Martin | Clunes Touch And Go
The series asks a difficult question: Is a good man who does a bad thing still a good man? The climax of the film does not offer easy answers. Without spoiling the ending (which still haunts fans today), the "touch and go" refers to the fleeting nature of redemption.
It proved he could carry a narrative that wasn't reliant on a multi-camera sitcom audience or a laugh track.
described the film as a "strong drama covering a difficult subject," noting its realistic and occasionally "grimy" depiction of the subculture it portrays. While Clunes’ character is often described as manipulative or unlikable, his performance has been praised for its authenticity in portraying the "uncertainty of emotions" within a fracturing marriage. Release and Availability Original Air Date: September 15, 1998, in the United Kingdom. Approximately 95 minutes. Streaming: Martin Clunes Touch And Go
In 2004, Clunes took on the lead role in the ITV drama "Doc Martin", playing the title character, Dr. Martin Ellingham. The show was a massive success, running for eight seasons and earning Clunes a nomination for a BAFTA TV Award. His performance as the gruff but lovable doctor earned him widespread praise and solidified his status as one of Britain's favorite actors.
After "Touch and Go" ended its run, Clunes continued to work in television, film, and theater. He appeared in a range of TV shows, including "The Bill", " Casualty", and "Doc Martin", which became a huge hit and cemented his status as a leading man. He has also had a successful film career, appearing in movies like "The Secret Adventures of Toto Wolf" and "Shine On". The series asks a difficult question: Is a
Before Touch and Go, Clunes was largely seen as a comedic sidekick or a "laddish" caricature. This project allowed him to flex different muscles:
As Clunes continues to work in television, film, and theater, his legacy as one of Britain's favorite actors remains secure. For fans of "Touch and Go", the show remains a nostalgic reminder of the power of comedy to bring people together. And for new fans discovering Clunes' work, there's never been a better time to explore his incredible body of work. It proved he could carry a narrative that
Released during a transformative period in British television, Touch and Go is a three-part mini-series that unfolds over 150 minutes. Clunes stars as , a veteran union representative and factory worker in the cutlery industry. The story begins on the brink of disaster. Jimmy’s employer announces the closure of the Sheffield-based factory, putting hundreds out of work. The union has fought, the negotiations have failed, and the clock is ticking.
In the landscape of British television, few actors have maintained such a consistent, if understated, presence as Martin Clunes. To the casual viewer, he is simply the irascible yet lovable Doc Martin, striding through the cobbled streets of Portwenn with a perpetual scowl. To others, he remains the genial, flustered Gary from Men Behaving Badly . Yet, to invoke the phrase "Touch and Go" in relation to Clunes is to recognize the precarious tightrope his entire career has walked. It is a phrase that captures both the narrative tension of his most famous roles and the razor-thin margin between the persona he projects—grumpy, awkward, emotionally constipated—and the warm, vulnerable humanity that lies just beneath the surface.
The story of the 1998 TV movie Touch and Go is a psychological drama starring Martin Clunes and Zara Turner as Nick and Alison, a young couple whose marriage is slowly drifting into a state of "uninspiring" routine. The Spark of an Idea
"Touch and Go" was a huge hit with audiences, running for two seasons and 13 episodes. The show's success can be attributed to its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and the chemistry between the cast. Clunes' performance as Tony was particularly praised, with many critics noting his natural charm and comedic timing.