Ep 2. The Special Bowl

In season 1 episode 2 of Outnumbered, entitled "The Special Bowl," the chaotic lives of the Brockman family continue. The episode opens with the family rushing around to get ready for the school run. There's a new character introduced, Angela, who is played by Samantha Bond. Angela is Jake's teacher, and while she is attempting to discipline the boisterous youngster, the rest of the family is trying to convince Jake that he doesn't need a special bowl to eat his cereal out of in order to pass his spelling test.

Meanwhile, Ben's school project has been left to the last minute, so he ropes his dad into helping him out, whilst Karen is trying to run a supper-club. The episode explores various character dynamics, such as how the children relate to their parents and how the adults interact with one another. It's another day in the life of the Brockman family, and anything can and will happen.

Throughout the episode, there are plenty of humorous moments, such as when Karen tries to explain the intricacies of her supper-club to an incredulous grandparent, or when Ben's dad tries to navigate an Ikea-style cupboard assembly. The show is well-written and full of genuine laughs that come from the characters' personalities, rather than forced set-pieces.

Another key plot point in the episode is the family's dog, who they believe to have been struck down with a terminal illness. However, it transpires that the dog is just overweight, something which the family prove by finding the dog's stash of stolen food. This subplot adds another dimension to the episode, and its resolution is both hilarious and heart-warming.

It's worth noting that the Brockman family - played by Hugh Dennis, Claire Skinner, Ramona Marquez, Daniel Roche, and Tyger Drew-Honey - are excellent in their roles. They bring a lot of heart and humor to the show, and their believable performances really make the audience root for them. Additionally, Samantha Bond's debut as Jake's teacher is also excellent, and she proves to be a great foil to the unruly child.

Overall, season 1 episode 2 of Outnumbered is a fantastic installment that builds on the strengths of the first episode. It's full of laughs, heart, and great character moments. If the rest of the series is as good as this episode, then it's no wonder that Outnumbered went on to become such a well-loved show.