DRAMA; Mon., Nov. 2, 9 PM; UK-TV
STARRING: Stephen Mangan, Sharon Horgan, Anthony Head, Matthew Holness

A talent agency deep in London's media heartland is a setting ripe for satire, and Free Agents is just the show for the job. Nerdy, funny Alex (Mangan) and smart, beautiful Helen (Horgan) attempt to deal with the fallout from a one-night stand, which is complicated by the fact that Alex is recently divorced and Helen is still grieving the sudden death of her fiance (Alex's expression when he realises that her flat is festooned with numerous vast portraits of the two of them together is priceless). Plus, they're colleagues, and must keep their liaison a secret from their charming but sex-obsessed boss (a quite astonishingly foul-mouthed Anthony Head).

Alex's nervous, nebbish humour has a Woody Allen vibe, Helen is wry and relatable, and their will-they won't-they relationship promises many twists and turns. The calibre of the cast — alumni of such hit shows as Buffy, Little Britain and The Office — means the acting is understated and excellent. A darkly satirical gem.
Hannah's Review: ****

Interview with Anthony Head