Fans of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” can now get their fix of dry sardonic humor, mixed with a bit of British flavor, as ChaiFlicks, the only global streaming platform showcasing high-quality films and series centered on Jewish stories and culture from around the world, adds the British sitcom “Hapless” to its mix. After a limited run on Peacock in the U.S., the series follows neurotic journalist Paul Green (Tim Downie, “The King’s Speech”) and his efforts to write exciting articles for the UK’s “fourth largest Jewish newspaper,” The Jewish Enquirer. Paul often finds himself in awkward situations, mostly of his own making, thanks to his tendency to relate to others without a filter. Episodes will drop on the platform every Wednesday, with the first two episodes available NOW on chaiflicks.com.
The series is written by the award-winning comedy film and TV writer and director, Gary Sinyor (“The Bachelor,” “Stiff Upper Lips,” “Leon the Pig Farmer”), who, much like Larry David, has created characters in the series that resemble different versions of himself. He states, “I couldn’t have done it any other way. I think probably in everything that I’ve ever made, [the characters] are all versions of me.”
Critics worldwide have praised “Hapless,” calling it a “…hilarious British comedy meant to test boundaries,” by Fandomwire and “…feels fresh and funny and vital,” from The Forward. The Jewish Chronicle hailed “The six episodes whizzed by, each of the 17 times I’ve watched them…”
“Hapless” is a strong contender for the shiniest hidden gem in the streaming world. Below is a synopsis of the six episodes in Season 1:
The Playing with Fire
Paul is doing a story on a flirty fireman when Nazi graffiti is daubed on a wall. Paul’s sister, Naomi, needs a hand with her son, Joshie’s 6th birthday party, and Paul tries to help. It could work out well were it not for a some 30-year-old car racing set, a helium balloon, and Paul’s best friend Simon’s sexual designs on Ruth, the mother of the child from hell.
The Juicer
Naomi tells Paul that her juicer/spiritualist has warned that it would be dangerous for their dad to go on his cruise. Paul’s best friend Simon’s birthday party is coming up, and it’s a costume party. A Vicar needs help from the Jewish Enquirer, and Paul negotiates a positive story for an outfit for the party. But a misunderstanding outside the bathroom leaves Paul buying flavored condoms while dressed as an Imam at a gas station.
The Key Cutter & The Vegan
Paul’s new key doesn’t work. When the Key Cutter asks for his address for the replacement drop-off, Paul is worried. If he gives his address, and this guy has his key, he could rob his house. A run-in with a possibly anti-Semitic driver’s awareness course and an even more possibly anti-Semitic vegan add to the confusion.
Bad Hair Day
Paul has to take Joshie for a haircut. He’s also going green by testing out an electric car. Is hair recyclable, and where would Paul take it if it were? Was it a good idea to offer little person Mark a lift in a car with only one car seat?
Feathers & Foreskins
Simon’s sister has had a baby boy and asks Paul for help with finding a Mohel for the circumcision. Liam, the boy’s dad, is dead set against having his boy’s penis “trimmed.” Leaving the existential question: is sex better with or without? Paul wants to find out. And…how does a dumb young YouTube vlogger get so many hits?
The Old Suit
Paul insults one of Joshie’s teachers and Naomi wants him to apologize, but Paul is busy testing out a research suit that adds 20 years to your age. Ronnie, Paul’s dad, introduces Paul to an old Jewish man who is “LGBTQ+”. After a full day as an 80-year-old, today is the day Paul realizes he is probably a fattist, racist, transphobic, and sexist. Ronnie has an insightful answer that involves Helen Mirren.