{"id":531140,"date":"2026-07-17T19:31:14","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T19:31:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/531140\/"},"modified":"2026-07-17T19:31:14","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T19:31:14","slug":"why-diane-morgans-insightful-laugh-out-loud-bbc-series-is-her-most-exceptional-role-yet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/531140\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Diane Morgan’s insightful laugh-out-loud BBC series is her most exceptional role yet"},"content":{"rendered":"

If the AI revolution is on its way then Diane Morgan’s Linda had better be at the helm because she’s the only one we’d happily concede to. In the BBC sitcom Ann Droid, streaming now, Morgan is extraordinary as the outdated humanoid brought in to care for the elderly widow Sue (Sue Johnston) by her ‘man-baby’, self-absorbed son Michael (Paul Ready).<\/p>\n

Sue has been sleepwalking through her life since the death of her husband but, over the course of six episodes, is ironically roused back to life by a robot. To be honest, who wouldn’t be? With Morgan behind the control panels, Linda is endearing, charming, loveable and compassionate, all while remaining appropriately dead behind the eyes. <\/p>\n

This honestly may be Morgan’s most exceptional role yet. In part because of her comedic prowess – Ann Droid will have you in absolute stitches with its daft silliness – but also largely because of her insanely impressive physicality. <\/p>\n

\"sue<\/p>\n

BBC<\/p>\n

Morgan’s stiff, jerky movements paired with her artificial sounding voice will have you truly believing you are watching a real-life robot. <\/p>\n

However, all the praise isn’t Morgan’s alone. Johnston too is a marvel. Morgan praised the Downton Abbey actor for being the ‘beating heart<\/a>‘ of the series and she’s absolutely right. <\/p>\n

The Sue actor adds a level of vulnerability and tenderness along with a hefty dose of laughter that makes the series operate like more than just a soulless robot. <\/p>\n

Much like Linda, Ann Droid has far more substance than it was ever meant to. Despite co-creators Morgan and Sarah Kendall original intent to create “a silly comedy about a slightly rubbish robot<\/a>“, they accidentally made something brilliantly insightful that explores humanity’s growing relationship with AI and our increasing dependency on technology. <\/p>\n

Without meaning to, it questions the agency we have as it takes a morbid glance at a possible future. It does so through the lens of comedy, making every ‘ha ha’ tapper off a little too early with its heavy and thought-provoking undertones. <\/p>\n

Ann Droid is the classic case of a spoonful of sugar helping the medicine go down. Whether we want to or not – and whether Morgan and Kendall meant for us to or not – viewers will absorb the confronting message about the future of AI in our world. <\/p>\n

\"sue<\/p>\n

BBC<\/p>\n

Enter Michael before things get too depressing and stray too far away from the comedic brief. <\/p>\n

The almost-an-adult-if-you-squint Michael is an utter mess and his marriage to Brazilian Jiujitsu enthusiast and PT Renee (Andrea Valls) exposes just how much growth he still needs to do. <\/p>\n

Their chemistry is awkward and out of step in a way that is perfectly reflective of the state of their marriage and the actors feed their comedy into it in a way that draws you in. <\/p>\n

Kendall also makes her own guest appearances bringing levity and absurdity to the role of delivery woman, while the series gathers together a group Sue’s friends, who are each in their own ways adrift. Through them it explores their varying degrees of zest for life in their golden years, which seem to have lost their gleam and their fight to abate loneliness.<\/p>\n

\"sue<\/p>\n

BBC<\/p>\n

Still, all eyes are on Johnston and Morgan and quite rightly so as their chemistry has you somehow believing that a beautiful connection can blossom between flesh, bone and circuits.<\/p>\n

The only drawback were the BJJ scenes and specifically only for those who study the sport. Where others laugh the grappler in you may wince, but just cover your eyes and remember it’s a comedy. <\/p>\n

Ann Droid is sharp, witty and gorgeously funny. Dark undertones may weave in and out, but the heart and the laughter win out every time making it an absolute must-watch.<\/p>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

\u200f\u200f\u200e \u200e<\/p>\n

Ann Droid airs tonight (Friday 17 July) at 9.30pm on One and airs weekly. The full series will also be available on BBC iPlayer at 6am the same day.
<\/p>\n

Visit our Streaming Guide<\/a> now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.<\/p>\n

The new edition of Living Legends, celebrating the global phenomenon of BTS, is here! Buy this ultimate fan guide in newsagents or online<\/a>.
<\/p>\n

\"Headshot<\/p>\n

TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters degree in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally within the industry ever since. \u00a0For six years she honed her analytical reviewing skills at the Good Housekeeping institute<\/a> eventually becoming Acting Head of Food testing. \u00a0She also freelanced in the field of film and TV journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021 she joined Digital Spy<\/a> as TV writer where she gets to delve into more of what she loves, watching copious amounts of telly all in the name of work. Since taking on the role she has conducted red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time she also moonlights as a published author, the book Gothic Angel<\/a>.
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