Matt LeBlanc can act, shocker! 'Episodes' (BBC2), where he stars as himself in a US Sitcom written by Limey exiles Sean and Beverly Lincoln, played by the ever-excellent Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Greig, is a sharp, 'Curb'-like take on an actor playing himself, being, in this case, a bit of a prick. LeBlanc's is a likeable but totally amoral shagmeister (eh, this does get different to Joey, honestly) who is far more calculating and basically obnoxious than his 'Friends' alter ego. Mangan and Greig try to manage their pants-dropping star who proves an exceedingly difficult 'talent' to oversee. This is a very likeable comedy, with more heart to it than a Gervais naval-gazing vehicle; it's got some great comic timing and, of course, funny lines too. Series One didn't get great viewing figures and the cast and producers will be looking for a better hearing second time round. And it's in that perfect slot, Friday at 10pm so if you're around and about and want a good chuckle, give 'Episodes' a go. Okay, Larry David does this kind of stuff best but this is easily the best of the imitators - has 'thetvrviewguy' waiting for the next episode of 'Episodes'. Besides, if you just want to see sunny California and dream of, er, California, why not turn on, tune in and drop out. Worth a watch.
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