If you’re looking for a show that constantly shocks you, “Colin From Accounts” is the way to go. Season two of the Australian romance-comedy came out on Sept. 26, and can be watched on streaming services like Fubo, Prime Video and Paramount+. The series features a couple, Gordon and Ashley, and their dog Colin.
To preface, I want to make clear that I only watched the second season of the series. Because of this, I will only be talking about the second season. The premiere episode focuses on Gordon and Ashley trying to get their dog, Colin, back after they gave him away to someone else. I will admit, because of their Australian accents, I didn’t realize that the dog’s name was Colin until the end of the episode. However, it seemed clear that Colin was the basis of their relationship and that without him, they would not be together.
Ashley even shares her concerns with Gordon, claiming they have nothing in common besides Colin. After watching the whole season, I would have to agree. In each episode, Ashley and Gordon go through some trouble in their relationship. They had only been together for a couple of months, so throughout the series, they learn more about each other’s pasts, lives and families. In the second-to-last episode, Ashley meets Gordon’s family, who she doesn’t get along with. His family treats her with no respect, and while she looks to Gordon to defend her, he instead tries to lighten the mood and change the subject.
The series is heavily comedy-based. Although you don’t see the characters laughing or hear a laugh track in the background like in many ’90s shows, it is clear that everything is meant to be funny or make fun of certain ideals. For example, in the episode where Ashley meets Gordon’s family, Gordon’s mom talks with Ashley and asks if she can ask a medical question since Ashley is in that field. She tells her that her grandson admitted to liking boys and that when his mom was pregnant, she got a flu shot despite Gordon’s mom begging her not to. Ashley seems confused until Gordon’s mom asks if her grandson being gay could have something to do with that flu shot. This is meant to mock anti-vaxxers. “Colin From Accounts” primarily focuses on this kind of humor.
Regarding the relationship between Gordon and Ashley, I believe they should break up. With each episode, they get into a worse fight and somehow make up by the end. However, I also feel that this is meant to be the irony of the show. I almost wish the episodes were a bit longer so that the fights were played out more. There is no real consistency in the show. Although I enjoyed the comedy and found it entertaining, I didn’t find myself addicted or forgetting that I was watching something as I do with my favorite shows. It is the type of show where you would watch one episode if you are having a bad day.
A flaw that I typically find in shows is the finale. For “Colin From Accounts,” however, the finale was probably my favorite. A spoiler here for anyone interested in watching the show: the episode is focused on the wedding of Ashley’s friend, Megan. At the end of the episode, Gordon proposes to Ashley, and I’ll admit that while waiting for Ashley’s response, I was repeating, “Please say no.” And if a show is making you do that, it must have you hooked a little. As I had hoped, Ashley did reject the public proposal, and Gordon played it off by saying that it was a joke.
The humor in “Colin From Accounts” is unmatched, although it sometimes falls short, and it’s atypical as it incorporates real-life scenarios. The series isn’t very romantic, so if you are looking for that kind of show, I wouldn’t exactly recommend it. However, if you are looking for an interesting new comedy and drama, then this may be the way to go. It isn’t predictable and constantly switches between funny and serious. There are moments in the show that are sadder, but they are made comedic. I recommend at least watching an episode or two, but I believe the best episodes are towards the end.
Rating: 3.25/5 (extra ending points)