Review
The fourth series of Cold Feet marks something of a watershed for the six friends from Manchester. Previous series, punctuated with drunken bachelordom, mindless flings and wild stag weekends, give way to themes of alcoholism, broken families and divorce. It's also part-way through the fourth series that Jenny leaves Manchester for pastures new, thus departing Fay Ripley's hugely popular and instantly missable character. As fans have come to expect, however, such dramatic shifts are handled with assurance, finesse and sensitivity by writer Mike Bullen. Everything from the script to the acting is in tune with the exceptional comic and dramatic standards set by previous episodes. Hermione Norris as Karen delivers a remarkable performance as her world tumbles around her while James Nesbitt maintains his perfect portrayal of Adam, suitably moving and hilarious by turns. There's also room for a new character: Rachel's bubbly Australian workmate Jo seamlessly enters the circle of friends, providing Pete with a new love interest.
As ever, we're left eagerly anticipating the next instalment, impatient for Bullen and company to tie up the numerous loose ends. Series 4 ends in a whirlwind of matrimony, marital dysfunction, a new arrival and all the indications that there's plenty to look forward to in the final series. --David Thwaites