My Review of Tip Toe: "Episode 2"

 

Written by Russell T. Davies

Directed by Peter Hoar

Leo (to George): "Because I promise you, George. There's a great big gay life just waiting for you."

Optics are certainly a thing because after both Leo and George spotting each on the same cruising app, I didn't know how this show was going to address that particular conundrum. I do think Leo was skirting a line here.

On one hand, I like the fact that Leo did try to give George some reassurance that things can get better being an out gay man while also encouraging him to seek out peers to talk to. I get that his family are a no go, but I'm surprised that George doesn't have people closer to his age that he can confide in. 

Leo was in danger of incurring Clive's wrath over both of his sons. Not only was it quickly revealed that George was the one breaking into Leo's house and moving things around but this episode ended with both Leo and Clive catching George barely dressed in Leo's house. Leo was as shocked as Clive was, not that the latter will see it that way.

Then there's Saul. He was helping Clive with the electrics at Spit & Polish and it took little for all of the staff to treat Saul like a snack. Saul might have seen the funny side of it but Clive clearly didn't and I'll admit that even Melba might have gone too far. It did seem like Melba was going out of his way to intentionally antagonise Clive.

Don't get me wrong - Clive's homophobia kept rearing it's ugly head at different points and I absolutely didn't blame Leo for calling Clive out in front of the latter's mates. Clive was definitely being disrespectful throughout the episode and I know it's going to get a lot worse.

The first episode mentioned the infamous Curtis and this episode had the former and his girlfriend, Maggie (Clare Calbraith) talk of fostering kids. I know the skepticism that Leo and Stephanie displayed with that news might have been a tad mean spirited but I agreed with them. Curtis and Maggie are clearly going ahead with fostering for the wrong reasons.

- The episode opened with George in a messy room casually eating while Leo was dead outside. There was something chilling about that scene.

- Both Saul (HotSaul) and Mikey (ManchesterMikey) are on OnlyFans. Mikey makes more money than Saul and wanted to do a collaboration with him.

- I loved the mix of characters Leo interacted with during that meeting. The Irish lesbian bar owner in particular was hilarious.

- Both Zee and Hanna tried to talk to Clive about the meaning behind their names and Mikey's father left the family in debt.

- Standout music: Billie Eilish's i love you.

- Chronology: Six days prior to Leo's death.

The second episode was a bit better than the first one. The emotions going from funny to heartfelt to that impending sense of dread. RTD really has struck gold with this one. This show proves he's still got it.

Rating: 8 out of 10