hour drive and ferry ride that underscores her growing homesickness. Despite making discoveries like a metazoic dung beetle and forming a friendship with the charming American Clayton, played by Hyoie O'Grady, Nina's heart remains in Scotland.
She deeply misses Lee, her almost-sort-of boyfriend, who used to prepare her morning coffee outside the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Additionally, she longs for the simple pleasures of watching The Real Housewives with her sister Evie, their takeaway Tuesdays, and walks around the "wee dodgy parks" in case they uncover a homicide. Just as Nina prepares to return home, she is offered an extension to stay on the dig for another year, setting up a madcap rush—albeit in a very slow buggy—to a park bench in Knutsford. This decision marks the happy return of a sitcom that is both hilarious and heartwarming, with a covertly groundbreaking approach.
A Unique Perspective on Normality
At first glance, Dinosaur might seem to tread familiar ground, featuring loving yet dysfunctional families, regional quirks, farcical elements, and a cringingly cute will-they-won't-they storyline. However, the show is uniquely undercut by Nina's autistic perspective, which turns the tables on neurotypical behaviour. Her autism is fundamental to every scene, yet it is not the sole focus, allowing the series to avoid thoughtless stereotypes and feel refreshingly unique among shows centring autistic characters.
Upon returning to Glasgow via Knutsford—where, spoiler alert, Lee never shows up—Nina finds that everything has changed. Her office at the museum has been relocated to make way for a social pod and hydration station, and her local sandwich shop has discontinued tuna melts, citing low demand. This leads to what Evie fondly calls a "tuna meltdown," highlighting the odd-couple dynamic between the sisters that forms the backbone of the series.
Dynamic Relationships and Sharp Humour
The chemistry between Nina and Evie, played by Kat Ronney, is a standout, with their little finger hooks, sudden switches into Real Housewives accents, and lightning-fast Glasgow banter about topics like boofing and big heids. Their interactions are both tender and humorous, such as when Evie suggests a "weighted blanket" to calm Nina, resulting in a scene where she lies on top of her sister. This series is more self-assured than the first, piling up jokes about figures like Mary Anning and David Attenborough, and featuring a fruity book of short stories Nina wrote called Romancing the Bone.
The ensemble cast delivers top-notch performances, including Nina's feckless older brother Bo, who freaks out about a pregnancy scare, and Evie's feminist husband Ranesh, who indulges in quirky hobbies like making fruit leathers. The portrayal of Declan, Nina's older colleague who is likely undiagnosed but certainly autistic, adds depth, while Lee's open mic performance—with a toe-curling song about authenticity—captures the spirit of the show.
Glasgow as a Character
Similar to Hackney in Starstruck, Glasgow serves as a major character in Dinosaur, though the series is more subversive and foul-mouthed. The city is depicted with glossy tenement closes, tree-lined avenues, and bougie bars, offering a rarely seen portrayal on television that feels quietly radical. This Glaswegian setting enhances the show's integrity and intense gag rate, rooted in its origins.
Origins and Impact
Dinosaur is the co-creation of Ashley Storrie, who received her autism diagnosis in her early 30s and is the daughter of comedian Janey Godley, and Matilda Curtis, daughter of director Simon Curtis and actor Elizabeth McGovern. Drawing from Storrie's real-life experiences and close female collaboration, the show emerges as a classic comedy full of light, shade, and big feelings. For viewers, especially those with autistic children, it rings true and evokes powerful emotions, making it a beloved series. Dinosaur aired on BBC Three and is available on iPlayer now.
