‘Mammoth‘ Revives Sitcom Charm in a World Starved for Satire
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A new wave of comedic relief arrives with “Mammoth,” a refreshingly old-school sitcom offering a much-needed dose of laughter at modern mores, as a broader decline in political satire and pop culture pastiche continues. The series, starring Welsh comedian Mike Bubbins, taps into a nostalgic vein while simultaneously holding a mirror to contemporary society.
The Disappearance of the Joke
The current comedic landscape feels…sparse. As one observer noted, the demise of political satire can be attributed to governmental turmoil that surpasses fiction, and the disappearance of pop culture pastiche to a fractured cultural moment. Yet, the scarcity of jokes about contemporary society remains puzzling. Perhaps it’s the decline of the sketch show, or simply a general downturn in funny content on television – the BBC’s comedy output almost halved during the 2010s. Whatever the cause, opportunities to laugh at the present are increasingly rare.
Enter tony Mammoth: A Man Out of Time
“Mammoth” re-enters the scene with a unique premise. Bubbins stars as Tony Mammoth, a PE teacher frozen in time after being buried alive for 30 years. Emerging into the 21st century,he’s a relic of 1970s masculinity,complete with questionable opinions and a wardrobe seemingly sourced from a car boot sale.The initial six-episode series established Mammoth’s fish-out-of-water dynamic, his clashes with his daughter Mel (Amy Gibson) and grandson Theo (Joel Davison), and his enduring friendship with Roger (Joseph Marcell, known for “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”). A seemingly innocuous gift – a gold necklace – hinted at a deeper connection between Mel and Mammoth than mere irritation.
The second series, consisting of three episodes, sees Mammoth navigating his newfound family – Mel is revealed to be his daughter, Theo his grandson – alongside his old friend Roger (Joseph Marcell, known for “The Fresh Prince of bel-Air”), all while exasperating fellow PE teacher Lucy. He continues to dispense questionable advice – suggesting dexedrine to Theo, now a lifeguard, to avoid falling asleep – and clinging to the hallmarks of “unreconstructed manliness,” including a decades-long grudge over a parking space.
A Subversive Look at Masculinity and Nostalgia
The show’s critique of masculinity is most effective when it examines foundational traits: Mammoth’s unwavering confidence and breathtaking selfishness.It’s even better when he’s right. When he struggles to understand contemporary tastes – a potential love interest who favors yoga retreats and foraging for food – viewers find themselves surprisingly on his side.
This rush of nostalgia is a key component of the show’s appeal. There’s a comforting quality to seeing Mammoth receive a case of Cinzano or settle in to watch “Minder,” even for those who didn’t experience the 1970s firsthand. The show is fueled by bubbins’ genuine obsession with the decade; the Ford Capri featured is, in fact, his own car. The new series introduces Michael (Al Roberts), a younger character who also fetishizes the 1970s, though some generational gaps prove insurmountable – Michael’s request for alcohol-free beer elicits a priceless reaction from Mammoth.
A Star Vehicle with Supporting Quirks
“Mammoth’s” success rests largely on Bubbins’ shoulders, and he delivers. However, the supporting characters are less fully realized. Joel Davison’s theo is intentionally a low-energy counterpoint to his grandfather, but others, like Mel, feel one-note with her “permanent state of shrill intensity.” The accents occasionally disrupt the show’s immersion; Davison’s is barely perceptible, while Gibson’s, hailing from North Wales, leans towards a Northern English inflection, contrasting sharply with Bubbins’ Barry-born tones.
Is the Joke Wearing Thin?
At its core, “Mammoth” presents a satisfying comedic premise, but by the end of the second series, it begins to feel somewhat repetitive. While the possibility of Mammoth’s evolution – perhaps into a more considerate, safety-conscious, and health-minded individual – exists, the show’s creators seem reluctant to sacrifice the fun.
“mammoth” aired on BBC Two and is currently available on iPlayer.
