Not Going Out Season 1 Episode 5 Kid

After four episodes of building up the dynamic between the main characters, Not Going Out's fifth episode, "Kid," takes on a new dimension by introducing a child character. Lee (Lee Mack) and Kate (Megan Dodds) babysit their friends' child but the night takes a turn when they forget the baby is upstairs.

The previous four episodes have followed a pattern of Lee and Kate getting into trouble and then resolving it by the end of the episode. "Kid" begins by establishing a similar formula with the two babysitting friends' child as a trial run for their own potential future parenting. However, as the night progresses, Lee and Kate become increasingly involved in their own dramas which take priority over checking on the baby upstairs. As the episode progresses their actions slowly become more and more ludicrous, leading to various comical set pieces such as Lee getting trapped in a baby gate and Kate's attempt to unblock a toilet before the child arrives.

The introduction of a child character adds a new layer to the show and how Lee and Kate's actions and choices impact another person. Furthermore, it highlights how little Lee and Kate know about children, and it is amusing to see them struggle with basic tasks such as changing a nappy or calming the baby down. Although it is clear that neither Lee nor Kate is equipped to be responsible for a child on their own, they both refuse to acknowledge any wrongdoing throughout the episode.

"Kid" boasts some of the series' funniest moments so far, but it also has some genuinely touching moments. It becomes clear as the episode progresses that having the baby's presence in the house has reignited the conversation about whether or not Lee and Kate should have a child. Lee sees the night as a disaster and an affirmation that he isn't suited to fatherhood, while Kate sees it as a sign that they have to try harder. The conversation eventually reaches a head in the final moments of the episode in a touching scene that reveals the characters' complicated feelings about the subject.

Overall, "Kid" is a standout episode that showcases how Not Going Out can elevate its formula above the standard sitcom trappings. By introducing a new character and tackling real-world issues such as parenthood, it manages to balance meaningful character development with the show's trademark comedy. It's a strong outing for the series and provides a glimpse into what it can be when it pushes the boundaries of the sitcom format.