“Dinosaur” Returns: A Hilarious and Groundbreaking Sitcom Finds Its Voice
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The second series of “Dinosaur,” now streaming on BBC iPlayer, isn’t just another British sitcom; it’s a quietly radical and remarkably heartfelt exploration of autism, family, and the search for belonging, all wrapped in a uniquely Glaswegian package. The show picks up with Nina (Ashley Storrie), eight months into a paleontological dig on the Isle of Wight, grappling with homesickness and a difficult choice: continue her research or return to Glasgow and an uncertain future with her almost-boyfriend, Lee.
A Homecoming Complicated by Change
Nina’s initial desire to return home is palpable. She misses the simple routines of her life – the morning coffee with Lee outside the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, “takeaway Tuesdays” and walks with her sister, Evie, “in case we uncover a homicide.” However, her return to Glasgow isn’t the idyllic reunion she anticipates. The show deftly portrays the subtle but jarring ways in which life continues without you.
Her office at the museum has been relocated, her desk replaced by a “social pod and hydration station.” Even her beloved tuna melts are off the menu at her local sandwich shop, a casualty of low demand – and, pointedly, a previous customer’s demise. “That was me!” Nina protests, sparking a “tuna meltdown” as Evie affectionately calls it. These seemingly minor disruptions highlight the challenges faced by those who experience the world differently, and the often-unthinking ways in which neurotypical norms can create obstacles.
Autism as Perspective, Not Plot Device
What sets “Dinosaur” apart is its nuanced portrayal of Nina’s autism. As one observer notes, the show “treads the same ground as every other British sitcom about loving yet dysfunctional families,” but it’s Nina’s perspective that subtly, and powerfully, undercuts those familiar tropes. The show’s brilliance lies in its ability to make Nina’s autism fundamental to every scene without being about autism. It’s a refreshing departure from many portrayals, avoiding stereotypes and offering a genuinely authentic representation.
The dynamic between Nina and Evie (Kat Ronney) is a cornerstone of the show’s success. Their “odd-couple dynamic” is filled with endearing quirks – “little finger hooks,” sudden shifts into Real Housewives accents, and rapid-fire Glasgow banter. A simple exchange – Evie’s offer of a “weighted blanket?” followed by a visual of Nina being comfortably weighed down by her sister – encapsulates the show’s ability to convey complex emotions with understated humor.
A Show Rooted in Personal Experience
The show’s authenticity stems from its origins. “Dinosaur” is a co-creation of Ashley Storrie, who received her autism diagnosis in her early 30s, and Matilda Curtis. This personal connection is evident in the show’s writing, which feels both deeply specific and universally relatable. The series also acknowledges the recent loss of Storrie’s mother, the comedian Janey Godley, adding a layer of emotional resonance.
The supporting cast is equally strong, with characters like Nina’s feckless brother, Bo, and Evie’s feminist husband, Ranesh, providing ample comedic fodder. The portrayal of Declan, Nina’s older colleague, who is likely undiagnosed but displays autistic traits, is particularly noteworthy. Even Lee’s open mic performance, described by Amber as catering to a kink for “mediocre white men singing in public,” contributes to the show’s overall spirit, encapsulated in his song’s chorus: “It doesn’t matter what you do / As long as what you do is true.”
Glasgow as a Character
Like the city in Starstruck, Glasgow is more than just a setting in “Dinosaur”; it’s a vibrant character in its own right. The show showcases the city’s “glossy tenement closes, tree-lined avenues and bougie bars,” offering a refreshing departure from typical television portrayals. This representation is, as one commentator points out, “quietly radical,” challenging the often-limited depictions of Scotland’s largest city.
The show’s integrity and distinctive comedic voice are a direct result of its creators’ vision. “Dinosaur” is a classic comedy, full of “light, shade and big feelings,” and, as one parent of an autistic child shared, it “rings true.” In short, it’s a show that deserves to be watched, cherished, and celebrated.
