Dates

Episode nine
Despite diverting dalliances with light-fingered Sheridan Smith and confused Gemma Chan, the beating heart of ‘Dates’ has been the love triangle between Mia (Oona Chaplin), Stephen (Ben Chaplin) and David (Will Mellor) which tonight reaches a resolution. Will Mia go with dependable, emotional trucker David or urbane, fancy-free doctor Stephen?

If this dichotomy has been a little too neat and the circumstances occasionally outlandish, the performances have convinced; Oona Chaplin, in particular, has given a deliciously modulated performance, toying with our sympathies as much as with her potential beaus. ‘What do you want?’ asks David of her, in total exasperation.

A slightly stretched Jenga metaphor, courtesy of Stephen’s precocious son, provides at least some of the answer. While we won’t be putting a ring on it just yet, ‘Dates’ has been thoroughly enjoyable company – we’d happily hook up again sometime.