"The Baby" stands as a testament to comedic finesse and situational hilarity, whisking audiences away on a hilarious odyssey through the life of Paul Wickstead, alias Wicky (portrayed with relish by Greg Davies), a crime scene cleaner with an uncanny knack for stumbling into the most surreal predicaments. The second installment of its third season is no different, plunging viewers into the tumultuous realm of parenthood, betrayal, and a relentless parade of misunderstandings that render "The Cleaner" a sheer joy to behold.
The episode commences with Wicky embarking on what initially appears to be a mundane cleaning assignment, only to be abruptly swept up in a maelstrom of confusion and mortification. An unexpected encounter with Donald (expertly embodied by Steve Pemberton), the gardener whose fixation on homeowner Lara (Gemma Whelan) borders on the unsettling, ushers in a flurry of mishaps that set the narrative's chaotic tone. Wicky's delicate attempt to navigate the situation falls flat, as Lara inadvertently eavesdrops on their conversation, prompting Donald's abrupt disappearance and leaving Wicky to fend for himself.
As the narrative unfolds, Wicky finds himself navigating a labyrinth of misdirected communications and elusive keys. His efforts to locate the key while avoiding Lara's wrath lead him to eavesdrop on a phone call, inadvertently dragging him deeper into the labyrinthine web of secrets shrouding the household. A fleeting moment of tranquility arrives with the arrival of a delivery van, but it's merely a fleeting reprieve before Wicky finds himself tangled in yet another cringe-worthy scenario, this time with Lara's overbearing mother, Caroline (Vicki Pepperdine), whose presence only adds fuel to the fire of comedy.
Wicky's earnest attempts at being helpful merely plunge the chaos into deeper waters, his conversation with Caroline unraveling into a string of increasingly awkward moments that peak with him standing, vulnerable and towel-clad, in the kitchen's spotlight. The stark revelation of Lara's failed suicide attempt adds a poignant touch to the otherwise comedic fabric, showcasing the show's finesse in harmoniously blending humor with poignant themes.
As the plot weaves tighter, Wicky, spurred by Caroline's gentle reproach, embarks on a misguided yet well-meaning quest to paint the nursery. This innocent endeavor triggers a hilarious cascade of mishaps, from mistakenly adorning the wrong room to inadvertently spilling the beans on Lara's travel secrets. The crescendo arrives when Wicky's inability to access the Shepard's Hut, the intended cleaning ground, collides with Lara's discovery of her missing passport, escalating the tension to boiling point.
Locked within the confines of the hut, with Lara's waters breaking amidst the turmoil, the tension culminates in a heart-stopping climax. Wicky's desperate scramble through a skylight, a comical yet emotionally charged endeavor, becomes a poignant backdrop for the miracle of life as Lara gives birth in the most unlikely of settings.
The episode draws to a close with a poignant scene back at Wicky's abode, where he and PS Ruth Edwards (Zita Sattar) engage in a thoughtful discourse about their choice to remain childless. This exchange, rich with personal resonance, not only deepens Wicky's character but also provides a poignant conclusion, reminding us of the underlying human stakes that drive his professional endeavors.
"The Baby" stands as a testament to the show's prowess in crafting intricate narratives that dance gracefully between hilarity and heartfelt moments. The episode, fueled by the outstanding performances of its ensemble cast, offers a viewing experience etched in memory. It serves as a prime example of how "The Cleaner" consistently delivers on its promise of dark humor laced with unexpected twists, making it an indispensable watch for the series' avid followers.
