Things aren’t as black and white as the news would like you to it is, and in Douglas is Cancelled, that goes for both inside and outside of the newsroom. After a family friend’s wedding Douglas Bellowes (Hugh Bonneville) finds himself in the middle of a career ending scandal. If only he could remember what he actually said while he was drunk. Working with his wife (Alex Kingston) and his co-anchor (Karen Gillian) his job will either be one that is redeemed or the next public cancellation.
The mini-series has four smartly written episodes, where you don’t know if Douglass actually is the bad guy, or who you should actually trust. Was the joke as bad as they are making it out to be, or was it just something said in passing. And what are the true motives of Madeline or even Douglas’ manager – are they trying to help or tank his career? The web of lies, deceit and plotting aren’t easy to to see through, but it does make for a great show.
Are we surprised that a complex and thought provoking series was created by Steven Moffat? The same writer who gave us the River Song timeline and somehow wove that through Doctor Who for years? Not at all. But the topic isn’t as timey-wimey and is actually very relevant for what we have seen happen multiple times in modern culture. Is cancel culture wrong, or can it be justified? Just how much are women expected to sacrifice for their career, or endure in the public eye, even if its just speculation?
With big power names at the helm of Douglas is Cancelled this show is a must watch on its own, but with the story telling ability of Moffat behind it, the show should rush to the top of your list. Douglas is Cancelled will be available on BritBox on March 6th.
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About Douglas is Cancelled
Journalist Douglas Bellowes’ life implodes after a tweet about him allegedly making a sexist joke goes viral – in this provocative comedy drama from acclaimed writer Steven Moffat (Sherlock). Douglas and Madeline are co-hosts on a popular current affairs show. Madeline is young and sharp, Douglas middle-aged and highly respected. But a single tweet, claiming Douglas told a sexist joke at a recent wedding, tears Douglas’s life apart. With the help of editor Toby, wife Sheila and agent Bentley, Douglas tries to save his career. Is he truly guilty – or a victim of cancel culture? And exactly how is co-host Madeline caught up in it all? An outstanding cast, including Hugh Bonneville and Karen Gillan, star in this timely series about gender politics and trial by social media.