As soon as I saw that "Ricky" from TPB (Robb Wells) was headlining this show, I raced over to IMDB and was shocked to see but a single user review. What???
After having watched two episodes, I can say that this show was a bit wobbly at first, but it really has the potential to go somewhere. Heck, I remember when Letterkenney started, and it was a little rough around the edges as well, and now every dingbat on Youtube is in love with that show.
The Trades is less about, you know, people working blue collar jobs than it is a modern-day sitcom. Besides Ricky, you've got McMurray from LetterKenny (playing a character named "Backwoods"), Tom "my bum is on your lips" Green as perhaps the most substance-addicted human being on the planet, and a full bench of deep talent. There's also a little CGI raccoon (Snax) who's only played a small part, but I think he'll get worked into future storylines.
Unfortunately, IMDB's listing is incomplete, and I can't remember the name of the character played by Jesse Comacho, but he's been absolutely stealing every scene he's been in. And I love all the character names of the cast, including "Taser." Last, but not least, the washroom and its detailed graffiti is a separate character in its own right, so props to whoever did the art on that.
Are you gonna guffaw with laughter at this show? No, at least not right now. But it's got that magical spark that Canadian shows like TPB and Letterkenny shared, so I think it'll gain a loyal following over time. And honestly, props to "Tater Todd" aka Robb Wells for looking a lot healthier and more fit than he did during his Ricky days. Genuinely a charismatic lead.