Dinosaur Season Two Review: A Hilarious, Heartwarming Glaswegian Classic
The second series of the BBC sitcom Dinosaur opens with a poignant shift in setting, taking our heroine Nina from her beloved Glasgow to the Isle of Wight. Played brilliantly by Ashley Storrie, Nina is eight months into a palaeontology dig, a job she took at the end of the first season. Despite making discoveries like a metazoic dung beetle and befriending the charming American Clayton, portrayed by Hyoie O'Grady, she is deeply homesick.
A Journey of Heart and Humour
Nina longs for the familiar comforts of home: Lee, her almost-boyfriend who used to serve her coffee outside the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum; her sister Evie, with whom she shares takeaway Tuesdays and walks in dodgy parks; and the quirky routines of Glasgow life. When offered an extension on her dig, she faces a dilemma: stay with her precious rocks or rush back to reunite with Lee. This sets off a madcap adventure, albeit in a slow buggy, leading to a park bench in Knutsford and the joyous return of this hilarious and heartwarming comedy.
At first glance, Dinosaur might seem like a typical British sitcom, featuring dysfunctional families, regional quirks, and a will-they-won't-they romance. However, it subtly subverts expectations through Nina's autistic perspective, which is integral to every scene yet not the sole focus. This approach makes the show feel refreshing and unique, avoiding tired stereotypes and highlighting the absurdities of neurotypical behaviour.
Glasgow as a Vibrant Character
Returning to Glasgow, Nina finds that things have changed. Her office at the museum has been relocated to make way for a social pod and hydration station, and her favourite sandwich shop has discontinued tuna melts, sparking what Evie calls a tuna meltdown. The odd-couple dynamic between Nina and Evie, played by Kat Ronney, remains a highlight, filled with Glasgow banter, Real Housewives accents, and tender moments like Evie using a weighted blanket to comfort Nina.
This season is more self-assured, piling on jokes about historical figures like Mary Anning and modern references such as the Tebay services. The ensemble cast shines, including Nina's brother Bo fretting over a pregnancy scare and Evie's husband Ranesh experimenting with dehydration machines. The portrayal of Declan, Nina's likely autistic colleague, adds depth, while Lee's open-mic performance delivers a cringingly sweet song that captures the show's spirit: It doesn't matter what you do / As long as what you do is true.
Glasgow itself emerges as a major character, depicted with glossy tenements, tree-lined avenues, and bougie bars. This representation is quietly radical, showcasing a side of the city rarely seen on television and adding to the show's authentic charm.
Behind the Scenes: A Personal Collaboration
The integrity and rapid-fire humour of Dinosaur stem from its origins as a co-creation by Ashley Storrie, who received her autism diagnosis in her 30s, and Matilda Curtis. Drawing from Storrie's real-life experiences and close female collaboration, the series is a classic comedy full of light, shade, and big feelings. For viewers, especially those with autistic family members, it rings true and evokes powerful emotions, making it a standout in contemporary television.
In summary, Dinosaur season two is a must-watch, blending laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt storytelling. It aired on BBC Three and is available on iPlayer, offering a delightful escape into its witty, warm world.
