Deep Heat

I'm going to review this as 'Season one' even though I think that a second season is unlikely, given the lack of buzz that circulated around the show. It piqued my interest though, because I am a fan of pro-Wrestling and, whilst I'd prefer to see something a bit more like "Heelz" representing a more realistic look at the UK independent scene, there's enough recognisable elements that kept me watching.

Holly (Jahannah James) is the daughter of Pam (Pippa Haywood) a former wrestler turned promotor for BOSS pro Wrestling. Though her brother, Nick (Richard Fleeshman) is the champion star performer, Holly isn't allowed to participate despite her natural aptitude. When Pam is incapacitated, Nick steals the talent and starts his own company, so Holly vows to keep BOSS operating on their road to the big end of tour show.

I can't lie, "Deep Heat" isn't great. As a sitcom I can best describe it as sporadically amusing, rather than actively funny. The characters are very broad, but generally likable enough. Writers Ivan Gonzalez and Max Olesker appear and Olesker shows enough skill in the ring to convince as a performer. There are a couple of reliable old hands, in Pippa Haywood and Alistair Petrie. As well as occasional guest stars like John Thomson and Matt Lucas, the cast is populated by some recognisable faces from the UK indie circuit, with Mariah May and "Drilla " Dan Moloney there to populate some of the wrestling scenes with some real action.

I don't think I can, in all honesty, recommend the series to anyone who doesn't at least have a passing interest in Wrestling, it's just not funny enough to stand as a sitcom on its own merit. I didn't hate every minute of it, but I doubt I'll remember the show at all in six months.