Harriet Dyer was one of the best things about the flawed but funny American Auto. Her flustered performance as Sadie, Payne Motors’ Chief Communications Officer, gave the show one of its few semi-relatable characters, hilariously hinting at suppressed regret and shame for propping up corporate evil. Dyer’s charms are much better served by the Australian romcom Colin from Accounts, which she created, co-wrote, and stars in with real-life husband Patrick Brammall. Genuine chemistry, comic skill, and smart writing combine to make this modest series an unexpected gem.
Dyer portrays Ashley, a promising medical student whose personal life is something of a trainwreck. Meanwhile, Gordon (Brammall) is the fortysomething owner of a struggling brew pub, his life a similar mess. They’re fated to cross paths when their innocent meet-cute—Ashley in a car, Gordon driving—results in serious injuries to a small terrier dog. Mortified, they rush the dog to an emergency vet, an experience that entangles them financially, socially, and romantically around a special-needs pet named Colin.
Colin from Accounts is an effortless, delightful watch. It’s tempting to call it a “comrom,” since the comedy is foremost, brilliantly executed in building the romantic connection. Brammall and Dyer alternate writing credits across the season’s eight episodes, which are consistently funny, brisk, and heartfelt. As the unlikely couple negotiates age and personality differences with their awkward attraction and shared connection to the adorable Colin, their personal lives gradually intertwine, drawing winning support from the likes of Emma Harvie, Genevieve Hegney, Michael Logo, Helen Thomson, among many others. Great show, no notes—a wonderfully satisfying series.
