BBC viewers were quick to voice their dissatisfaction with the first episode of the new comedy series Ann Droid, which premiered on Friday evening, July 17. The six-part series, starring Sue Johnston and Diane Morgan, sparked considerable discussion online, with many viewers taking to social media to share their reactions.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
One viewer wrote: "Comedy, more than most things is subjective - I doubt I’ll be tuning in again…." Another commented: "Big fan of both Diane Morgan and Sue Johnston but I've struggled to laugh once. I don't know if it gets better in future episodes I can only hope provided I opt to tune in #AnnDroid." A third person was more blunt: "This is absolute utter s***e."
However, not all feedback was negative. One viewer praised the show: "#AnnDroid Funny, sad, incisive. Diane Morgan and Sue Johnson are brilliant. SueSueSue is a winner." Another concluded: "Watched episode 1 of #AnnDroid. Brilliantly funny, but also so full of emotion. It made me cry! Absolutely loved it."
Plot and Premise
Ann Droid follows Sue (Sue Johnston), a lonely widow. Concerned about her wellbeing, her son Michael (Paul Ready) arranges for her to receive an AI eldercare robot, much to her dissatisfaction. Sue names the robot Linda (Diane Morgan) and puts it through its paces, leading to awkward moments such as the robot walking in on her while bathing and destroying her dressing gown.
Despite the initial discomfort, the episode ends on a moving note as Sue decides to keep Linda longer, finding the robot helpful in coping with her loneliness and grief.
Diane Morgan on Playing a Robot
Diane Morgan shared the challenges of her role, according to the Mirror. She said: "What was hard was that Sue got these really emotional scenes, and I'm sitting next to her, motionless. But obviously I'm hearing everything, and she's amazing. There were times, sitting on the bed, where I thought, 'I'm gonna cry, I'm gonna cry'. And I can't cry, I'm a robot. It was really difficult."
Ann Droid is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
