In "The Cleaner" Season 3 Episode 3 titled "The Committee," Greg Davies reprises his role as the endearingly bumbling Paul Wickstead, or Wicky, who finds himself in a community center that's a hotbed of drama and intrigue. The episode is a perfect blend of dark humor and slapstick comedy, showcasing the series' ability to turn the mundane into the absurdly hilarious.
The Drakefield Community Centre, where Wicky is dispatched to clean up after a minor mishap, is a far cry from the tranquil haven one would expect for the elderly. Instead, it's a pressure cooker of rivalries and gossip, overseen by the frazzled Margaret (Philippa Dunne) and the mysterious, unseen Committee that holds everyone in thrall.
Wicky's day starts to unravel the moment he arrives, inadvertently blocking the center's entrance and thus offending Frank (Roger Sloman) and Maud (Sheila Reid). His attempts to smooth things over only land him in hotter water, as he unwittingly takes Maud's seat, setting Frank off on a tirade that only Margaret's intervention can quell. Yet, Wicky's troubles are just beginning.
As he waits for the specialist group to finish their performance, Wicky's presence continues to disrupt the center's routine. His choice to wait in Maud's chair only to accidentally take Frank's seat again is a comedic highlight, showcasing Davies's talent for physical comedy. The escalating tension is palpable, and the audience can't help but wince in anticipation of Wicky's next social faux pas.
The situation takes a turn for the absurd when Maud, in a moment of pique, confronts Wicky, only to fall flat on her face in a pool of blood due to her failing vision. This incident, while dark, is played for laughs, and the audience is left to marvel at the sheer clumsiness of Wicky's attempts to navigate the social minefield that is the community center.
Wicky's misadventures continue as he is mistaken for a professional singer and thrust onto a stage, microphone in hand. His impromptu performance is a joy to watch, as he manages to win over the crowd, if only briefly. However, it's his subsequent interactions with the Committee members that truly test his patience and social skills.
As the episode progresses, Wicky becomes embroiled in the center's politics, from Pauline's (Josephine Welcome) conspiracy theories about Bill's (Derek Griffiths) accident to Sue's (Paula Wilcox) scheme for revenge against Carol Davies for a fashion faux pas. Wicky's attempts to mediate only serve to dig him deeper into the Committee's bad books, culminating in a red card warning from the mysterious Committee.
The episode's climax is a whirlwind of activity, as Wicky finally gets down to the business of cleaning, only to find his truck impounded for illegal parking. The final twist, where Margaret reveals her role in Bill's fall, adds a layer of dark irony to the episode, as Wicky's cleaning job was supposed to be a straightforward task.
"The Committee" is a testament to "The Cleaner's" ability to craft engaging narratives that are both funny and revealing of human nature's quirks. The episode is a masterclass in comedy, with Greg Davies leading a stellar cast through a maze of misunderstandings and mishaps. It's a must-watch for fans of the series and a perfect introduction for those new to Wicky's chaotic world.