Andrew Jones | On 24, Dec 2013

“Your bullets are no match for my sword.”

Yonderland leaps into its final episode head first – with Simon Farnaby getting script credit as his Negatus takes another major role, faking his way through a quest with Debbie to trap her for his mysterious boss. Debbie has taken on the task of rescuing Elf from Negatus’ grip (with Negatus as Dirty Ernie) and gathers past quest-ees, including The Estate Agents, by going over the past series with loving relish.

What is clear with this final episode, one that looks back and forward with equal measure, is that the writing of Yonderland has found itself true as can be. The continuity and plot elements are now hand-in-hand with the jokey, sketchy nature from the first few instalments, and this week’s chapter is the funniest the show’s been since it began. From great character work to wordplay and slapstick, Yonderland throws out an array of styles, and so often they have landed strongly. With Dirty Ernie in it, the series now feels complete, and yet we can’t wait to see where we’re headed next, not just in terms of plot but the humour. (The Proposing Puppets rightfully get the big final punch-line of their running gag, almost making last week’s dip back into the same-old, same-old worth it.)

There’s little more to say on Episode 8 of Season 1: it is simply sublime, wonderful entertainment, rounding out one of the most enjoyable comedies in a great year for TV. Conceptually interesting, handled well, with ample chemistry between the cast, Yonderland has the ability to be both family friendly and enjoyably edgy without alienating either audience. It’s the Sunday night family sitcom turned into contemporary-quality television, worthy of watching week to week or bingeing, if you so choose. But if you’re not enjoying Negatus’ presentation in his lair of expenditures against the level of evilness that it creates, you simply won’t get it.

 

Yonderland is available to stream with a NOW Entertainment Membership, which costs an introductory price of £4.99 a month with no minimum subscription length. (From 29th May 2014, this renews at £6.99 per month.)

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