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Once again, Alan Partridge faces turmoil! Yet, who isn’t struggling nowadays? During his previous television outing, Alan suffered a public collapse while fronting the entertainment series This Time, wrapping up with him excluded of the BBC. In the opening of his independent production, the light documentary How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge), the broadcaster reveals he’s since hit another low by collapsing onto a woman during an interview at a business function for a Norfolk feed company. Tough times, but personalities of Partridge’s calibre know how to bounce back: tie your troubles to a national trend and attempt to turn it into a show.

Investigating Mental Health Trends

How Are You? then, sees Steve Coogan’s immortal alter ego in documentary style, probing widespread emotional struggles that he believes is intensifying: “In old-fashioned language, it’s gone crazy!” His path includes dabbling in faith, revive old school ties, and enjoy therapeutic hikes, as well as confronting his recent past. Episode one builds towards a hostile but cathartic reunion with “Sidekick” Simon Denton (Tim Key), an ex-co-worker from broadcasting days, and as the episodes progress, we’re shown unseen clips from Alan’s stints.

Alongside his co-writers and directors, How Are You? represents a shift in direction. In contrast to earlier innovations, How Are You? frequently revisits old themes: along with bringing back former styles, it mirrors earlier faux-documentaries from the 2010s. And, as Alan’s private life bleeds into his investigations, we’re most strongly reminded of the podcast series.

Contrasting Alans

This leads to a minor issue. There are two Alans: Triumphant Alan (in prime roles) and Wilderness Alan (doesn’t), and despite Wilderness Alan leading the beloved show I’m Alan Partridge back in 1997, a nostalgic take has developed in books and audio projects. How Are You? places us inside the oasthouse and casts Katherine Kelly as Katrina, Alan’s wildly unsuitable paramour from the podcast. But that tragic tale – he refuses to accept her betrayal with a pal and business owner – seems better suited to podcast pacing, where the listener’s imagination can co-write the comedy. Off-screen, the character feels more expansive: current formats thrive on challenging the triumphant version and seeing his downfall, as in past series.

Humor in Mistakes

Still, these are minor points compared to a major truth: in any format, he is the top humorous character in Britain, and temporary versions still offer huge comedy than anything else on telly. How Are You? has Alan in multiple creative roles, which opens up his genius for sloppy errors and poor editorial decisions. If explosive fruit edits symbolize struggles, that’s what we’re getting, and no one corrects his verbal errors or the phrase “mental bealth henefits” in his voiceover. The slight grimace we regularly catch as he strides out of shot knowing on some level that that piece to camera was another balls-up never stops being funny, and likewise for his interlude creations, highlighted by his awkward, caring expressions while simultaneously swallowing a mouthful of humble British tea.

Memorable Scenes and Sentiments

What could be funnier than his dumpster antics? Absolutely not. Visually he’s a feast too, with an implausibly light hair color, and his attire including bright trousers, statement footwear, assorted vests and over-the-top joy about style revivals.

Additionally, the theme offers peeks into his inner world that emerged with the current writers. More than once the series pulls off flashes of pathos, where his ignorance uncovers sorrow that almost has us crying tears of emotion, before the persona snaps back in and we’re crying from laughter again instead. This works due to long-term affection: every appearance is appreciated.