As a writer and content creator with years of experience under my belt, I can wholeheartedly appreciate the unique approach Brammall and Dyer take when crafting their characters for ‘Colin From Accounts’. It’s refreshing to see that they don’t shy away from depicting people who may not always align with our personal beliefs or sensibilities. Instead, they use humor as a tool to explore complex social issues, creating a show that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
[This story contains spoilers from Colin From Accounts season two’s finale.]
In the TV show “Colin From Accounts” on Paramount+, some moments may strike you as so uncomfortable and unbelievable that they seem like they couldn’t possibly have been part of a true event.
The majority of the series’ scenes stem from the personal relationships of the creators, showrunners, and main actors Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall, who are actually married off-screen as well.
Brammall often remarks to The Hollywood Reporter that the second season of the popular comedy series is so bizarre it seems unreal. He states that people can be quite peculiar and contradictory in their behavior.
In its second season, now available on Paramount+, the series unfolds, picking up from where it left off in the first season, with Ashley (Dyer) and Gordon (Brammall) still navigating their relationship, which began rather unexpectedly after they both took care of a dog that had been hit by Gordon’s car. As they grapple with each other’s families and friendships with the show’s secondary characters, Dyer and Brammall strive to find a harmonious blend between portraying family struggles and providing humor for their viewers.
Discussing the abandoned concepts for season two, as well as the emotional moments that moved Dyer to tears, and hints about the possibilities for a future third season – be warned, there may be spoilers.
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When you finished up season one, did you know you would be getting a season two?
PATRICK BRAMMALL During production – from writing to filming and editing – we often thought we might secure a second season due to the numerous additional ideas that came up along the way, such as, “That doesn’t seem to fit this storyline, but perhaps it could work in another scenario.
HARRIET DYER Patty had a note on his notes app on his phone with all these ideas we had.
BRAMMALL (PARAPHRASED) With so many talented actors available, we thought it would be great if certain characters could interact, or something along those lines. We hoped there might be a chance for a sequel. We were pleased with the show, and at the end of season one, we said to each other, “We can’t ask for more. They allowed us to create the exact show we wanted to.
DYER Yes, anything that isn’t well-received is essentially our responsibility. However, we purposely left some uncertainty at the end of the first season, as no one had seen it yet to determine its success. We didn’t know if it would be a hit or miss. If it were just an average show, that could have been a major problem. And we weren’t sure if they would renew it. But with season two, we’ve essentially pushed them to make a decision.
BRAMMALL We purposefully left some ambiguity at the conclusion of season one to keep options open. However, season two took things a step further and introduced a playful, mischievous tone.
What were some season two early ideas you threw out?
BRAMMALL In episode five, there was a scene where Ashley lost her phone on the train. Originally, we had planned a sequence featuring Ashley buying alcohol for some unhelpful teenagers and attending a 16-year-old’s party, where she would take hallucinogenic drugs. The scene involved Ashley looking in the mirror after realizing she was taking drugs, saying to herself that she would be alright and then leaving. However, this sequence was replaced with the one showing Ashley being picked up by a creepy couple. Interestingly, these two actors also directed the episode. But what we originally scripted didn’t make it into the final cut.
As a fan, I found myself both amused and puzzled by an unexpected twist: miniature versions of familiar characters in their signature attire! A knock at the door brings tiny police officers, pleading for quietness. “Sorry, can you keep it down? Guys, guys, keep it down,” they say. Spinning from delight, I couldn’t help but laugh at this adorable scene. However, there was a niggling feeling that something about it didn’t quite resonate as authentic.
DYER It pushed it too hard. Still, I want to use that joke.
From where do you guys draw inspiration for your characters?
As a gamer, I’ve got to say that the medical scenarios in my game are based on some real-life experiences I’ve been told about by a friend named Steph, who happens to be a doctor. So, the character “Mango Man” isn’t just a figment of my imagination – he actually comes with a peculiar issue involving mangoes and an unusual foreskin situation. Now, I might borrow odd details from my medically-inclined friends, but most characters are composites, like Lynelle. She’s not exactly like my mom, but there’s a touch of her essence in there, serving as a starting point for transforming her into a friend’s family member or someone else I know.
AS A FAN: I find that there’s a mix of real-life actions and mannerisms, personal experiences, and a generous dash of imagination that make up the characters and stories I create.
DYER There’s so much borrowed. Our friends and family are constantly under the microscope.
At times, I find myself utterly astounded, almost as if I’m witnessing a work of fiction unfold in reality. Humans are indeed peculiar beings, displaying an intriguing blend of inconsistency and predictability that often leaves me baffled.
Do you show your friends the show and then they’re like, “Wait, is that based on me?“
BRAMMALL Very few people have said that, and we have worried about that one or two times.
DYER (PARAPHRASING) We have many sources of inspiration, which is beneficial, and we also have numerous ordinary friends. However, if they share a tale with us, we’re likely to absorb it. Our minds are quite receptive, very sticky indeed. But this is all done with affection and regard, isn’t it?
Were there any scenes that made you break this season?
In episode four’s finale, it’s when Gordon dons the hat. The hat was actually my idea, subtly hinted earlier in the script by Meggles [Emma Harvie] showing Ashley a photo on her phone of Rumi [Virginia Gay] wearing an irritating hat. Fascinatingly, the costume team came up with the idea for Rumi to wear that same annoying hat at the restaurant. Our brilliant director, Trent O’Donnell, then suggested we create a scene where Gordon would struggle to find a place for it. This funny moment was developed throughout the day as the entire dinner scene was shot over an extended period, and the hat became more prominent with each take. It was all improvised.
BRAMMALL When Ashley goes to get the check, that’s because Harriet couldn’t—
In the scene, I found myself unable to remain seated due to uncontrollable laughter, causing quite a disturbance. Fortunately, as the writer of the episode, I decided it was appropriate for Ashley to pay the bill and departed. That’s why only three characters are present at the end of the scene – because I couldn’t keep my composure. To be honest, even during the discussion about ethical porn, where Gordon said “Peter… Cock,” I couldn’t stop laughing, and it was necessary for them to digitally merge together parts where I wasn’t chuckling to align with the desired performance, as I had spoiled all of them.
In the Yass episode, it seems like you’ve compiled the most unfavorable anecdotes you’ve ever encountered regarding encounters with families, all in one installment, isn’t that right?
BRAMMALL It was 100 percent based on my family.
DYER Negative! His character’s father isn’t biologically his or mine. Instead, he’s a blend of several individuals. However, there are two instances where his mother took me for walks that have stuck with me. One was about abortion and the other was an inappropriate question about his sexual orientation, something like “Do you think he’s gay because someone gave him an immunization.” I recall this happening approximately 11 years ago, and it still stands out as one of the most shocking things I’ve ever heard.
In that incident, there was a hint of reminiscence of her mother and Lee, his creepy boyfriend. It subtly conveys the realization that when you meet your partner’s family for the first time, you might think, “Ah, now I understand.” However, we intended to portray Ash as feeling uneasy about Lee in the presence of his family. Interestingly, being away from his family can be seen as a success, but when he returns, he feels afraid of his father, spends all his time with the men, and exhibits misogynistic tendencies, which is rather uncomfortable.
We aimed to make his family a challenge to their relationship dynamics. For instance, “Who are you really?” or “Where did you suddenly appear from?” might cross their minds, given your progressive and feminist inclinations, yet finding yourself in a setting that’s decades behind those values, specifically within the confines of your parents’ home which, ironically, is not Patty at all. Moreover, an Australian tradition involves having lunch while the background noise competes with the football or television. We wanted the family and the chaos it represents to serve as another character in this setting. My family is incredibly loud, always accompanied by a TV, and although it can be interesting, it can also be overwhelming for a newcomer.
In your program, you often tackle issues related to current social and cultural sensitivities. Do you sometimes find yourself holding back or avoiding particular topics? Are there specific subjects that you intentionally choose not to discuss on air?
BRAMMALL I believe we discover the best approach as we proceed. Essentially, it’s about what’s amusing and insightful at the same time. We appreciate comedy and this series because they show that everyone is incredibly human. Everyone shares commonalities through their imperfections, their foibles, in fact. So, there’s a scene with Lee in episode eight at the bar where he discloses his pronouns, which is funny. However, it also underscores that this character isn’t just a stereotype. Yes, he is, but he’s also a person who might have made choices years ago to—
In a different perspective: The character in question might have identified as non-binary, gender fluid, bisexual, or any other orientation, but lived during a time when being anything other than straight was often suppressed. By giving him a voice and challenging the stereotype of him being just a clown, we aim to portray his humanity. While we hold strong personal and political beliefs, we don’t feel the need to make our characters echo those beliefs. A diverse cast, including characters like Lynelle, the men’s rights activist, or the capitalist trying to buy Gordon’s brewery, adds depth and fun to the show. Although many viewers may find these characters laughable, some might even agree with them on certain points. There are certainly people who might miss the irony, or not realize they’re being made fun of.
BRAMMALL (REPHRASED) While it’s important to consider a wide audience, it doesn’t mean we should compromise the humor or the essence of our show. We won’t make jokes or do something uninteresting just to please everyone because then we lose our unique perspective and the show becomes less engaging. It’s like having too many cooks in the kitchen. A significant aspect of this show’s success is its distinct tone, which we maintain by being the only writers and showrunners, allowing us to manage the show’s viewpoint effectively.
USER We don’t tolerate behaviors like body shaming or racism, as they are clearly unacceptable. However, we can appreciate humor that leans towards political perspectives, but we do have boundaries and won’t condone anything mean-spirited.
Let’s talk specifically about the Ethical Porn episode.
BRAMMALL (PARAPHRASED) Writing that particular episode was intriguing since it required some storytelling based on personal experiences and discussions with acquaintances. In essence, we needed to engage in open and honest dialogues.
In the show, we chose to delve deeper into our own relationship issues, hoping it would encourage others to have similar conversations. I understand that some women might not want to engage in such discussions due to less effort required, while others may feel neglected if they do. Similarly, some men can be secretive about their sexual preferences, which can lead to tension. It’s intriguing because there seem to be closed doors when it comes to intimacy, and that’s what we find fascinating.
Is there an update for season three?
BRAMMALL We’ve brainstormed many concepts, but we haven’t mapped them out yet. At this moment, there isn’t an official go-ahead for season three. However, we’ve managed to persuade those in charge to consider it. We feel optimistic about the possibility of moving forward with a new season.
Patti cleverly arranged for us to film the proposal scene using an iPhone, and this could potentially work to our advantage if we don’t begin shooting season three within the next 12 to 18 months. Since it wouldn’t be feasible to replicate the setup later, we now have the genuine proposal on our phone. I think this is a fantastic idea that Patti came up with, and it could prove to be a valuable addition, even if it ends up being part of a compilation of failed proposals on YouTube from four years ago. We’re eager to continue delving into themes of falling in love, personal obstacles, and the complexities of modern relationships. However, we don’t plan to immediately move into a domestic bliss scenario. Instead, there seems to be more to discover before that point, but we’re unsure whether we’ll opt for a time jump or proceed directly.
Colin From Accounts season two is now streaming all episodes on Paramount+.
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2024-10-01 00:25