Cleaning Up episode 2 review ★★★★★
Episode 2 of ITV's new Sheridan Smith drama Cleaning Up raises the stakes and Sam's life starts to crumble. She needs to get better, otherwise she'll lose everything
Sheridan Smith in Cleaning Up, ITV
There’s always a danger of TV shows becoming repetitive, usually when they’re in the sixth, seventh, or eighth season – trying to squeeze every drop from the format. Episode two of the ITV drama Cleaning Up is enjoyable, but it’s beginning to trip into that TV trap already and we’re not even halfway through season one yet.
Sam (Sheridan Smith) cashes in on the investment she made with Jess (Jade Anouka), based on what she overheard from an insider trader (Ben Bailey Smith). But the foundations for her plan begin to crumble, and her gambling addiction continues to threaten her way of living – pushing back everyone she loves.
Despite these faults, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Sheridan Smith holds the character well, providing a harsh and hilarious charm that's laced with Sam's love for her children. When she’s asking a group of teenagers about her missing daughter, Sam can't help spitting back at a cocky kid: ‘Oh get lost, you useless twat … best run home before your bedtime story!’. It's hard not to love her attitude when she's verbally destroying those who deserve a good talking-to.
But much of the comedy belongs to Glynn (Robert Emms), being an awkward and affirmative millennial who says yes to everything – including agreeing to look after Sam’s youngest, which predictably ends in colourful chaos.
The premise of Cleaning Up is strong enough to carry on with, but episode two feels much of the same. Hopefully next week will hold another, more significant surprise that’ll attract some much-needed change for the series.
Cleaning Up continues on Wednesdays at 9pm
Sam (Sheridan Smith) cashes in on the investment she made with Jess (Jade Anouka), based on what she overheard from an insider trader (Ben Bailey Smith). But the foundations for her plan begin to crumble, and her gambling addiction continues to threaten her way of living – pushing back everyone she loves.
Despite these faults, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Sheridan Smith holds the character well, providing a harsh and hilarious charm that's laced with Sam's love for her children. When she’s asking a group of teenagers about her missing daughter, Sam can't help spitting back at a cocky kid: ‘Oh get lost, you useless twat … best run home before your bedtime story!’. It's hard not to love her attitude when she's verbally destroying those who deserve a good talking-to.
But much of the comedy belongs to Glynn (Robert Emms), being an awkward and affirmative millennial who says yes to everything – including agreeing to look after Sam’s youngest, which predictably ends in colourful chaos.
The premise of Cleaning Up is strong enough to carry on with, but episode two feels much of the same. Hopefully next week will hold another, more significant surprise that’ll attract some much-needed change for the series.
Cleaning Up continues on Wednesdays at 9pm
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| What | Cleaning Up episode 2 review |
| When |
On 16 Jan 19, 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Price | £n/a |
| Website |