Still Up Season 1, Episode 1: The Pharmacy - A Night of Misadventures

In the quiet solitude of the night, two insomniacs find solace in each other's company, their voices echoing through the darkness as they navigate the peculiarities of their sleepless lives. "Still Up" Season 1, Episode 1, titled "The Pharmacy," unfolds a tale of two individuals, Daniel Gibson (Danny) and Lisa, whose lives intersect in the most unexpected ways, all while battling the demons of their nocturnal existence.

The episode begins with a glimpse into Danny's life, a homebody plagued by insomnia. Craig Roberts brilliantly portrays the character as he wrestles with the decision to turn on the lights in his apartment, fearing his neighbor, the Cat Man (Rich Fulcher), will discover his fabricated excuse for seclusion—a month-long sabbatical visiting every Disneyland in the world. Danny's room is a testament to his predicament, shrouded in darkness to avoid suspicion from the outside world.

As the night wears on, Danny's hunger becomes a pressing issue, leading him to order a pizza with an unusual combination of anchovies and pineapple. The arrival of the pizza delivery guy, Carl (David Alade), adds a layer of comedy and tension to the narrative. Carl's insistence on getting a photo with Danny to confirm the delivery becomes a comedic obstacle, as Danny must avoid being seen by the Cat Man. The ensuing interaction, with the Cat Man's repeated interruptions and Carl's persistent buzzing, is a masterclass in physical comedy and timing.

Meanwhile, Lisa (Antonia Thomas) embarks on her own late-night adventure, venturing into a pharmacy to procure medication for her daughter, Poppy, who has chickenpox. Lisa's attempt to hide Poppy's illness by using a sheep mask is a quirky detail that adds to the episode's charm. Her encounter with Zach's mother at the pharmacy is a moment of social awkwardness and humor, as Lisa's secret is inadvertently revealed, leading to a hasty exit and an unexpected act of generosity.

The episode takes an interesting turn when Lisa, still at the pharmacy, decides to create a dating profile for Danny. Her actions are driven by a desire to see him happy and not alone, reflecting the depth of their bond despite never having met in person. The revelation that Lisa is Danny's 90% match is a poignant moment, highlighting the serendipity of their connection and the unspoken feelings that may lie beneath their friendship.

As the night progresses, Lisa's contemplation of her relationship with Veggie (Blake Harrison) adds a layer of emotional complexity to the episode. Veggie's lower compatibility score and his presence at her home, caring for her daughter, create a moral dilemma for Lisa. Her internal struggle is palpable, as she grapples with the idea of betraying him with the thought of Danny.

The episode concludes with a twist, as Lisa learns the chemist has been deceased for over three hours, leaving her stranded in the pharmacy. This macabre revelation adds a darkly comedic note to the end of the episode, as Lisa's night takes an unexpected turn.

"The Pharmacy" is a delightful blend of humor, pathos, and the quirks of human connection. It showcases the talents of its lead actors, the clever writing, and the show's unique premise. As Danny and Lisa's lives continue to intertwine throughout the night, the episode leaves viewers with a sense of anticipation for what their sleepless adventures will bring in the coming episodes.

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