Rom-coms area staple genrein modern media. Regardless of what one’s opinion is, viewers know what they’re in for. Two people, usually opposite at first, grow to realize they have more in common than they thought while overcoming obstacles. Rinse and repeat. While that formulaic structure makes them recognizable, it’s also a major source of ridicule. Rom-coms are so easy to mock because it feels like they all have the exact same plot. Just look at the hundreds of Christmas movies Hallmark and Lifetime churn out every year.
It’s no surprise that recent rom-coms have taken to new ways to appeal to audiences and escape their bad reputation. So, what is a guaranteed viewer draw? Dogs. What’s even more of a draw?An injured dogthat needs to be nursed back to health. Who will audiences instantly root for? People who take care of the dog and refuse to give up on it. Couple that with some subtle romantic tension between the two leads, and you have the Australian comedyColin From Accounts. Originally premiering last year in theland down under, Paramount+ recently acquired the series for US distribution. This show brings together our leading man and woman through unlikely circumstances to fun and awkward results. What do we mean? Let’s look at how this comedy is shaking up the formula.
What’s It About?
Before we go any further, it should be noted that this plot summary will only discuss the first two episodes. That’s all US audiences have seen as of this writing (with a second season on the way). However, our international readers may know how the season turns out; no spoilers, please!
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Colin From Accountsstarts by introducing us to our two leads, Gordon and Ashley, played by show co-creators and real-lifehusband and wifePatrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer. Gordon stops his car for Ashley to cross the road, and she thanks him with a quick flash below her shirt. A distracted Gordon doesn’t see the dog under his car until… thud.
The two take the dog to the vet and debate over whether to attempt surgery or put him to sleep. They settle on sleep, but neither can go through with it and instead pay for the surgery. Gordon spends the money with the agreement that Ashley will pay him back. They later decide just to split the cost. Gordon takes the dog back to his place as Ashley is in the process of being evicted from hers. He convinces her to stay, too, since he has absolutely no idea how to care for a high-needs dog (complete with prosthetic wheels acting as back legs).
The second episode continues with Ashley telling Gordon she’ll look for a new place for her and the dog (now named Colin). Instead, she has to replace his nightstand after an incident of sleepwalking, or rather sleep-peeing, into it. Some more awkwardness follows, with Ashley and Gordon’s dynamic inadvertently chasing away his date. Gordon later resolves to let Ashley stay a “few more days” despite their rocky start. Thechemistry is building.
Why It Stands Out
Starting a new show with our lead character running over a dog in the first few minutes is a bold choice. We’re supposed to root for this guy, right? It’s very clearly an accident, and both Gordon and Ashley are visibly distressed despite the fact that neither of them knows the dog. Shared concern for an injured animal is something most people possess. Bringing our two leads, who had no previous history, together over this concern is believable.Colin From Accountsdidn’t need to make up some contrived reason as to why these two strangers met up. It also established them both as fundamentally good people.
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Gordon and Ashley didn’t know each other or the dog. Either one of them could have left the scene without intervening. The fact that they both stepped in to help sets them as two likable and relatable leads. This isn’t to say they’re without flaws. Ashley is struggling to get by as a medical student after facing eviction. Gordon initially seems a little prickly, with no real connections outside of work. It’s still early inColin From Accounts, but bonding over this shared dog issue seems like it is helping them both. Gordon is opening up to others, and Ashley has a temporary home.
Of course, it also helps that our lead roles are played by an actual married couple. From the moment they meet, Gordon and Ashley’s chemistry is evident. They have only known one another for a few days by episode two’s end, though they have a rapport that would point to a lifelong friendship.
There are no explicit romantic indicators yet. But as these two continue to care for Colin and open up to one another, there’s only one way this could go. In all the vapid rom-coms of today, it is refreshing to see two fundamentally wholesome people bring out the good in each other while working toward a common goal inColin From Accounts.Plus,it’s just a funny show.
