Just before he landed the starring role in House and became the bad boy of American primetime TV, erstwhile comedian Hugh Laurie starred in this 2003 British miniseries. Laurie plays Paul Slippery, a perpetually anxious doctor undergoing a midlife crisis: his newly emancipated wife may be having an affair, his three sexually active sons mock him relentlessly, and his work environment is deteriorating rapidly. Adapted from a novel by Nigel Williams, Fortysomething is an excellent star vehicle for Laurie, who manages to hold center stage even when surrounded by colorful characters. His flawless comic timing and dry delivery of hilarious lines will come as a surprise to those who only know him as House, and while the supporting cast is great (with the standout being Anna Chancellor, playing Paul's wife Estelle), it's clear from the outset that this six-episode miniseries was tailored especially for the sublime Laurie. Recommended. (E. Hulse)
Fortysomething
Acorn, 2 discs, 293 min., not rated, DVD: $39.99 Volume 23, Issue 3
Fortysomething
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