Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd has returned to our screens with brand new gripping drama series Half Man. Set across three decades, Half Man tells the tense and toxic story of two men Ruben and Niall, and their often violent relationship, after growing up together. But why does Ruben call Niall 'Bambi' throughout the series?
Half Man began airing earlier today on BBC iPlayer and stars Gadd as the grown-up Ruben, and Jamie Bell as the grown-up Niall. However, much of the first episode focusses on the air of boys as their teenage selves.
The story starts with a young teenage Niall (Mitchell Robertson) living in Glasgow with his mum Lori (Neve McIntosh) and her friend Maura (Marianne McIvor), and finding himself being bullied. However, things change for the best (and the worst) when Ruben (Stuart Campbell) the son of his mum's 'friend' moves into his bedroom. The move sets off a chain of events that will impact both men's lives forever.
And during that initial bedroom move in scene, Ruben begins calling Niall 'Bambi' instead of his name. However, during the first episode we never really get an indication as to why he calls him Bambi. So what's behind the nickname? Well here's all the reasons.
Why does Ruben call Niall 'Bambi'?
Niall's nickname of 'Bambi' becomes a prominent part of the series. So why does Ruben call him it?
Well immediately the name gives connotations of someone weaker and subservient after comparing him with the fictional and famous baby deer. And as the series goes on it becomes clear that Ruben holds all the power over the more "compliant" Niall.
In appearance Niall even comes across as quite "doe-eyed" with his big eyes that are constantly in shock and bewilderment at Ruben's actions throughout the series.
And then of course, outside the direct plot of the show, the name 'Bambi' is likely an Easter Egg for fans of Richard Gadd's first series Baby Reindeer. In the Netflix series the character of Martha is stalking Donny and nicknames him "Baby Reindeer" after her stuffed toy.
Clearly deer are becoming a theme in Gadd's work...
Half Man episode one is available on BBC iPlayer now
