Things You Should Have Done Series Two Review: A Quirky Comedy Transforms
The second series of Things You Should Have Done has arrived on BBC Three, bringing back the dry and eccentric humour that earned it a Bafta for emerging talent. Created by Lucia Keskin, known online as Chi with a C, the show originally debuted in early 2024, transitioning the internet comic to television stardom under the production of Roughcut TV, the team behind hits like People Just Do Nothing and Stath Lets Flats.
A Shift in Tone and Characters
The premise of the first series centred on Chi, a stay-at-home daughter from middle England grappling with the loss of her parents in a tragic car crash. Guided by a list they left behind, the show blended zany antics with a touch of sadness, featuring ghostly parental appearances and absurd scenarios, such as Chi misunderstanding a breast screening as a peep show. The dynamic with her bitter aunt Karen, played by Selin Hizli, provided constant tension and memorable insults.
In series two, a major spoiler alert: Karen meets an untimely end, tripping over a vacuum cord and falling down 86 steps. This departure leaves a noticeable void, as many of the show's best moments involved Karen's schemes to reclaim the family home or torment her husband Dave. While her funeral sparks some humorous gags, like Chi accidentally using a best man's speech template for the eulogy, the emotional impact is limited, though Keskin delivers unhinged lines with charm.
New Additions and Returning Favourites
Thankfully, the series introduces Bridget Christie as Ruth, a therapist who capitalises on Chi's grief, overstepping professional boundaries and doxing clients. Ruth brings a jittery energy, particularly in scenes like starting a fight at a food bank. Sarah Kendall returns as the down-on-her-luck comic Sarah Gilbeaux, adding to the quirky ensemble. Juliet Cowan shines as Dave's unstable sister Claudia, who speaks in Dr Seuss-like phrases and falls victim to Chi's cons.
Keskin remains perfectly gormless as Chi, occasionally aided by miniature versions of her heroes, such as pleading with Lily Allen for advice on charity donations. The show retains its absurd humour, with moments like liberating a horse to the sound of Las Ketchup.
Evolving Narrative and Flashes of Brilliance
In this series, the list from Chi's parents becomes almost nonexistent, replaced by Ruth's therapy-based suggestions. This shift, coupled with Karen's absence, makes Things You Should Have Done feel like a different show altogether. Despite this, flashes of brilliance persist, showcasing Keskin's award-winning talent. Fans may hope for Karen's return in a future twist, but for now, the series offers a unique blend of comedy and chaos.
Things You Should Have Done is available on BBC Three and iPlayer, continuing to deliver its signature dry and quirky style with new twists.
