Was it worth the wait? The hype?
I say not.
Posts Tagged ‘youtube’
October 18, 2009
0
The Thick Of It
By Ash in Random
October 12, 2009
3
In Praise of Porridge
By Ash in Random
I love British comedy. As far as I’m concerned, the sitcoms and sketch shows borne from this country represent the pinnacle of comedy. Yes, the Americans have their fancy, schmaltzy shows that ooze gloss; written, no doubt, by a galaxy of over-achieving writers, glassy-eyed and gunning for that next paycheck. But a majority of the comedy shows written and produced here are, to my mind, world leaders.
The heinous, arduous, marathon TV session that was ’100 greatest sitcoms’ put my personal favourite, Porridge, at number 7, and Only fools and horses at number one. Well, with The Vicar of Dibley in the top three, and Father Ted not even cracking the top ten, you can imagine what kind of quality that particular list represents.
1. Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003) — 316,657 votes
2. Blackadder (1983-1989) — 282,106 votes
3. The Vicar of Dibley (1994-2007) — 212,927 votes
4. Dad’s Army (1968-1977) — 174,138 votes
5. Fawlty Towers (1975-1979) — 172,066 votes
6. Yes Minister / Yes, Prime Minister (1980-1984, 1986-1988) — 123,502 votes
7. Porridge / Going Straight (1974-1977, 1978) — 93,902 votes
8. Open All Hours (1973, 1976-1985) — 67,237 votes
9. The Good Life (1975-1978) — 40,803 votes
10.One Foot in the Grave (1990-2000)— 31,410 votes
Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale brought Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais’ scripts to life, setting their cell alight with fizz and testy harmony: it’s a joyous, collective achievement.
The final scene of Final Stretch (originally transmitted 25 Mar 1977), finds prison officer Mackay asking Fletcher to look after his new, incoming cellmate; just as he had for the recently released Lenny Godper.
And it is here, not amongst those dusty, aged pages of manuscripts so frequently misconstrued for religion that you’ll find the simplest, most coherent philosophy for life.