The fifth season of Channel 4's Peep Show came to an end recently, and by that I mean, yes, I was meaning to write this mini-review sooner. As my favourite TV comedy the thought that it's ended is obviously pretty upsetting, but the good news is that now thirty half-hour episodes in, the show is still going strong.

Once again, and inevitably they're nowhere near as good as the opening two seasons, but that these episodes can't match the standard set by the early seasons is only because of time and just how pivotal and fresh those first few episodes were. That's not marking them down in anyway, because the core idea and formula of the show, as ever, remains interestingly unique- after all, how many shows exist on TV today that are set for the most part in first-person with audible thinking of the characters? The answer's irrelevant, whatever the number, this would probably be the best example of such an idea.

Following on from Mark and Sophie's disastrous wedding that dominated and closed the entire fourth season, series five returns to the single episode narrative of previous seasons while still retaining the story arc of the previous year, this time the fallout and consequences of that very wedding. Highlights include Mark's attempts to get back into the dating game as well as the constant rivalry with co-worker Jeff Heaney. Jeremy meanwhile runs out of money, commits credit fraud and joins a cult, while collectively the two manage to get their widescreen TV stolen (and the subsequent one smashed), fall out, go to some gigs, and play a game of 'Who's The Daddy?' when Sophie becomes pregnant. As ever, those scenes and thoughts of pure cringe that dominate the episodes, are also in place. Similar to last year the real focus of the show seems to be on Mark's adventures while Jeremy once again seems to get the short straw, but as has always been the case, it's the chemistry and exchanges between the two that really make the show to begin with, and fans will be pleased to know there's plenty of comedic exchanges between the two.

Despite this, recurring characters are again, thankfully plentiful. Super Hans continues in many episodes to be Jeremy's sidekick and partner in crime, while Mark's boss Alan Johnson once again has recurring appearances. Big Suze from previous seasons is in a reduced capacity, while Nancy, once again, has disappeared entirely. In their place however there's the new character of Dobby, a character so well-materialised and crafted she seems as if she's been on the show for absolute years, and is undoubtedly one of the best things about these episodes. With luck, a return for next year will be inevitable.

Earlier this year writer and creator Jesse Armstrong announced that there was no intention to stop making the show, as a result of the characters never changing. While this is true for even this season, the continued adventures and troubles Mark and Jeremy find routinely find themselves in continue to amuse and entertain, and the prospect of more episodes of an already winning formula, is an exciting one.

With an onslaught of poorly designed chat-show entertainment and repeats, you'd be forgiven for avoiding the Channel 4 Friday night line-up at all costs, but with a continued focus on Ugly Betty, repeats of Peter Kay's fantastic Phoenix Nights, and most importantly the fourth season of Peep Show, things have been better recently. Such a great feeling of course doesn't last forever, as last night,was the conclusion of the afore-mentioned series of Peep Show.

Successfully managing to bypass the stigmata of "difficult third season" that plagues so many shows nowadays, the fourth series of the show picks up largely from the events of the previous year, in particular Mark's marriage proposal to Sophie. For the first time in the show's history the entire series is driven towards this particular plot, with an ongoing continuation of references and scenes dedicated to this every week, unlike past weekly disposable plots from the previous years. It's something of a double-edged sword however, as it evidently restricts creativity and exploration in each of the episodes, with a lot of possible scenarios and character development often left out in favour of Mark's impending doom, so much so, that in essence, Jeremy doesn't really get a look in this season whatsoever.

This is something that occurs throughout the surreal world of the show, with many of the recurring characters barely appearing at all, perhaps the best example being fan favourite Johnson only appearing in a sole character-driven episode. What this means is that despite the entourage of characters that do appear in the show, season four is very much "The Mark and Jeremy Show" much like in the first year. Whether this appeals to you as a viewer or not is based entirely on your televisual preferences, but certainly, some expanded cast or further memorable guest characters like Liz May Brice as Sally in episode four, would do no harm.

With the show renowned often as being crudely hilarious and a mash up of other adjective verbs, this season is no exception, with notable examples including pissing oneself, burning down a farm and Jeremy sleeping with Sophie's mum. As ever these moments are always incredibly surreal and random in their execution, but continue to build on the frameworks of past season mishaps and blunders. With the show now in it's fourth year however, scenes like this are quickly becoming expected, and similarly in regards to Nip/Tuck, less shocking as each season passes. Like Nip/Tuck however, that's not to say these shock moments are still far from effective, but along with first-person narration, well, they're the tried and tested staples of this show regardless of what happens.

Series four of Peep Show is far from the funniest year of the show, with that accolade rightly belonging to the first season. Peep Show is a show that's still incredibly enjoyable and incidentally still far better than the majority of UK comedies namely the ones on offer from Ricky Gervais. As a concept it's one that's since of course aged, and certainly not as well as one would've hoped, but despite these faults and niggles, the fact remains that Peep Show is essential viewing- more so if you're a newbie- if only, because frankly, there is nothing like this on TV.