“Bottomline Episode 1 & 2”: A Lighthearted, Easy-to-Watch Comedy

Ndani TV, celebrated for its hit comedy-drama series Skinny Girl in Transit, which has successfully run for seven seasons, continues to captivate audiences with relatable and entertaining content. Their latest comedy series, Bottomline, directed by Adekunle Bryan Oyetunde, follows the daily adventures of a group of coworkers, highlighting the humorous highs and lows that come with working in an ad agency.

The series thrives on its characters, especially with the likes of Bisola Aiyeola, Akah Nnani, Ikechukwu Onunaku, Blessing Nze, Tope Olowoniyan, Mike Afolarin, Olubiyi Oluwatobiloba and Susan Pwajok, and their interactions rather than a traditional, compelling storyline and humor is derived from the diverse personalities of the casts and the unique dynamics within the group.

The series is definitely not the typical story-driven comedy, because instead of following a linear plot, it immerses the audience in the daily lives of a quirky group of coworkers at an ad agency, and each episode brings a fresh dose of humor, derived from the characters’ interactions and the often absurd and exaggerated situations they find themselves in.

The only thing that truly sets the series apart, judging from the first two episodes, is its ensemble cast. Each character brings something unique to the table, from the overly enthusiastic clerk, Chuka (portrayed by Olubiyi Oluwatobiloba) to the sarcastic head of HR, Babs (portrayed by (Akan Nnani) and Eky (portrayed by Bisola Aiyeola), the effortless clown of a Brand Manager, Timipre (portrayed by Ikechukwu Onunaku) and lastly, the hilarious Creative Director, Mrs. Kasali (portrayed by Blessing Jessica Obasi). 

The series does not hinge on a single protagonist but rather celebrates the collective hilarity that ensues when these diverse personalities collide. This character-driven approach ensures that there’s never a dull moment, as the humor arises naturally from their relationships and individual quirks.

The series excels in turning everyday office scenarios, like in episode one when the new intern, Hauwa’s (portrayed by Susan Pwajok) first day at Bottomline media was going smoothly until a mysterious case unfolded: Bimpe’s (portrayed by Ope Keshinro) amala vanished into thin air. Who ate it? And the HR team, Bisola Aiyeola and Akan Nnani, set out to investigate who ate Bimpe’s food, and the investigation process turned into laugh-out-loud moments. Also, in episode two when Mrs. Kasali brings her son, Tobi (portrayed by Kosi Ogboruche) to work and leaves her with Hauwa to babysit until she’s back from location reece. Tobi’s presence causes a lot of chaos in the absence of his mother, especially to Timipre, portrayed as a no nonsense guy, who loves his space and boundaries in the office. 

Whether it’s brainstorming for a client presentation, office pranks, or dealing with a demanding boss, the writers, Lois Truly and Olu Salako definitely have a knack for finding the comedy in the mundane activities, and thanks to the fact that the ad agency setting provides a rich backdrop for a variety of comedic situations, keeping the content fresh and engaging.

While the lack of a strong overarching storyline might be a drawback for some viewers, the show’s charm lies in its short episodic nature with great pacing and no unnecessary scenes. Each episode stands on its own, making it easy to jump in at any point and enjoy the antics without needing to follow a complex plot, even though there is nothing complex or substantive about the plot, as it’s obvious the creator’s aim is to make hilarious comedy, and with the first two episodes they’ve established their intention. However, this format might also lead to a sense of repetitiveness over time in the subsequent episodes.

Regarding the performances, it is clear that Blessing Jessica Obasi, Ikechukwu Onunaku, Akan Nnani and Olubiyi Oluwatobilola are emerging as standout characters in the series so far, providing guaranteed comic relief in each episode. They are the most interesting and hilarious characters to watch out for in the series. Meanwhile, Tope Olowoniyan, Mike Afolaran, Susan Pwajok, Ope Keshinro and Bisola Aiyeola may not be known for comedic roles, but their presence and nuanced acting bring a balance to the series, making it authentic and most importantly, prevent it from becoming overly comedic.

However, the inconsistency in Mrs. Kasali’s (Blessing Obasi) dressing in the first two episodes was noticeable. In episode one, her head tie and overall appearance as the creative director were amusing due to the stark contrast and creativity. Yet, in episode two, her sharp, corporate look with a nice wig detracts from the hilarity established in her initial portrayal. I wish they maintain her look in episode one in the subsequent episodes. Those little details are what makes the series interesting and most importantly, believable.

The cinematography is sharp and perfectly fits the genre’s look and feel. The sound design also enhances the story, with sound cues effectively setting the right mood during crucial and funny moments. I appreciate how every element of the series comes together, the breezy comedy, the brooding romance between Mike Folarin and Susan Pwajok, and the constant clumsy clap-backs between Ikechukwu Onunaku and Mike Folarin.

Bottomline series is perfect for those looking for a lighthearted, easy-to-watch comedy. Its strength lies in its vibrant characters and their ability to turn everyday situations into comedic moments. While it may not offer a compelling narrative, it more than makes up for it with its humor and the delightful chemistry of its cast, most importantly, Hauwa and Steve (portrayed by Mike Afolarin), also, Eky and Babs, and not to forget Mrs. Kasali, Timipre and Chuka. If you’re in the mood for a series that promises consistent laughs and a fun depiction of office life, the series is definitely going to be worth a good watch.