Douglas Is Cancelled review – you might hate this show for daring to exist
It is evident right away in Steven Moffat's new project, Douglas Is Cancelled, that he aims to criticize or attack every liberal/leftist/wokeist belief. The main message of this drama is that we can no longer rely on words or their meanings.
In the popular TV news duo, Douglas, portrayed by Hugh Bonneville, is the mature male half. His on-screen partner, Madeline (played by Karen Gillan), is a young and attractive woman in her thirties, meant to appeal to the male audience. This dynamic has been and will continue to be the norm.
Producer Toby, played by Ben Miles, is carefully monitoring the chemistry between Douglas and Madeline, as well as their social media presence. He is like a modern Cromwell, always on the lookout for any potential issues to protect his king. The tweet he sees sets off a chain of events in Moffat's four-episode series. The first two episodes show a tightly plotted story, much more engaging than his previous work. Moffat seems more invested in this subject that hits close to home for certain writers, rather than a more generic storyline.
It was reported that Douglas made a sexist joke at a wedding. The joke is not repeated but described as sexist. He claims to have no memory of making the joke. His friends and coworkers believe it was likely just one of his typical remarks.
Toby asks Douglas to share what happened. "Let's be honest ... The truth is important, but I like to have a more well-rounded perspective. After all, we work in the news industry."
And so it all begins. Madeline shares a tweet with the message, "Don't believe this. Not my co-host," and it quickly spreads across the internet. Douglas believes it was an unfortunate mistake with good intentions. However, his wife, a powerful newspaper editor, sees it differently. She exclaims, "I can't believe he did this! Not my co-host!" This sets off a chain of conflicting stories and uncertainties that allow Moffat to humorously highlight the chaos of the modern world and the dangers it poses. There is a tense moment between Douglas and his daughter, an activist named Claudia, who is filled with youthful idealism, hypocrisy, and ignorance. They briefly connect, and Claudia expresses her hope for a resolution, adding, "I really don't want to have to cancel you."
Douglas examines how power has fallen into the hands of those who may not deserve it, and questions how any semblance of order can be upheld in a society where opinions and interpretations hold more value than factual evidence.
At the same time, Toby is focused on gathering "accurate and honest information that may not necessarily be the truth." Madeline, on the other hand, is becoming a bigger concern as a possible danger. The debate surrounding her revolves around whether she is a cunning opportunist, fed up with the gender bias she faces, or driven by a legitimate complaint. Gillan's impressive acting in a series filled with outstanding performances ensures that all these scenarios are still on the table.
Douglas Is Cancelled is often not very subtle. There are some awkward lines and moments where it feels like Moffat is trying to cover all sensitive topics. However, overall, it is quick, humorous, and full of rage. Some viewers will love it completely, while others may dislike parts that criticize their beliefs. Some will hate it for clear reasons, while others will hate it simply because it exists. Jokes about taboo topics may be seen as support for certain groups by some, and a return to sanity by others. That's the point.
Douglas Is Cancelled was shown on ITV1 and is currently available on ITVX.
