Coming Of Age - Pilot & Series 1
On Tuesday 22nd May 2007 GMT at 2:13 AM GMT, Britcom Barry said:
Just watch this and it very much carry on from where Two Pints left off.
Probably about 20 years too late for me, but if you're going to be crude you might just as well be very crude and it does that quite well.
My biggest problem with it is that all 18 year olds are twats. It's not your fault, it's your jobs. After a few years you will grow out of it but we've all been there and been very twatish.
On Tuesday 22nd May 2007 GMT at 3:19 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
I really have no idea why i watched it. I found one scene funny. It was right at the start where the kid is driving 4mph in his car, miming to Shaggy.
But seriously it's just "knob gag, knob gag, knob gag, ass gag, knob gag, sick gag, piss gag, etc."
I realise it was written by an 19 year old but please give us something worth while.
On Tuesday 22nd May 2007 GMT at 5:51 AM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Hey, I really liked this. I've always wanted to see a teenager stick her piccolo up her arse on National TV.
Seriously, I did like it.
On Tuesday 22nd May 2007 GMT at 5:08 PM GMT, Martin H said:
Hey I'm 18 and don't relate to this programme at all, its god awful.
On Wednesday 23rd May 2007 GMT at 12:50 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Martin, what did you think of 'Skins'?
On Wednesday 23rd May 2007 GMT at 1:30 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Martin, I've just found the Skins thread. No need to get out of bed. 
On Wednesday 23rd May 2007 GMT at 4:03 PM GMT, Leevil said:
Quote: Britcom Barry @ May 21, 2007, 10:13 PMJust watch this and it very much carry on from where two pints left off.
Probably about 20 years too late for me, but If your going to be crude you might just as well be very crude and it does that quite well.
My biggest problem with it is that all 18 year olds are twats, it not your fault it's your jobs after a few years you will grow out of it but we've all been there and been very twatish.
I hated 18 year olds when I was 18, I just hate most teenagers, my kids are out when they turn 13.
On Wednesday 23rd May 2007 GMT at 4:15 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Leevil @ May 23, 2007, 12:03 PM
I hated 18 year olds when I was 18, I just hate most teenagers, my kids are out when they turn 13.
I just hate everyone. Saves a lot of time.
Bloody weird show though. Some funny scenes and gags, but on the whole just too... Odd. Didn't work. And the actors look about 16 at most, whilst playing 18-20ish characters. As Barry hinted, whilst Grownups was a slightly more mature, older Two Pints..., this was a younger, stupider one. Considering, however, that it was from a new writer (I assume?), it wasn't that bad. Well, not nearly as bad as it could have been.
On the whole, some of the building blocks were there, but it just didn't gel.
On Wednesday 23rd May 2007 GMT at 4:19 PM GMT, swerytd said:
I've never felt so odd watching something. It was really uncomfortable watching 12-year-old talk about sex!
Struck me they were 15/16ish. Not at all impressed with the acting but suppose they are roles they'd grow into. It seemed to me that they were overacting and need to instill a bit of realism into it. Dani Harner was the best of the bunch but as she's been in other stuff maybe she's picked a few tips up.
Odd but I think that was down to the acting rather than the writing. Though it could do with being a little less explicit IMO.
Dan
On Wednesday 23rd May 2007 GMT at 4:23 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: swerytd @ May 23, 2007, 12:19 PMStruck me they were 15/16ish.
If it hadn't been for the college scene/references, I would be under the same impression.
On Wednesday 23rd May 2007 GMT at 4:25 PM GMT, Leevil said:
I haven't seen it. Is this writing, apart from the knob gags, good? Is it structured well? I'm guessing it's not totally amateurish or it wouldn't get on telly, what am I saying? Ignore that last bit.
Is it online?
On Wednesday 23rd May 2007 GMT at 4:26 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Errr.... It's "interesting". Really hard to describe (for me at least), because it was such a mish-mash. No idea if it's on the Beeb's site, but certainly available for download.
On Wednesday 23rd May 2007 GMT at 4:32 PM GMT, Leevil said:
I'll just watch out for it on the tv, I'm sure it'll be on again if it's anything like Two Pints.
On Wednesday 23rd May 2007 GMT at 4:34 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Only once more:
SPECIAL INTEREST: Coming of Age
On: BBC 3 (7)
Date: Sunday 27th May 2007 (starting in 3 days)
Time: 00:50 to 01:20 (30 minutes long)
Dani Harmer, Tony Bignell. Sitcom pilot. Matt's dreams come true when his best friend Chloe gives him an unexpected night-time treat. Jas tries a new technique with her piccolo to persuade boyfriend Ollie to tell his mum about their relationship. When DK gets arrested for drink-driving, he learns it's better to spit than to swallow.
On Wednesday 23rd May 2007 GMT at 4:38 PM GMT, Leevil said:
Thanks, I don't think I'll bother now anyway, 
On Wednesday 23rd May 2007 GMT at 8:10 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Leevil, you should watch it, it's good. It's actually written in the traditional way - every third line is gag, etc. It was very sexually crude, with references cocks and fannies etc, but I like that as my own comedy is full of knob jokes
It was filmed in front of a studio audience which I'm actually not snobby about, considering everything from Porridge to Alan Partidge was as well. Whether you like a laughter track or not, the fact is a lot of recent comedies couldn't be done that way, because the long gaps between the laughter would be very noticeable.
On Wednesday 23rd May 2007 GMT at 8:47 PM GMT, Martin H said:
I was thinking that you Godot had a pretty similar style of humour to me in your recent dislike of Roman's Empire and G&S etc, but you can't be serious about liking this?
As much as I don't like G&S it's better than this.
On Thursday 24th May 2007 GMT at 6:44 AM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
This is interesting because we obviously like the same humour. Baynham, Coogan, Morris, Hicks... a great list, and so much more meaningful to me than Cleese, French, Walliams, Mortimer for example.
I think the problem with 'Coming of Age' is it's about 18 year olds and you're 18. I probably wouldn't find a comedy about people my age funny either. Then again people my age don't wear their trousers in such a way that it looks like they've got little legs and a long body.
When I get more time I'll check out some of your stuff.
On Thursday 24th May 2007 GMT at 2:31 PM GMT, Paul W said:
When did this coming of age come on! and where can I watch the repeat... I want to know whether this guys setting back young writers 10 years.
On Saturday 26th May 2007 GMT at 6:20 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Paul, see my previous post (page 1, penultimate).
On Monday 28th May 2007 GMT at 12:47 AM GMT, Leevil said:
I only saw a few minutes, what is it Grange Hill? How old are they?
Who cares about the adventures of some brats?
I switched it on as a girl sat there with her faced covered in what I can only hope was moisturising cream. Otherwise I'm letting my outraged opinions be known on Points of View, that'll show 'em.
On Monday 28th May 2007 GMT at 2:59 AM GMT, charlie said:
Thoughts throughout the programme:
1 minute in:'Oooo it's written by a 19 year old, maybe it'll be interesting.'
3 minutes in:'Ooooook it's got Tracy Beaker in it.'
6 minutes in:' Pfft. I'm going to bed.'
On Monday 28th May 2007 GMT at 7:19 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Leevil @ May 27, 2007, 8:47 PMI only saw a few minutes, what is it Grange Hill? How old are they?
Who cares about the adventures of some brats?
I switched it on as a girl sat there with her faced covered in what I can only hope was moisturising cream. Otherwise I'm letting my outraged opinions be known on Points of View, that'll show 'em.
Mayonnaise, if I remember rightly.
On Saturday 16th June 2007 GMT at 4:14 PM GMT, wonderboy85 said:
The absolute worst thing I've ever seen. Ever.
On Saturday 16th June 2007 GMT at 6:46 PM GMT, swerytd said:
Quote: wonderboy85 @ June 16, 2007, 12:14 PMThe absolute worst thing I've ever seen. Ever.
Then you should watch Hulk. That'll change your opinion.
Dan
On Monday 30th July 2007 GMT at 3:50 PM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
No, no!
http://media.guardian.co.uk/mediaguardian/story/0,,2137343,00.html
"He has just commissioned a sitcom written by 19-year-old Tim Dawson, called Coming of Age. "That's a big risk in a way, but that's exactly the sort of risk I want to take. It's young people writing about the lives of other young people."
On Monday 30th July 2007 GMT at 4:53 PM GMT, Aaron said:
That should be ... interesting.
On Monday 30th July 2007 GMT at 5:07 PM GMT, revilo85 said:
My friend is in that, but I'm not sure quite what it will do for her career.
I'm amazed that the bbc are comissioning another as it really is absurdly filthy!
On Monday 30th July 2007 GMT at 5:32 PM GMT, Aaron said:
That's putting it a bit lightly! 
I think I'm going to have to download it and watch again if I get the chance though.
On Monday 30th July 2007 GMT at 5:53 PM GMT, Mark said:
Yes it was rather rude wasn't it.
I believe it was the new head of BBC3 (Danny Cohen) who has given the go-ahead for the full production run. He's clearly a fan of swearing and naughtiness what with the BBC Trust having to tell the channel off recently for putting 'F**k' in too many programme titles. It looks like Cohen's paid attention - I note tonight he's devoted a whole hour of the schedule to the study of the C word. (The C Word: How We Came to Swear By It - 10:30pm)
(There's an interesting fake Danny Cohen blog online. It's written by someone who clearly knows the TV industry very well and also hates Cohen! http://thetvcontroller.blogspot.com )
On Monday 30th July 2007 GMT at 6:40 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Quote: revilo85 @ July 30, 2007, 1:07 PMMy friend is in that, but I'm not sure quite what it will do for her career.
I'm amazed that the bbc are comissioning another as it really is absurdly filthy!
I thought it was normal. That explains a lot about my life.
Quote: Mark @ July 30, 2007, 1:53 PMYes it was rather rude wasn't it.
I believe it was the new head of BBC3 (Danny Cohen) who has given the go-ahead for the full production run. He's clearly a fan of swearing and naughtiness what with the BBC Trust having to tell the channel off recently for putting 'F**k' in too many programme titles. It looks like Cohen's paid attention - I note tonight he's devoted a whole hour of the schedule to the study of the C word. (The C Word: How We Came to Swear By It - 10:30pm)
(There's an interesting fake Danny Cohen blog online. It's written by someone who clearly knows the TV industry very well and also hates Cohen! http://thetvcontroller.blogspot.com )
How interesting! Thanks, Mark.
On Monday 30th July 2007 GMT at 7:08 PM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
The blog is hilarious. I've been reading it for a month or so now.
What pisses me off is that they didn't commission Under One Roof or Green and instead we get COA. If it's teenagers writing about teenagers make it a little realistic, not f**king jokes about various musicial instruments and vegatbles up the ass.
On Monday 30th July 2007 GMT at 8:12 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
I didn't see Green but Under One Roof was good and would have made a series with a little work.
COA was the pet project of another producer, wasn't it? I think that's why it was commissioned - you need a champion in this business.
On Monday 30th July 2007 GMT at 8:51 PM GMT, revilo85 said:
The original title was much ruder and it had to be changed. I can't remember what she said it was now, I think it may have been 'jizz' or just 'cumming'. It was definately a word for ejaculating.
An unsavoury titbit for y'all there.
On Monday 30th July 2007 GMT at 9:42 PM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ July 30, 2007, 4:12 PMI didn't see Green but Under One Roof was good and would have made a series with a little work.
COA was the pet project of another producer, wasn't it? I think that's why it was commissioned - you need a champion in this business.
The producer came to the kid's school and the kid pestered him until he gave in.
On Tuesday 31st July 2007 GMT at 10:26 PM GMT, Pilot said:
Yosser style? Giz a series, giz a series...
On Tuesday 12th February 2008 GMT at 9:03 PM GMT, swerytd said:
Just got an email about this filming in March/April. Interestingly, Dani Harmer isn't in it (thought she was the best actress in the pilot).
"A sitcom created and written by a teenager" is it's first line selling point, followed at the end by 'Strictly no under 16s' at the end! You've got to laugh -- ahahaha...
Dan
On Tuesday 12th February 2008 GMT at 9:21 PM GMT, Paul W said:
I really hope this isn't going to be the main and only selling point of this sitcom, that it's written by someone under the age of 20.
But I will be giving it a look over and hope it doesn't give young writers a bad name.
On Tuesday 12th February 2008 GMT at 10:37 PM GMT, Aaron said:
I actually have a strange urge to get tickets...
On Tuesday 12th February 2008 GMT at 11:07 PM GMT, zooo said:
Perv.
On Wednesday 13th February 2008 GMT at 3:10 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Pot. Black. Kettle!
On Wednesday 13th February 2008 GMT at 3:45 PM GMT, swerytd said:
For some reason, I've just noticed that 'Pot. Kettle. Black.' is funnier than 'Pot. Black. Kettle.'
You can tell you're not a writer...
Dan
On Wednesday 13th February 2008 GMT at 3:56 PM GMT, Tim Walker said:
This may be a first for the site, but I'll quote a Philip Larkin poem...
'Easy to write when you're young and have nothing to write about'
On Wednesday 13th February 2008 GMT at 3:58 PM GMT, swerytd said:
Wasn't he the guy in Darling Buds of May?
Dan
On Wednesday 13th February 2008 GMT at 4:06 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: swerytd @ February 13, 2008, 10:45 AMFor some reason, I've just noticed that 'Pot. Kettle. Black.' is funnier than 'Pot. Black. Kettle.'
You can tell you're not a writer...
Dan
If you think either are particularly funny, then God help TV of the future!
On Wednesday 13th February 2008 GMT at 4:27 PM GMT, swerytd said:
I will happily come on here after my sitcom is finished and watch everyone slag it off, content in the knowledge that my poor, kitchen-based shitcom paid me enough for a down-payment on some Smarties...
Dan
On Wednesday 13th February 2008 GMT at 5:05 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Quote: Tim Walker @ February 13, 2008, 10:56 AMThis may be a first for the site, but I'll quote a Philip Larkin poem...
'Easy to write when you're young and have nothing to write about'
A bit of erudition - nice.
Off the top of my head:
The verses you scrap sound like school songs -or sillier - banal beyond belief
On Wednesday 13th February 2008 GMT at 7:01 PM GMT, Tim Walker said:
'Nothing, like something, happens everywhere'
On Tuesday 30th September 2008 GMT at 1:56 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Does anybody actually like this show? The previews I've seen of this have given it across the board slating. Why did it get a full series after a lousy pilot?
On Tuesday 30th September 2008 GMT at 2:49 PM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: chipolata @ September 30 2008, 10:56 AM BSTDoes anybody actually like this show? The previews I've seen of this have given it across the board slating. Why did it get a full series after a lousy pilot?
Because BBC Three is desperate to attract more 16 - 18 year olds. To be fair, the show might appeal to them... it certainly doesn't appeal to me though. Even if it does hit its target audience, as one reviewer put it, they've done so "without wit and charm".
On Tuesday 30th September 2008 GMT at 3:12 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Mark @ September 30 2008, 11:49 AM BSTBecause BBC Three is desperate to attract more 16 - 18 year olds. To be fair, the show might appeal to them... it certainly doesn't appeal to me though. Even if it does hit its target audience, as one reviewer put it, they've done so "without wit and charm".
It's a shame that all they've managed to do is create a cruder Two Pints of Lager clone. While E4 managed to go for the same audience with the infinitely more charming Inbetweeners.
On Tuesday 30th September 2008 GMT at 4:31 PM GMT, Mikey Jackson said:
I won't bother watching it. The trailer put me off for life.
This HAS to be he most unfunny line ever:
BIG TOOTHED UGLY BOY: There's a mobile freakshow.
DOPEY LOOKING MATE: It's a mobile library.
Eh???????????????????????????????/
On Tuesday 30th September 2008 GMT at 7:14 PM GMT, Mikey Jackson said:
It sounds like it's Skins without the plots, character breakdowns and... acting.
Seems quite obvious what happened:
HEAD OF COMEDY:
Shit! Skins is a hit on Four. We need to commission the first teen script we can find.
ONLY A P.A. BUT KNOWS MORE THAN HEAD OF COMEDY:
But Sir. We only found one and it's shit.
HEAD OF COMEDY:
Doesn't matter. We need to steal Four's audience.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 2:48 AM GMT, Aaron said:
What did people think of this?
A couple of good moments, and a few decent lines, but on the whole very disappointing. Even with the unashamed crudities, I thought that the pilot had a certain charm - which was just totally absent from this first episode. I had, well, not high, but reasonable hopes for the series, but there was next to no warmth to it at all. It really feels like they squandered a good opportunity. Pity.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 3:20 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
To paraphrase Artie from 'The Larry Sanders Show'... "BBC 3 Comedy has hit rock bottom and dropped through to a bottom I never knew even existed."
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 3:28 AM GMT, Aaron said:
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 3:34 AM GMT, Seefacts said:
I heard the ridiculous suggestion that the writer is married to Susan Nickson.
This can't possibly be true, as he'd be much, much younger surely?
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 3:43 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Oh, Seefacts, apologies as I should PM you/email you about this. But I've finished our Comedy Lab shit and it's off to you/Jan/Caroline tomorrow. Plus, Nira & Tamzin at Big Talk want to meet with both of us. (Going to f**king regret this in the morning.)
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 3:47 AM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Tim Walker @ October 1 2008, 12:43 AM BSTOh, Seefacts, apologies as I should PM you/email you about this. But I've finished our Comedy Lab shit and it's off to you/Jan/Caroline tomorrow. Plus, Nira & Tamzin at Big Talk want to meet with both of us. (Going to f**king regret this in the morning.)
Blimey. Good work Doc!
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 3:49 AM GMT, zooo said:
Yeah alright, we're all jealous now, take it to pm, you talented arseholes.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 3:53 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Seefacts @ October 1 2008, 12:34 AM BSTI heard the ridiculous suggestion that the writer is married to Susan Nickson.
This can't possibly be true, as he'd be much, much younger surely?
He's 20. Bastard.
Anyway. Does anyone know why Dani Harmer didn't appear in the series? Was this due to After You've Gone commitments or something?
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 3:59 AM GMT, zooo said:
She has her own show now on cbbc... Dani's House or something. Maybe that's it?
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 4:05 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Quote: Seefacts @ October 1 2008, 12:47 AM BSTBlimey. Good work Doc!
I talked you up a bit too much, obviously. Going to live to regret that as well. Don't worry, I changed most of your jokes to make them funny. I've given you joint credit though on the script samples. Though of course it's in alphabetical order and 'Wa' ranks over 'Wo'. Perhaps we should become TW2? Oh, bollocks, sorry it took so long, but at least I can walk now.
Feel kind of ironic and perverse mentioning this on the 'Coming Of Age' thread. Can't wait for Aaron to caution me. Then again... 'Coming Of Age' was such an anti-climax to what I was expecting after seeing the pilot. It promised so much and left me wondering what happened... et cetera.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 4:12 AM GMT, fred bloggs said:
I missed it, sounds like I had a lucky escape.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 4:35 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
It might get better.........................
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 6:06 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
OK, it's the middle of the night and there's no-one around to disagree with me.
This didn't improve on a repeat viewing, amazingly. I feel soul-less, bereft of the will to live, fearing more for society because of this decaying remnant of Western hegemony than any credit-crunch will ever make me.
First of all...
This is simply not funny. Why do we enjoy sitcoms? Because at their most basic of levels they are funny. What do we get here? A series of crude lines which don't actually work as a script, which anyone who knows the basic anatomy of the human body with a minor grasp of the English language could make.
There is no wit, there is no invention, there is no heart.
If one is to write risque comedy, to do it well, one has to be above it. To make a "f**k" gag (which all this show is) one has to be able NOT to make a f**k gag.
Put simply, to make a good dirty joke, one has to justify it by the ability to make far more sophisticated jokes. The writing on this, does not. Contrast Talbot Rothwell in the 'Carry On' screenplays. (Bear with me here.) Making good knob gags requires the ability to accept that these are crude and potentially offensive, which you justify by making them in a situation which is far-removed from the gutter.
'Coming Of Age' damns itself not only by a lack of wit, but by way of characters, which are the first consideration of a sitcom. You can forgive a character making horrible remarks if 1) they are identifiable and 2) you can have a shred of sympathy with them. Where is any characterisation in this? The lines are interchangeable, so far as to whether the character has a cock or a c**t.
Most, most importantly, this show is insulting to the young (as well as to anyone who actually enjoys comedy).
So what is its message? You're a teenager, you must be gagging for a f**k 24 hours a day. You're a teenager, you're gormless. You're a teenager, you have no ambition beyond being manipulative and selfish. You're a teen, you're vaccuous, heartless, charmless and without redeeming qualities. (Yeah, yeah, it's "only a sitcom mate"...)
I was in-between the cool kids and the nerds when I was a teen. My experience (echoed by meeting teens/early-20's thesedays as friends) is that nothing really ever changes. Only the languague and the clothes ever really change. Being a teen/early 20's is having the tools but not really knowing how to use them - not sexually, but emotionally. I have a small focus group of the 18-22 age group who read my scripts. No, not close friends, I met them down the local. (I am 35, though consider myself an slow-learning 25.) They would be insulted if I gave them a script like 'Coming Of Age' and told them it was how they were. So this is written by a "youngster", who knows how it is. No he doesn't. He writes how a hormonal priapric boy wishes life is. Most teens and early 20's, however they express themselves (either introvertly or extrovertly) are in the majority lacking in self-confidence and looking for guidance. There is a sweetness and a potential for comedy in that.
I'm all in favour of "dangerous" comedy. I write about more adult characters, but I have a regular teen characer in my latest (and script-commissioned) comedy. He has dimensions and a back-story and doubts and blah-blah-blah. The point is that let's not treat teens as one-dimensional characters. Bain&Armstrong are able to flesh out even their minor young characters to an extent in 'Peep Show' to provide not only a little slice of teenage life, but also to compare their attitude with Jeremy & Mark only a decade down the line.
'Coming Of Age' is the point where any right-thinking person who loves the sheer satisfaction (No!) comedy can give us should say "Enough is enough".
I very much doubt that teens will find this funny. This is so bad I really don't think this will find an audience. Perhaps only Susan Nickson (which it reeks of, and whose ascendance into the status of 'Comedy Guru' tells you everything you need to know about what is wrong with Auntie at the moment) and the rest of the 20-something morons who populate the Beeb will think this is doing more good than harm. (There goes my Beeb commission.) But if BBC 3 has gone to these depths, basically insulting teenagers - this sitcom is effectively talking down to younger people and telling them all they're really just compact-f**k-vehicles with the personality of a Dalek - then it no longer deserves to exist, this abomination, this soiled-condom-in-a-garden-pond of a channel.
I'm not a reactionary old fart. I'm pretty certain there is a great sitcom out there for teenagers. But as a simple comparison (although not sitcom), compare and contrast teenage comedy 'Superbad' versus 'Coming Of Age'. OK, different genres. But which is far more full of genuine wit, great characterisation, great acting and (importantly) some heart? You can be as crude as you like if you know how to be clever whilst doing it.
(By the way. A = Superbad.)
Sorry for the rant.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 12:24 PM GMT, catskillz said:
I've only seen clips of this show, but, from what I gathered, there seems to be another Ali-G-style character in it, just like there is in Massive. Is this right?
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 12:36 PM GMT, Marc P said:
Tim you seem to have had quite a night there! As an anaesthetist do you have easy access to substances that have the opposite effect?
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 12:54 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: zooo @ October 1 2008, 12:59 AM BSTShe has her own show now on cbbc... Dani's House or something. Maybe that's it?
Is your own CBBC show better than quite a big prime time role? Bit odd.
Quote: Aaron @ October 1 2008, 12:53 AM BSTHe's 20. Bastard.
I don't think it's true.
Didn't the writer meet Paul Mayhew Archer (one of the reasons I think the BBC should stop employing sitcom writer's called Paul) and pester him to read the script?
Unless he met him at his own wedding of course.
Quote: Tim Walker @ October 1 2008, 1:05 AM BSTI talked you up a bit too much, obviously. Going to live to regret that as well. Don't worry, I changed most of your jokes to make them funny. I've given you joint credit though on the script samples. Though of course it's in alphabetical order and 'Wa' ranks over 'Wo'. Perhaps we should become TW2? Oh, bollocks, sorry it took so long, but at least I can walk now.
You'd have a job changing the jokes to make them funny - you're not a miracle worker.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 1:07 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: catskillz @ October 1 2008, 9:24 AM BSTI've only seen clips of this show, but, from what I gathered, there seems to be another Ali-G-style character in it, just like there is in Massive. Is this right?
No, it is not. Judging by this first episode, there is one character who seems to think that rap and breakdancing are romantic ways to impress and woo a particular girl, but an interest in rap such as that which he displays, is common to the majority (or many) of young people.
Quote: Seefacts @ October 1 2008, 9:54 AM BSTI don't think it's true.
Didn't the writer meet Paul Mayhew Archer (one of the reasons I think the BBC should stop employing sitcom writer's called Paul) and pester him to read the script?
Unless he met him at his own wedding of course.
I'm just going by IMDb in regards to his age. It is miles from what one could consider to be accurate, but tends to have a reasonably level of legitimacy. I've not been able to find any hint, idea or suggestion that he may be married to Susan Nickson.
Oh, and a great post, Tim.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 1:16 PM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: Tim Walker @ October 1 2008, 3:06 AM BSTI very much doubt that teens will find this funny. This is so bad I really don't think this will find an audience.
Ditto.
Quote: Tim Walker @ October 1 2008, 3:06 AM BSTSorry for the rant.
Not at all! Was the best post on the site this week.
Quote: Seefacts @ October 1 2008, 9:54 AM BSTDidn't the writer meet Paul Mayhew Archer (one of the reasons I think the BBC should stop employing sitcom writer's called Paul) and pester him to read the script?
See this article for the history (and a pic). Tim Dawson met him when he came to visit his school.
The fact Paul Mayhew Archer went on to become script editor on this series is what is really scary though... either he didn't look at the scripts or, worse still, what we are seeing is the script after his edits!
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 1:18 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Aaron @ October 1 2008, 10:07 AM BST
I'm just going by IMDb in regards to his age. It is miles from what one could consider to be accurate, but tends to have a reasonably level of legitimacy. I've not been able to find any hint, idea or suggestion that he may be married to Susan Nickson.
Like I said, it's obviously ludicrous but that rumour has been voiced elsewhere on the net.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 1:23 PM GMT, Mark said:
He's not married to Susan Nickson! Funny rumour though - we should spread it.
Tim Dawson claims in the article above he has seen almost every comedy ever made, so I suspect he checks out comedy websites like this one too, so... if you're reading Tim, here's a message for you: "Sex and knob jokes have to be used sparingly for them to be funny."
Someone earlier in the thread mentioned The Inbetweeners - I agree, that was 1000% better. More believable characters, and a show which used its allocation of smutty lines in exactly the right way - to deliver a powerful comedy punch, rather than just spreading them out into a string of lame, lazy, juvenile one-liners like we find in Coming Of Age.
In summary: I think this is the worst sitcom I've seen this year... well, it's either this or Lab Rats. Actually, it's so bad I'd even welcome back Two Pints repeats in its slot instead!
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 1:47 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Mark @ October 1 2008, 10:16 AM BSTDitto.
The fact Paul Mayhew Archer went on to become script editor on this series is what is really scary though... either he didn't look at the scripts or, worse still, what we are seeing is the script after his edits!
Paul Mayhew Archer's a hack who owes his career to the largesse of Richard Curtis. Hasn't he, along with Stephen McCrum (the producer of this), also been heavily involved in Two Pints of Lager? Which this is a painful and cynical imitation.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 2:06 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
I'm right in saying both pubs in Two Pints are named after him. One's called the Mayhew, the other the Archer. Though one got written out, so it's just in that one pub now.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 2:17 PM GMT, David Bussell said:
Sounds like Griff closed his "Universally loathed" thread a mite early.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 2:22 PM GMT, Marc P said:
I once sent a sitcom about a female vicar to PMA called Good God Almighty and he wrote back saying he didn't believe in the central premise. Funny how things turn out.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 2:25 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Marc P @ October 1 2008, 11:22 AM BSTI once sent a sitcom about a female vicar to PMA called Good God Almighty and he wrote back saying he didn't believe in the central premise. Funny how things turn out.
Seriously?! What an excellent story.
The moral of the story - be Richard Curtis when possible.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 2:30 PM GMT, Marc P said:
Well that is true. And to be fair my female vicar was polarly opposite his, more akin to B'Stard than whatever his was called. But a few years later and PMA was writing for the Dibley one.
But mine solicited from Tiger Aspect did go to Tiger Aspect and then onto him...
Now hang on just a minute didn't TA produce...?
No. Can't be.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 3:05 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Marc P @ October 1 2008, 11:30 AM BSTWell that is true. And to be fair my female vicar was polarly opposite his, more akin to B'Stard than whatever his was called. But a few years later and PMA was writing for the Dibley one.
But mine solicited from Tiger Aspect did go to Tiger Aspect and then onto him...
Now hang on just a minute didn't TA produce...?
No. Can't be.
Poor Marc. He's like the Stanley Kowalski of the BSG (which is worrying for Mrs Marc if my memory of the play serves me right). Anyway, couldn't you just turn the vicar into an Imam and pitch it again?
Quote: David Bussell @ October 1 2008, 11:17 AM BSTSounds like Griff closed his "Universally loathed" thread a mite early.
Godot's Taxi's liked it, didn't he?
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 3:08 PM GMT, Marc P said:
Ooh I am not bitter Mister Chip. It was just a funny coincidence is all. And I am sure no sitcoms are rejected on premise alone except perhaps the premise that states it must be funny enough.
And it's the other way round, Mrs Marc is out on the road whilst I stay at home and watch Bargain Hunt.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 4:26 PM GMT, Mikey Jackson said:
There you go. That's the writer of Coming of Age. The kid on the right.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 4:27 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: Mikey J @ October 1 2008, 1:26 PM BST
There you go. That's the writer of Coming of Age. The kid on the right.
Really? Good god . . .
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 4:28 PM GMT, chipolata said:
No wonder PMA championed him. He's like Archer thirty years ago - a geeky four-eyed virgin.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 4:32 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Mikey J @ October 1 2008, 1:26 PM BST
PMA: Yeah, so I rode on the back of Richard Curtis's coat tails - and what's more, I got paid to write for 2 Pints AND MY Hero . . . I know! The BBC gave me actual money!! F**king mugs.
TD: Sorry, I wasn't listening - I was too busy laughing at the word 'japseye' like I'm a f**king child.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 4:33 PM GMT, chipolata said:
That picture's cheered me up. So what if I can't get my sitcoms on TV, at least I've actually kissed a girl.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 4:53 PM GMT, zooo said:
Quote: Seefacts @ October 1 2008, 9:54 AM BSTIs your own CBBC show better than quite a big prime time role? Bit odd.
I don't know about money wise, but it's a comedy show starring her, built completely around her and named after her. It also, from the sounds of it, is likely to be a lot better than Coming Of Age. So I would have chosen it too.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 4:56 PM GMT, Griff said:
QuoteThat picture's cheered me up. So what if I can't get my sitcoms on TV, at least I've actually kissed a girl.
Your mum doesn't count.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 4:56 PM GMT, Marc P said:
What she said.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 4:57 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: Griff @ October 1 2008, 1:56 PM BSTYour mum doesn't count.
Ha!
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 4:59 PM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
This thread has cheered me up, insults and rants galore!
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 5:01 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Griff @ October 1 2008, 1:56 PM BSTYour mum doesn't count.
Every now and then I like to tee up a shot for you.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 5:03 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: hotzappa11 @ October 1 2008, 1:59 PM BSTThis thread has cheered me up, insults and rants galore!
FUCK YOU!
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 5:14 PM GMT, Mikey Jackson said:
Quote: Matthew Stott @ October 1 2008, 1:27 PM BSTReally? Good god . . .
Yep.
It was taken from an Oxford newspaper's website.
Here's the article about the 2007 pilot:
http://www.thisisoxfordshire.co.uk/news/tiooxmail/display.var.1322812.%20%200.scriptwriter_pens_bbc_sitcom_at_19.php
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 5:26 PM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
Quote: Matthew Stott @ October 1 2008, 2:03 PM BSTFUCK YOU!
Eat it, bitch!
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 5:28 PM GMT, Griff said:
In my next job, I want a big version of that image for my desktop wallpaper.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 5:29 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Griff @ October 1 2008, 2:28 PM BSTIn my next job, I want a big version of that image for my desktop wallpaper.
I didn't think nightwatchmen needed PC's.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 5:31 PM GMT, Griff said:
I was actually going to put "and no cracks about toilet attendants not needing PCs" in my post. But then I thought "not even Chipolata would go for something that obvious". Live and learn, I guess.
Nightwatchman would actually be less boring than some of the jobs I've had.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 5:32 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Griff @ October 1 2008, 2:31 PM BST
Nightwatchman would actually be less boring than some of the jobs I've had.
Now I come to think of it, I'd quite like being a night watchman. Just me and torch. Excellent.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 5:37 PM GMT, zooo said:
Dirty.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 6:22 PM GMT, EllieJP said:
I laughed a little at it... but to be fair I was spaced out as I was watching the repeat last night at about 1.30am! It's just a lot of young actors ( I couldn't see how old they were meant to be 15? 16? ) who can't act. But it's cute.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 6:46 PM GMT, Phill said:
I thought it was alright. I'm not sure if I'll watch it again but I laughed fairly regularly throughout.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 8:47 PM GMT, Johnny Green said:
Watched the show last night and I must say it cheered me up: It made me think, yes I have got a chance of my sitcom eventually being made because it's certainly better than this.
The show seemed to use an unusual mix of humour and style. It was like a CBBC production gone wrong: The kids appeared to have all downed a bottle of cider and tied up the camera people and studio management team in order to make some X rated version of Grange Hill.
It was totally unbelievable but yet not really that whacky. When I saw the sock puppet thing I just thought; Coupling rip off! Also if I was Jeremy Clarkson, I'd be very annoyed that a card board cut out of me featured in the show.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 8:52 PM GMT, Aaron said:
I expect that Jeremy Clarkson was extremely pleased that a cardboard cut out of him appeared in the show.
££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££
Anyway. Just before I beat everyone up for going off-topic, that kid kind of looks like me.
Now, back to the show. 
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 8:53 PM GMT, zooo said:
Ha. I thought that.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 9:41 PM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Quote: Aaron @ October 1 2008, 10:07 AM BSTOh, and a great post, Tim.
Cheers. I've got a producer pitching a script of mine to the BBC next week, so I don't think I could have timed this better.
Quote: Mark @ October 1 2008, 10:16 AM BSTNot at all! Was the best post on the site this week.
It came from the heart, at least.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 11:08 PM GMT, David H said:
I think you're being a bit harsh on the guy. What he looks like shouldn't come into it.
It struck me as though he was going for an American Pie type comedy with some of the characters and constant sexual references. There were undoubtably way, way too many, but the girl in the bedroom and her relationship with the lad reminded me of the Band Camp girl. And the teacher (from Teenage Kicks) seemed to have a bit of Rowan Atkinson about him at times with his delivery.
I didn't think it was anything like as good or funny as American Pie, but it was okay, and seemed to have a bit of warmth. The 'Aw's' got on my nerves though.
Also, someone mentioned robbing the glove puppet from Coupling. I've read scripts from the 70's/80's with glove puppets in. It's all derivative.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 11:10 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Ahhh! Teenage Kicks! That's where I recognised him from. Thanks.
On Thursday 2nd October 2008 GMT at 12:04 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
After listening to an interview with the writer on the BBC Asian Network (?!) it turns out he wrote the pilot script when he was 17. In other news, the girl with the big hair would get it as long as she didn't speak.
P.S. More angry/drunk posts from Tim, please.
On Thursday 2nd October 2008 GMT at 12:04 AM GMT, Aaron said:
and
On Thursday 2nd October 2008 GMT at 12:06 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
I thought it was a nice fact that's all. That and it explains it's crapiness.
On Thursday 2nd October 2008 GMT at 2:11 AM GMT, Seefacts said:
That's the lad from Frank Skinner's 'Shane'.
This show is basically BBC3's 'Inbetweeners'. And the gulf in intelligence, charm, humour and honesty couldn't be wider.
The Inbetweeners was so wonderfully and unashamedly realistic - yes every episode has 'f**ks' and throwing up and wank gags and cheap jokes, but they were delivered in such an believable way.
Every little jibe ("He's made you look a RIGHT knob") had something genuine and likeable about it. They were real and likeable guys. You'd love to have been mates with them. They were a tangible, identifiable bunch of losers. Everyone can see themselves in those guys, and everyone knew one of them.
Coming Of Age however, is nothing short of an irrelevant abortion of a show. Nothing could be further from the truth in terms of tone and gags. It's lazy, uninspired and cheap written by someone who appears to have no real grasp on the world.
If you were told one of these shows was written by a 19 year old, and the other by two 30 something guys - you'd never have guessed who'd be so out of touch.
On Thursday 2nd October 2008 GMT at 2:22 AM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: Johnny Green @ October 1 2008, 5:47 PM BSTThe show seemed to use an unusual mix of humour and style. It was like a CBBC production gone wrong: The kids appeared to have all downed a bottle of cider and tied up the camera people and studio management team in order to make some X rated version of Grange Hill.
Ha ha ha - great post! It made me laugh. Cheers (makes up for my half-hour of silence when watching this show).
On Thursday 2nd October 2008 GMT at 5:49 PM GMT, swerytd said:
I watched this yesterday and was mildly entertained. It was certainaly a shit-load better than the original pilot, mostly cos the actors didn't overact their way through it.
That said, as mentioned by most of you above, this in no way reflects what it's like to be a teenager in any way at all. Certainly in my very-average experience.
Dan
On Thursday 2nd October 2008 GMT at 7:29 PM GMT, Phill said:
Quote: Seefacts @ October 1 2008, 11:11 PM BSTThat's the lad from Frank Skinner's 'Shane'.
This show is basically BBC3's 'Inbetweeners'. And the gulf in intelligence, charm, humour and honesty couldn't be wider.
The Inbetweeners was so wonderfully and unashamedly realistic - yes every episode has 'f**ks' and throwing up and wank gags and cheap jokes, but they were delivered in such an believable way.
Every little jibe ("He's made you look a RIGHT knob") had something genuine and likeable about it. They were real and likeable guys. You'd love to have been mates with them. They were a tangible, identifiable bunch of losers. Everyone can see themselves in those guys, and everyone knew one of them.
Coming Of Age however, is nothing short of an irrelevant abortion of a show. Nothing could be further from the truth in terms of tone and gags. It's lazy, uninspired and cheap written by someone who appears to have no real grasp on the world.
If you were told one of these shows was written by a 19 year old, and the other by two 30 something guys - you'd never have guessed who'd be so out of touch.
Out of interest, which of the two writers' ages are you closest to?
I don't think it's meant to be realistic, is it? In the same way Father Ted probably doesn't reflect the life of the average priest, or Might Boosh reflect the life of a zoo keeper.
But even then, surely as a teenager you either were or knew someone who was desperate to get laid, someone who was getting laid and was a bit of a cock, someone who was a slag, someone who was far too cute and girly to be interesting and someone who's nice enough at a distance but a bit too dull to be friends with?
Also, which of these situations in no way reflect what it's like to be a teenager?
Going to college.
Doing course work.
Fancying a girl who thinks of you as a friend.
Not having done your homework on time.
Wanting to get revenge on a teacher.
They've got to be reasonably accurate depictions of a college teen's life, haven't they?
On Thursday 2nd October 2008 GMT at 7:52 PM GMT, swerytd said:
Quote: Phill @ October 2 2008, 4:29 PM BST
But even then, surely as a teenager you either were or knew someone who was desperate to get laid, someone who was getting laid and was a bit of a cock, someone who was a slag, someone who was far too cute and girly to be interesting and someone who's nice enough at a distance but a bit too dull to be friends with?
Not really; though probably more from just being oblivious rather than noticing it. It certainly didn't *feel* at the time like you've mentioned above. But then, I was never interested in even trying drinking or smoking; didn't particularly like going to pubs and clubs and was completely obsessed by football.
Quote
Also, which of these situations in no way reflect what it's like to be a teenager?
Going to college.
Doing course work.
Fancying a girl who thinks of you as a friend.
Not having done your homework on time.
Wanting to get revenge on a teacher.
They've got to be reasonably accurate depictions of a college teen's life, haven't they?
Alright, but they're not particularly *funny*, are they? And I always did my homework on time and never really wanted revenge on a teacher cos I was a goody-two-shoes swot. The third one is just ridiculous cos I couldn't even *talk* to girls I fancied so they were never my friends
But like I said, it was alright -- vast improvement on the original pilot cos of the calibre of the actors.
And I thought Father Ted was a documentary.
Taking everything I've written into account, I, once again, realise I have no real point... in so many ways...
Dan
On Thursday 2nd October 2008 GMT at 8:00 PM GMT, Phill said:
Sorry, that looked like I was having a go at you - I wasn't. It was just a general reply to stuff and your post happened to be the last one I read.
I thought it was alright too. If it was on when I was a teenager I would only have liked it if no one else did.
On Thursday 2nd October 2008 GMT at 8:02 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Phill @ October 2 2008, 4:29 PM BSTOut of interest, which of the two writers' ages are you closest to?
I don't think it's meant to be realistic, is it? In the same way Father Ted probably doesn't reflect the life of the average priest, or Might Boosh reflect the life of a zoo keeper.
But even then, surely as a teenager you either were or knew someone who was desperate to get laid, someone who was getting laid and was a bit of a cock, someone who was a slag, someone who was far too cute and girly to be interesting and someone who's nice enough at a distance but a bit too dull to be friends with?
Also, which of these situations in no way reflect what it's like to be a teenager?
Going to college.
Doing course work.
Fancying a girl who thinks of you as a friend.
Not having done your homework on time.
Wanting to get revenge on a teacher.
They've got to be reasonably accurate depictions of a college teen's life, haven't they?
Errr, age wise closer to Tim Dawson.
It's got the feel of being realistic though. But it just isn't. Ted doesn't look real. It looks like a cartoon. It basically is one.
It's not the base idea, it's the execution.
It's more 'here's something that happened at school, and here's how I wish it would have happened but didn't'.
On Thursday 2nd October 2008 GMT at 8:05 PM GMT, swerytd said:
Quote: Phill @ October 2 2008, 5:00 PM BSTSorry, that looked like I was having a go at you - I wasn't. It was just a general reply to stuff and your post happened to be the last one I read.
I thought it was alright too. If it was on when I was a teenager I would only have liked it if no one else did.
No, didn't think you were specifically!
I was expecting it to be as bad as the original pilot which, though the script wasn't bad, was ruined by basically all the performances bar Dani Harmer's. In a way, I was pleasantly surprised after all that expectation!
Dan
On Thursday 2nd October 2008 GMT at 8:23 PM GMT, Phill said:
Quote: Seefacts @ October 2 2008, 5:02 PM BSTErrr, age wise closer to Tim Dawson.
It's got the feel of being realistic though. But it just isn't. Ted doesn't look real. It looks like a cartoon. It basically is one.
It's not the base idea, it's the execution.
It's more 'here's something that happened at school, and here's how I wish it would have happened but didn't'.
I was just wondering about the age thing because I'm 36 and if I said the 30-somethings knew more about being a teenager than the 19 year old I'd probably be a bit off the mark.
See, I didn't see it as being realistic - I thought of it as heightened reality - more like Blackadder or Father Ted than Only Fools and Horses.
Not that I'm comparing it quality wise to those shows, mind.
I think the non-reality think was cemented for me by things like the rolling shot of the kid offering the presents to the fat girl. If it was meant to be realistic he wouldn't have been able to get ahead of her without her noticing. Or the end scene which would probably have killed both of them. Didn't that mark it out as an over-the-top reality?
On Thursday 2nd October 2008 GMT at 8:53 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Phill @ October 2 2008, 5:23 PM BSTI was just wondering about the age thing because I'm 36 and if I said the 30-somethings knew more about being a teenager than the 19 year old I'd probably be a bit off the mark.
See, I didn't see it as being realistic - I thought of it as heightened reality - more like Blackadder or Father Ted than Only Fools and Horses.
Not that I'm comparing it quality wise to those shows, mind.
I think the non-reality think was cemented for me by things like the rolling shot of the kid offering the presents to the fat girl. If it was meant to be realistic he wouldn't have been able to get ahead of her without her noticing. Or the end scene which would probably have killed both of them. Didn't that mark it out as an over-the-top reality?
The guys in their 30s have been 19 too. And have the hindsight to write in a more considered and mature way. They can look back at those times with honesty, rather than the 'I wish my life was as funny as this' type stuff in Coming Of Age.
Most sitcoms are heightened reality of course, but The Inbetweeners has some mad stuff in that would never happen - and that's streets ahead in quality.
On Thursday 2nd October 2008 GMT at 8:59 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Seefacts @ October 2 2008, 5:53 PM BSTMost sitcoms are heightened reality of course, but The Inbetweeners has some mad stuff in that would never happen - and that's streets ahead in quality.
Such as? I've either seen, or heard first-hand stories of, pretty much everything featured in The Inbetweeners.
On Thursday 2nd October 2008 GMT at 9:39 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Aaron @ October 2 2008, 5:59 PM BSTSuch as? I've either seen, or heard first-hand stories of, pretty much everything featured in The Inbetweeners.
Sorry, I'm getting confused here now.
I'm not getting my point across.
Yes, the Inbetweeners is heightened reality - like most shows - but also is grounded in reality. So yeah, full of relatable stuff.
On Thursday 2nd October 2008 GMT at 9:43 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Yeah, but you said there's some mad stuff that would never happen. Apart from jumping up and down on the car's bonet, and perhaps losing the car door, it's pretty much all stuff that I've seen or heard of.
But yeah, all shows to an extent are heightened reality.
On Thursday 2nd October 2008 GMT at 9:46 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Aaron @ October 2 2008, 6:43 PM BSTYeah, but you said there's some mad stuff that would never happen. Apart from jumping up and down on the car's bonet, and perhaps losing the car door, it's pretty much all stuff that I've seen or heard of.
But yeah, all shows to an extent are heightened reality.
Well, I meant realistic stuff, made sitcom.
Like telling someone's little brother their parents would perish in a nuclear attack and then projectile vomiting over it.
It's still very grounded though.
Getting you teacher naked in a pool - ugh, gay!!!!11111 yes, very amusing - is not.
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 2:49 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
I actually saw some of this yesterday and can confirm that it is awful, all the cast look too young and most of all it's not funny in the slightest. Overall it's a bit of an insult to the young people it's aimed at. My peers and I were having a much better time when we were that age - the characters in this show seem so immature.
And I see it's apparently set in Abingdon. So why do the characters mostly have London/estuary accents? People in Abingdon have west country accents. This and Beautiful People seem to have really pointless locations. It's as if a show has to pretend to be set in somewhere other than London, but actually turns out that it's just like London. It's like setting a sitcom in a small Lancashire town but all the characters have Scouse accents. Why not just make the location universal or irrelelvant.
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 2:54 PM GMT, Griff said:
To be fair, if they were going to recreate Abingdon properly they'd have to give everyone webbed hands and three eyes.
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 2:58 PM GMT, Martin H said:
The guy who made this show actually knows Susan Nickson personally, hence why it probably got commissioned for a full series. And apparently he knows it's a pile of shite.
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 2:59 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
They'd also need special eyes for staring at anything 'different' and a generally depressed demeanour. Radiohead went to school there, you know. Says it all.
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 3:23 PM GMT, Eat My Shirts said:
Words can not describe how bad this sitcom is. I am utterly speechless. 
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 5:09 PM GMT, zooo said:
Quote: Martin Holmes @ October 6 2008, 11:58 AM BSTThe guy who made this show actually knows Susan Nickson personally, hence why it probably got commissioned for a full series. And apparently he knows it's a pile of shite.
Where did you hear that?
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 5:14 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: zooo @ October 6 2008, 2:09 PM BSTWhere did you hear that?
It's not far from the 'married' thing I heard about. I read that rumour on another comedy site.
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 5:34 PM GMT, catskillz said:
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ October 6 2008, 11:49 AM BSTI actually saw some of this yesterday and can confirm that it is awful, all the cast look too young and most of all it's not funny in the slightest. Overall it's a bit of an insult to the young people it's aimed at. My peers and I were having a much better time when we were that age - the characters in this show seem so immature.
And I see it's apparently set in Abingdon. So why do the characters mostly have London/estuary accents? People in Abingdon have west country accents. This and Beautiful People seem to have really pointless locations. It's as if a show has to pretend to be set in somewhere other than London, but actually turns out that it's just like London. It's like setting a sitcom in a small Lancashire town but all the characters have Scouse accents. Why not just make the location universal or irrelelvant.
Liverpool was actually part of Lancashire, until 30-odd years ago.
On Tuesday 7th October 2008 GMT at 3:39 AM GMT, Mikey Jackson said:
I find that Coming Of Age comes across like one of those unfunny American pre-to-early-teen Disney Channel kid-coms.
I had my niece stay round mine (8 years old) for 3 days recently who constantly watched that Disney shite, including the one with Britney's sister. Was I tearing my hair out after that or what?
I did try to watch Coming Of (Under)Age tonight, (just to give it a fair airing as I've only seen last week's trailer) but kicked in the TV after two minutes.
(That's two whole minutes)
Unfunny. Can't act. Script is cark.
On Tuesday 7th October 2008 GMT at 12:11 PM GMT, ContainsNuts said:
Quote: Seefacts @ October 2 2008, 6:46 PM BSTWell, I meant realistic stuff, made sitcom.
Like telling someone's little brother their parents would perish in a nuclear attack and then projectile vomiting over it.
It's still very grounded though.
Getting you teacher naked in a pool - ugh, gay!!!!11111 yes, very amusing - is not.
Inbetweeners was true to itself and its world, I feel this one was a bit over the place even for a farce. A lot of the gags were old ones or just about wanking. It was better than the pilot IMO, but its not really for me. I don't think they found a 19 year-old writer with a unique voice, I think they have commissioned the voice of a 19 year-old writer. If ya get me.
On Tuesday 7th October 2008 GMT at 3:41 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Watched fifteen minutes of this last night. Not good. Like, as has been mentioned, a crappy kids sit-com with added, constant sex 'gags'.
It is baaaaad. To think they cancelled Pulling to fill BBC Three up with more stuff like this.
On Tuesday 7th October 2008 GMT at 4:49 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
Quote: Matthew Stott @ October 7 2008, 12:41 PM BSTWatched fifteen minutes of this last night. It is shit. Like, as has been mentioned, a crappy kids sit-com with added, constant sex 'gags'.
It is baaaaad. To think they cancelled Pulling to fill BBC3 up with more stuff like this. It beggars belief.
Have they cancelled Pulling? That's a big mistake. I thought I'd hate that show, from the way it was promoted and the trailers, actually watched it once and was quite hooked. They'd try to push it as some gross-out ladette comedy, when really it was just a good character comedy.
I think, apart from not having much of a developed sense of humour, the writer of CoA is too young. Sometimes a writer needs a little distance from their subject. With time, hindsight and reflection a writer can realise the characters much better. Even if it's just a few years. When you're wrapped up in that stage of your life, you just don't see the whole picture, whereas some time after you have much better perspective.
On Tuesday 7th October 2008 GMT at 5:12 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Well they've not so much cancelled it as announced that another new series will not be commissioned. AFAIK, work hadn't begun on a third.
On Tuesday 7th October 2008 GMT at 6:53 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Does seem a shame to kill off a genuinely well written show like Pulling. God knows, BBC3 isn't exactly awash with them.
On Wednesday 8th October 2008 GMT at 2:17 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Actually quite enjoyed this week's episode. I just get a strange feeling from it. Like it's got a humourous shell, with nothing inside.
That makes no sense outside of my head.
Anyway. Point being, much better than episode 1, some realism, and some freaking sweet innuendo. Looking forward to episode 3 a little more than I was with 2.
On Wednesday 8th October 2008 GMT at 3:46 AM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: Aaron @ October 7 2008, 2:12 PM BSTWell they've not so much cancelled it as announced that another new series will not be commissioned. AFAIK, work hadn't begun on a third.
That's another way of saying "cancelled" in my book. Here's a quote from Gareth McLean:
QuoteIn deeply dispiriting but strangely not surprising news, BBC3 has axed Pulling, a decision that will persuade no one that Danny 'Phoo Action' Cohen isn't a moron. I suppose that without Pulling around, Coming Of Age won't look quite as atrocious but is that really reason enough to axe one of the finest comedies on TV? I suppose if there ever was a third series of Gavin and Stacey, Cohen would pass on that too because 'every recommission means one less space for a new project'.
You're right though, there could still be life for Pulling yet... BBC2 have just got a new controller who could allow the show to move over.
Anyway, back to the depressing situation that is Coming Of Age:
On Wednesday 8th October 2008 GMT at 4:17 AM GMT, Aaron said:
I dunno. I tend to think of a cancellation involving the halt of something which has already begun. But it can be defined either way.
On Wednesday 8th October 2008 GMT at 6:05 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Aaron @ October 8 2008, 1:17 AM BSTI dunno. I tend to think of a cancellation involving the halt of something which has already begun. But it can be defined either way.
Since I'm Alan Partridge I've always deemed failure to get recomissioned as failure. That said, perhaps the Pulling team didn't pitch a third series.
On Wednesday 8th October 2008 GMT at 9:50 PM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: chipolata @ October 8 2008, 3:05 PM BSTSince I'm Alan Partridge I've always deemed failure to get recomissioned as failure. That said, perhaps the Pulling team didn't pitch a third series.
They definitely want to do a full third season - but they're only only allowed a final special because Danny Cohen won't give them any more than an hour.
Cohen had a good career at C4 (The Inbetweeners, Fonejacker and Skins were amongst his commissions) but he's really titted things up since he's come to BBC Three... Lily Allen and Friends, The Wall, Coming Of Age: they're not exactly Pulling, Nighty Night, Little Britain, Gavin and Stacey or The Mighty Boosh are they?
On Wednesday 8th October 2008 GMT at 11:46 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: Mark @ October 8 2008, 6:50 PM BSTThey definitely want to do a full third season - but they're only only allowed a final special because Danny Cohen won't give them any more than an hour.
Cohen had a good career at C4 (The Inbetweeners, Fonejacker and Skins were amongst his commissions) but he's really titted things up since he's come to BBC Three... Lily Allen and Friends, The Wall, Coming Of Age: they're not exactly Pulling, Nighty Night, Little Britain, Gavin and Stacey or The Mighty Boosh are they?
Only The Inbetweeners is any good out of that list.
On Monday 13th October 2008 GMT at 10:41 PM GMT, swerytd said:
Quote: Mark @ October 8 2008, 6:50 PM BST
Cohen had a good career at C4 (The Inbetweeners, Fonejacker and Skins were amongst his commissions) but he's really titted things up since he's come to BBC Three... Lily Allen and Friends, The Wall, Coming Of Age: they're not exactly Pulling, Nighty Night, Little Britain, Gavin and Stacey or The Mighty Boosh are they?
From what you've listed, that's an obvious attempt at a demographic change, isn't it? It's trying to appeal to a younger market now (early/mid-teens to early twenties than 18-35 that was aimed for before. Pulling is *so* not for that market, and more appealing to your mid-twenties up, in my opinion.
It's like Cohen's been told to aim lower, age-wise.
Dan
On Tuesday 14th October 2008 GMT at 5:05 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
I feel (as part of my community service) I really have to come to the defence of 'Coming Of Age'. For example, the title. How many of you could have come up with this gag, scum? ('Coming' has a double-meaning, you see? Not so clever are you now, eh?)
This is a scatological masterpiece along Pinteresque or Ortonian lines. It neither judges nor dismays the inconsequence of modernity. Indeed, the 2nd episode 'Dick and Fanny', to some extent expresses in a way (that no series of 'X Factor' ever will, for those rationalists) the frustration, the ennui and the existentialist despair, that trying to create a predictable sexual innendo plot will always involve in this "credit-crunch" Zeitgeist.
Ergo, a young man (who is looking scared-by-camera and unconvincing), fears that he might be gay (and the ridicule which that gayness typically provokes in the neo-Marxist Brown-ite "noughties"). So what does he do? Where is his outlet? Why, gloriously, in the word, the name "Lilly". He hilariously makes a "gag" about really finding that "Lilly Savage" incredibly attractive.
You see?
The young man (mixing Rousseau with Freud with - dare I say it? - gay abandon!), has unintentionally mistakenly said "Lilly Savage" when he meant to say (or did he?) "Lily Allen".
He has shown his sexuality in a way we can all understand - straight OR gay, black OR white, mother OR father, liberal OR Nazi.
We acquire a better conceit of ourselves. We know the truth. Poofs don't know they're poofs. Homosexuals need it explaining it to themselves by girls. Gays are whimsical losers. The universe is resolved to not expanding quite as fast until it has come to terms with this.
Of course, some say 'Coming Of Age' isn't as deeply thought-out as this, however...
On Tuesday 14th October 2008 GMT at 5:44 AM GMT, catskillz said:
Hahahaha.
On Tuesday 14th October 2008 GMT at 12:48 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
I gave this a second chance (well there was nothing else on) and my opinion hasn't changed. It was just endless, silly inneundos and different ways of describing sexual acts. There's no depth or any other sort of gag (apart from some bad slapstick).
Of course you could say this show isn't aimed at me, but I still have the same sense of humour as I had when I was 16 (in fact I was more harsh and critical then). Who is this aimed at? It must be watched/aimed at the 12-15 age group who believe this show was great because it's 'naughty'.
On Wednesday 15th October 2008 GMT at 3:20 AM GMT, Aaron said:
I think that this week's episode was more or less the pilot. I do seem to recall all the green stuff. Either way, some rather good gags, and generally on the same standard as last week. I chuckled along a bit, and it kept my attention. Enjoyable.
On Wednesday 15th October 2008 GMT at 8:21 PM GMT, Spagett said:
A horrible horrible mess of a show.
Did Diana princess of Wales die on the cross for nothing?
On Wednesday 15th October 2008 GMT at 8:24 PM GMT, zooo said:
Quote: Spagett @ October 15 2008, 5:21 PM BSTDid Diana princess of Wales die on the cross for nothing?
Haha!
On Wednesday 15th October 2008 GMT at 9:58 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: Aaron @ October 15 2008, 12:20 AM BSTI think that this week's episode was more or less the pilot. I do seem to recall all the green stuff. Either way, some rather good gags, and generally on the same standard as last week. I chuckled along a bit, and it kept my attention. Enjoyable.
Aaron, at times you just seem to have the absolute worst taste in the world; and whats more, I think you know and are quite proud of the fact!!
On Wednesday 15th October 2008 GMT at 9:59 PM GMT, Aaron said:
I find small, crude little things like that highly amusing.
Let's hope that Mrs Stott doesn't share my sense of humour.
On Wednesday 15th October 2008 GMT at 10:04 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: Aaron @ October 15 2008, 6:59 PM BSTI find small, crude little things like that highly amusing.
Let's hope that Mrs Stott doesn't share my sense of humour.
What's my Mum got to do with it? Boom . . . . tish.
My Mums not even called Mrs Stott, so it doesn't even work.
On Monday 20th October 2008 GMT at 2:14 PM GMT, swerytd said:
Again, it was alright. Not fantastic, but not awful.
Unfortunately, I can see this getting repeat after repeat after repeat on BBC3 rather than something a lot more deserving...
Dan
On Tuesday 21st October 2008 GMT at 2:30 AM GMT, Spagett said:
Surely this show is some sort of terrorist attack?
It has caused so much pain and anger.
On Tuesday 21st October 2008 GMT at 3:04 AM GMT, Mikey Jackson said:
Best just to stop watching it.
Otherwise you're giving them viewing figures.
And that woud mean a second series. GASP!!!!! 
On Tuesday 21st October 2008 GMT at 3:15 AM GMT, Spagett said:
I have seen the one episode and am still in counselling because of it.
I know that as a rule "Yoof" TV is meant to be rubbish but this breaks new ground in crapness.
On Tuesday 21st October 2008 GMT at 6:50 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Mikey J @ October 21 2008, 12:04 AM BSTBest just to stop watching it.
Otherwise you're giving them viewing figures.
And that woud mean a second series. GASP!!!!!
Viewing figure wise, it's probably already done enough to get a second series.
On Wednesday 22nd October 2008 GMT at 4:10 AM GMT, Eat My Shirts said:
I'm not sure why, but I am watching this crap and I'm not loathing it in the same way I loathe most BBC3 sitcoms. I think I even laughed once. I dunno, I seem to have a bit of a weakness for juvenile jokes about willys and wanking. 
On Wednesday 22nd October 2008 GMT at 4:37 AM GMT, Aaron said:
I actually really liked this week's episode. I think it was the sadistic streak which I found most endearing.
On Wednesday 22nd October 2008 GMT at 12:02 PM GMT, Yatta said:
The only scenes that made me laugh were the ones with the Scottish geography teacher... oh and the receding hair line joke...
What do you call a line of rabbits going backwards? A receding hair line... Genius, don't you think?
On Wednesday 22nd October 2008 GMT at 1:19 PM GMT, Aaron said:
I didn't spot that one. Very good.
On Friday 24th October 2008 GMT at 12:54 PM GMT, swerytd said:
Actually, I have to give kudos for this week's guest non-rude line:
'First rule of geography -- expect the unexpected!'
Better storyline too, with the 'partner swap' giving a more traditional set-up.
Dan
On Friday 24th October 2008 GMT at 3:32 PM GMT, Mikey Jackson said:
Quote: Yatta @ October 22 2008, 9:02 AM BSToh and the receding hair line joke...
What do you call a line of rabbits going backwards? A receding hair line... Genius, don't you think?
I heard that at primary school in the 70s.
Well old joke. Genius? No. Recycling playground jokes. Yes.
The writer needs to get laid badly.
At least then he's know what he's writing about.
On Friday 24th October 2008 GMT at 9:42 PM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Quote: swerytd @ October 24 2008, 9:54 AM BSTActually, I have to give kudos for this week's guest non-rude line:
'First rule of geography -- expect the unexpected!'
Yes, not rude. Not funny, but not rude. Nothing wrong with rude if clever. Not clever. Awful script, bad acting, not funny. Possibly one of the least well-written, egregious, "put your brains to bed" sitcoms ever written.
"Joke" lines shat-out like uncontrollable, uncomfortable ditch-water diarrrhoea (during an absence of toilet paper).
Hiya.
On Saturday 25th October 2008 GMT at 6:05 PM GMT, bev-p said:
See, I loved Two Pints but started getting bored of all the repeats ('cos even the best shows can drag), but still loved Will Mellor...
And I'm a 26 year old female who actaully likes the stupidness of Coming Of Age for some reason; think it's 'cos that's how my humour works (and the fact I find stupid stuff funny)...
Think Chloe needs to loosen up a bit though, she's just a bit too uptight. Nothing wrong with waiting (God, how I wish I had), but she just seems so prudish yet lovely. Not keen on DK, he's a bit too idiotic. What does the K stand for by the way? Matt is ok I guess, just a bit goofy, and Jas seems like a tart with a heart. Ollie, well he's just Ollie really!
Edited by Aaron.
On Saturday 25th October 2008 GMT at 6:32 PM GMT, Hilary Fish said:
Analysing comedy is the preserve of the Media Studies Student and is accordingly a waste of time.
Something is either funny or it isn't. However, there is one given: Not everyone will get the joke. As the old adage goes: One man's meat is another man's poison.
Does comedy need to be clever to work? Personally, I don't think so.
If comedy is deemed to be puerile is it any less valid? Again, I don't think so.
The main criterion for comedy is that it provokes laughter - how that is achieved is by-and-large irrelevant.
Is comedy diluted or diminished by cliché? Possibly, but not always. However, it is always nice to be exposed to something new, but then again, isn't life one big cliché?
The one point to bear in mind is that certain styles of humour will not work for all, but will for some. My advice is to stick to what you find funny and you'll be laughing.
When all is said and done, who is going to be the self-appointed arbiter of what is funny or not?
On Saturday 25th October 2008 GMT at 7:04 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Hilary Fish @ October 25 2008, 3:32 PM BSTDoes comedy need to be clever to work? Personally, I don't think so.
If comedy is deemed to be puerile is it any less valid? Again, I don't think so.
The main criterion for comedy is that it provokes laughter - how that is achieved is by-and- large irrelevant.
Is comedy diluted or diminished by cliché? Possibly, but not always. However, it is always nice to be exposed to something new, but then again, isn't life one big cliché?
Agreed.
Quote: Hilary Fish @ October 25 2008, 3:32 PM BSTWhen all is said and done, who is going to be the self-appointed arbiter of what is funny or not?
Matthew Stott, I suspect.
Oh, and I largely agree with bev-p. Welcome to the site, both of you.
On Saturday 25th October 2008 GMT at 7:15 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: Aaron @ October 25 2008, 4:04 PM BST
Matthew Stott, I suspect.
?!? I don't think I'm any more agressive in my opinions than a great many people on here. In fact, I think I'm a great deal more reasonable-wrap your eyes around a Tim Walker show demolition-it's brutal stuff!
Quote: Aaron @ October 25 2008, 4:04 PM BSTOh, and I largely agree with bev-p. Welcome to the site, both of you.
So he/she/it is basically saying you shouldn't give an opinion on something if you don't like it? Some valid points in there, but that's obviously a bit wrong. Slag or praise away.
On Saturday 25th October 2008 GMT at 7:59 PM GMT, Hilary Fish said:
All opinions are welcome - more so when they are informed.
Having said that of course, it is all too easy to be dismissive and critical.
When offering up criticism, you need to ask whether you could do better.
Well I do hope so, then we can all enjoy more of a laugh.
The point of criticism is to be constructive. By all means state what you feel isn't working for you and why, but at the same time offer an alternative solution.
Making facile comments along the lines that it is puerile or full of knob jokes suggests that you don't find any humour in puerility or knob jokes, which rules out a fair degree of comedy these days.
With regards to Coming of Age, I will readily admit to finding it amusing, but then again I am often drawn to the grotesque and the outrageous.
However, I will concede that at times the editing does leave a little to be desired. Although, this isn't always the fault of the editor. It is the responsibility of the director to ensure that pick-ups work.
Could I do any better - Possibly - then again, possibly not - I'm too much of a lazy So and So to get off my backside and give it a try.
Lastly, it should be borne in mind, that writing a script and then getting into production is in itself a great achievement.
On Saturday 25th October 2008 GMT at 8:21 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Hilary, you are very reasonable. I find this unreasonable.
Quote: Hilary Fish @ October 25 2008, 4:59 PM BST
Lastly, it should be borne in mind, that writing a script and then getting into production is in itself a great achievement.
Of course, but it doesn't mean the audience should just shrug and say 'Well, it was a bit pants, but well done for getting it on tv.'
Quote: Hilary Fish @ October 25 2008, 4:59 PM BST
When offering up criticism, you need to ask whether you could do better.
Well I do hope so, then we can all enjoy more of a laugh.
I don't agree there at all. You can be critical without having to stop yourself because you think you yourself couldn't do any better; your own abilities shouldn't have anything to do with what you think of a show!
Quote: Hilary Fish @ October 25 2008, 4:59 PM BSTThe point of criticism is to be constructive. By all means state what you feel isn't working for you and why, but at the same time offer an alternative solution.
There's no obligation on an internet forum to do that. Sure, it would be nice if most crit was a bit more thought through than 'I think its great/shit', but the people posting on here are under no obligation to do so. They are not offering one-to-one advice/crit to a shows writers or producers, just stating what their thoughts on a show are.
Quote: Hilary Fish @ October 25 2008, 3:32 PM BST
Does comedy need to be clever to work? Personally, I don't think so.
If comedy is deemed to be puerile is it any less valid? Again, I don't think so.
The main criterion for comedy is that it provokes laughter - how that is achieved is by-and-large irrelevant.
These bits I'd agree with.
On Saturday 25th October 2008 GMT at 8:21 PM GMT, Hilary Fish said:
Hello Matthew, you sweetie,
Well a bit pants it may well be - but what are you going to do about it?
(1) Write a better sitcom.
(2) Apply for the job of Commisioning Editor and put on what you find amusing.
What's the offing that it's neither of the above.
Personally, I switch on BBC 7 if I need a bit of a chuckle.
On Saturday 25th October 2008 GMT at 8:26 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: Hilary Fish @ October 25 2008, 5:21 PM BSTHello Matthew, you sweetie,
Well a bit pants it may well be - but what are you going to do about it?
(1) Write a better sitcom.
(2) Apply for the job of Commisioning Editor and put on what you find amusing.
What's the offing that it's neither of the above.
Personally, I switch on BBC 7 if I need a bit of a chuckle.
I've not refered to this show in particular in my posts replying to you, just about crit in general on this site. If I do think a show is 'pants', then the only thing I'm going to do is stop watching it; the missing option three from your list. I hope you don't think I was being argumentative or agressive, as you calling me 'sweetie' seems to suggest, just offering a different point of view, which we're all allowed to do on here. I don't think comedies I don't find amusing should be taken off air, I just won't watch them and won't pretend I like them.
On Saturday 25th October 2008 GMT at 8:31 PM GMT, Hilary Fish said:
Hello Matthew,
I do apologise if my being over familiar caused you to feel uncomfortable, this was not my intention.
I should say that I stumbled upon this forum by mistake. "Mistake" being the operative word.
Good bye all.
Happy viewing and even more happy carping.
Hugs & Kisses,
Hilary xx
On Saturday 25th October 2008 GMT at 8:35 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: Hilary Fish @ October 25 2008, 5:31 PM BSTHello Matthew,
I do apologise if my being over familiar caused you to feel uncomfortable, this was not my intention.
I should say that I stumbled upon this forum by mistake. "Mistake" being the operative word.
Good bye all.
Happy viewing and even more happing carping.
Hugs & Kisses,
Hilary xx
So basically you met someone who wanted to offer a differing opinion in a more than reasonable manner, got narked and decided not to post anymore? Am I reading that right? I think you should accept that other people have different views to yourself and give this site a chance. If not, then it was short, slightly bizzare, but quite interesting little chat. Bye then.
On Saturday 25th October 2008 GMT at 9:02 PM GMT, zooo said:
Not everyone here is a writer, so the fact that they could or could not do better themselves isn't really their concern!
On Saturday 25th October 2008 GMT at 10:24 PM GMT, Eat My Shirts said:
It's obvious that Hilary Fish had something to do with the making of the show. Or a relative of someone involved with it. Or maybe he/she is one of the cast members. Why else would someone get so worked up about this. People who sign up for this forum, and as their debut post start singing the praises of a show that most people are finding shit, just makes it way too obvious. There was one in the 'Massive' thread too.
On Saturday 25th October 2008 GMT at 11:39 PM GMT, zooo said:
Well I must admit I thought that might be true too.
But we don't know either way. So no assuming!
On Sunday 26th October 2008 GMT at 1:35 AM GMT, Spagett said:
Good work Eat my Shorts.
Aside from Aaron who seems to revel in enjoying comedies the vast majority of people hate, the only way someone could defend this show is if they are somehow involved in the making of it.
On Sunday 26th October 2008 GMT at 2:46 AM GMT, Jonathan Kapspike said:
As a first time contributor I write this with a modicum of trepidation.
Are you deliberately trying to discourage positive comments about this show?
The ratings are apparently quite good and presumably at least some of these people are enjoying it - probably a significant proportion of the demographic at which it is aimed.
As for the show itself - it's a bit ragged and not always well written, but it has certain energy and a "couldn't give a crap" attitude that obviously appeals to a younger audience.
On Sunday 26th October 2008 GMT at 2:48 AM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: Jonathan Kapspike @ October 25 2008, 11:46 PM BSTAs a first time contributor I write this with a modicum of trepidation.
Are you deliberately trying to discourage positive comments about this show?
The ratings are apparently quite good and presumably at least some of these people are enjoying it - probably a significant proportion of the demographic at which it is aimed.
As for the show itself - it's a bit ragged and not always well written, but it has certain energy and a "couldn't give a crap" attitude that obviously appeals to a younger audience.
Write what you like, if anyone tries to bat you down then ignore them. Your opinion is as good as anyone elses. (Apart from mine, of course)
On Sunday 26th October 2008 GMT at 3:04 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Jonathan Kapspike @ October 25 2008, 11:46 PM BSTAs a first time contributor I write this with a modicum of trepidation.
Are you deliberately trying to discourage positive comments about this show?
Unfortunately, I fear that many are.
But you're more than welcome to have your say!
Welcome to the site.
On Sunday 26th October 2008 GMT at 3:10 AM GMT, Spagett said:
Quote: Jonathan Kapspike @ October 25 2008, 11:46 PM BSTAs a first time contributor I write this with a modicum of trepidation.
Are you deliberately trying to discourage positive comments about this show?
The ratings are apparently quite good and presumably at least some of these people are enjoying it - probably a significant proportion of the demographic at which it is aimed.
As for the show itself - it's a bit ragged and not always well written, but it has certain energy and a "couldn't give a crap" attitude that obviously appeals to a younger audience.
I suppose each to their own.
I think it is awful and another desperate attempt by BBC3 to appeal to the kids rather than on broadcasting quality.
You like it.
On Sunday 26th October 2008 GMT at 3:29 AM GMT, Jonathan Kapspike said:
QuoteI think it is awful and another desperate attempt by BBC3 to appeal to the kids rather than on broadcasting quality.
A fair point about broadcast quality which admittedly could improve with regards tothis show.
However why should an appeal to a younger audience necessarily be
regarded as desperate - it does after all appear to be working for BBC3 with good ratings for this show and an increased audience share for the channel.
On Sunday 26th October 2008 GMT at 3:30 AM GMT, Eat My Shirts said:
You seem to know a lot about the ratings. Are you in charge of the ratings at the BBC? 
On Sunday 26th October 2008 GMT at 3:51 AM GMT, Jonathan Kapspike said:
No - just from reading about them online - they do have some relevance, although they are not the sole arbiter of quality.
Two of my personal favourite comedy shows Larry Sanders and (blast from the past) The Peter Principle never got good audience viewing figures - but if a programme does, it's interesting to try and figure out what's the appeal as opposed to simply ripping in to it.
On Sunday 26th October 2008 GMT at 4:04 AM GMT, Spagett said:
Hmmm. Maybe the appeal is that it's utterly brainless.
That isn't just me ripping into it though.
Perhaps because it is a show where you really don't have to think about it that's what makes it popular.
You can just switch off and watch it.
On Sunday 26th October 2008 GMT at 4:10 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Spagett @ October 26 2008, 1:04 AM BSTPerhaps because it is a show where you really don't have to think about it that's what makes it popular.
You can just switch off and watch it.
On Sunday 26th October 2008 GMT at 4:20 AM GMT, Spagett said:
Well although I still hate it I can understand that logic in liking it.
On Sunday 26th October 2008 GMT at 10:30 PM GMT, Hilary Fish said:
Hello again,
I wish to allay any unsubstantiated assertion that I may be connected to the show in any way or form - either in a professional capacity or as a friend or relative to anyone involved with the show, by stating that most emphatically I am not.
Having said that, I have been involved in the television industry for over 21 years. Any show on the BBC you care to name that has been produced at TVC I have probably worked on it in some capacity or other.
For the record, I am not part of the targeted demographic for the expected audience of Coming of age. I am in my mid forties - although if my arm were to be twisted I would confess to looking 35ish.
Now I hope that puts this particular issue to bed.
Kisses,
Hilary xx
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 12:19 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
Hehe. I was watching Points Of View on iPlayer and a very short clip of this show was played because a bunch of teenagers were talking about how they're portrayed unfairly.
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 12:21 AM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: Hilary Fish @ October 26 2008, 7:30 PM BSTHello again,
We pulled you back in . . . there is no escape . . . much like a black hole . . . .
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 12:25 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: hotzappa11 @ October 26 2008, 9:19 PM BSTHehe. I was watching Points Of View on iPlayer and a very short clip of this show was played because a bunch of teenagers were talking about how they're portrayed unfairly.
Oddly enough, although the show was featured visually, there was no mention of it, nor any mention of anything specific TO it.
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 12:36 AM GMT, Hilary Fish said:
Quote: hotzappa11 @ October 26 2008, 9:19 PM BSTHehe. I was watching Points Of View on iPlayer and a very short clip of this show was played because a bunch of teenagers were talking about how they're portrayed unfairly.
They were in all possibility complaining quite rightly that the characters portrayed in Coming of age are wholly unlike themselves, because on the whole, the characters are attractive, clean and reasonably articulate. Unlike most of the teenagers and twentysomethings I have the misfortune to encounter these days.
Regards,
Hilary.
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 12:36 AM GMT, Nil Putters said:
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 3:15 AM GMT, Marc P said:
Quote: Hilary Fish @ October 26 2008, 7:30 PM BSTHello again,
I wish to allay any unsubstantiated assertion that I may be connected to the show in any way or form - either in a professional capacity or as a friend or relative to anyone involved with the show, by stating that most emphatically I am not.
Having said that, I have been involved in the television industry for over 21 years. Any show on the BBC you care to name that has been produced at TVC I have probably worked on it in some capacity or other.
For the record, I am not part of the targeted demographic for the expected audience of Coming of age. I am in my mid forties - although if my arm were to be twisted I would confess to looking 35ish.
Now I hope that puts this particular issue to bed.
Kisses,
Hilary xx
There is nothing wrong, in my opinion, with doing make up with shows Hilary at TVC, apart from the old Black and White Minstrel shows.
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 1:25 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
Quote: Hilary Fish @ October 26 2008, 9:36 PM BSTThey were in all possibility complaining quite rightly that the characters portrayed in Coming of age are wholly unlike themselves, because on the whole, the characters are attractive, clean and reasonably articulate. Unlike most of the teenagers and twentysomethings I have the misfortune to encounter these days.
Regards,
Hilary.
I have to disagree. I find the characters in Coming of Age quite sad. Most people I know/have known in their teens and twenties are living far more interesting and exciting, grown-up - even more glamorous - lives than those portrayed in this sitcom.
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 8:16 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ October 27 2008, 10:25 AM BSTI have to disagree. I find the characters in Coming of Age quite sad. Most people I know/have known in their teens and twenties are living far more interesting and exciting, grown-up - even more glamorous - lives than those portrayed in this sitcom.
The lives of the kids in this are ultimately dull and empty, but so are the lives of most characters in sitcoms. Of course other sitcoms compensate with jokes and believable characters.
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 9:03 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
This sitcom is just so overly infantile in so many ways that I wonder if it's actually aimed/watched by the 11 - 14 age group?
There was a point made by an earlier poster that just because you don't find something funny it doesn't mean it's no good. There are some shows that I just don't find funny (Green Wing being one) but I don't think it's rubbish; it just doesn't work me, but I can appreciate that others may find humour in it.
Whereas - and I'm sure many would agree - take the jokes in Christmas crackers; they're not funny and they're rubbish. I feel like that about CoA. I don't find it funny, not because I don't 'get it' - but because the quality of the humour is poor, predicatable and infantile (childish is something different).
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 9:04 PM GMT, Aaron said:
But it's so mindless and crude that it's brilliant.
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 9:08 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ October 27 2008, 6:03 PM BSTThis sitcom is just so overly infantile in so many ways that I wonder if it's actually aimed/watched by the 11 - 14 age group?
It's undoubtedly aimed at that age group. The BBC - and other channels - are acutely aware that young people don't watch television as much as they used to, hence the rush of shows that seek to appeal to that vanishing young demographic.
The irony is, ask any young whipper snapper what comedies they enjoy and it's more likely to be shows like The IT Crowd or The Mighty Boosh than the pap aimed specifically at them.
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 9:20 PM GMT, Flaner said:
Check out the comments underneath this youtube vid of Coming Of Age:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYWFI39uKg0
Dear god...it's finding an audience! Maybe we're all too snooty for it.
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 9:24 PM GMT, chipolata said:
To paraphrase somebody quite famous, "Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the average BBC3 viewer."
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 9:29 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
Quote: chipolata @ October 27 2008, 6:08 PM BSTIt's undoubtedly aimed at that age group. The BBC - and other channels - are acutely aware that young people don't watch television as much as they used to, hence the rush of shows that seek to appeal to that vanishing young demographic.
The irony is, ask any young whipper snapper what comedies they enjoy and it's more likely to be shows like The IT Crowd or The Mighty Boosh than the pap aimed specifically at them.
Exactly. The people I know in that age group love Extras, The Boosh and Peep Show.
Quote: Aaron @ October 27 2008, 6:04 PM BSTBut it's so mindless and crude that it's brilliant.
It's not the mindlessness and crudeness of the humour that I don't find funny or clever or shocking or surprising. To me, Derek and Clive (which ticks the mindless and crude boxes) is brilliant this is just weak.
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 9:36 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ October 27 2008, 6:29 PM BST
It's not the mindlessness and crudeness of the humour that I don't find funny or clever or shocking or surprising.
I agree. If you're going to be mindless and crude, do it with chutzpah. Coming of Age doesn't do it with chutzpah.
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 9:40 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
Quote: Flaner @ October 27 2008, 6:20 PM BSTCheck out the comments underneath this youtube vid of Coming Of Age:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYWFI39uKg0
Ah, now I get it! It's aimed at the illiterate.
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 9:41 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Define "chutzpah".
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 10:20 PM GMT, zooo said:
Jewish for va va voom.
(er, made that up.)
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 10:56 PM GMT, Aaron said:
On Tuesday 28th October 2008 GMT at 12:56 AM GMT, Mikey Jackson said:
More predictable than that crap show is the even more predictable sudden deluge of people suddenly coming out of the woodwork, defending it...
...who I suspect are people like Tim Dawson and his family in various guises.
QuoteThere was a point made by an earlier poster that just because you don't find something funny it doesn't mean it's no good. There are some shows that I just don't find funny (Green Wing being one) but I don't think it's rubbish; it just doesn't work me, but I can appreciate that others may find humour in it.
Whereas - and I'm sure many would agree - take the jokes in Christmas crackers; they're not funny and they're rubbish. I feel like that about CoA. I don't find it funny, not because I don't 'get it' - but because the quality of the humour is poor, predicatable and infantile (childish is something different).
I wholeheartedly agree with this statement.
Thing is, there's no point in doing nob-gag sitcoms anymore because they DON'T SHOCK ANYMORE!
Swearing on TV is everywhere. It doesn't work as a shock tactic.
The Young Ones in the 1980s was infantile and crude, but, back then, it WAS shocking and worked. Oh, and it was hilarious!
CoA is 20 years too late.
On Tuesday 28th October 2008 GMT at 1:06 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
Quote: Flaner @ October 27 2008, 6:20 PM BSTCheck out the comments underneath this youtube vid of Coming Of Age:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYWFI39uKg0
Dear god...it's finding an audience! Maybe we're all too snooty for it.
That scene, which is from the original pilot, is the only thing I ever found funny about it. I think it's 'cause I like Shaggy though.
On Tuesday 28th October 2008 GMT at 2:18 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Mikey J @ October 27 2008, 9:56 PM BSTThing is, there's no point in doing nob-gag sitcoms anymore because they DON'T SHOCK ANYMORE!
Disagree.
They may not shock in the same way as shows once would have, but they can still give a good kick.
On Tuesday 28th October 2008 GMT at 2:22 AM GMT, Greg said:
They don't shock the majority of people who watch BBC Three though.
On Tuesday 28th October 2008 GMT at 3:35 AM GMT, Mikey Jackson said:
Quote: Aaron @ October 27 2008, 11:18 PM BSTDisagree.
They may not shock in the same way as shows once would have, but they can still give a good kick.
Yeah, I s'pose, but they need to do it in a new and cutting edge way.
On Tuesday 28th October 2008 GMT at 5:35 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Sorry, but I absolutely LOATHE that attitude. I'm too tired at the moment to go into depth, but there's no reason something has to be new or cutting edge. And it obviously "works" because there is apparently good ratings for this show (I think someone said so anyway). So uhh, yeah. I'll come back with something far more coherent tomorrow.
On Wednesday 29th October 2008 GMT at 3:21 AM GMT, tinselboy said:
I've just watched the latest episode of 'Coming of Age'.
It is without doubt one the biggest buckets of humourless toss ever to have graced British television screens.
This isn't my main beef however. BBC3 is about taking risks. I get that. We all get that, and this is something to be positive about.
The problem is that BBC3 is rapidly making itself a laughing stock. This is just the latest in a long line of puerile guff which equates to saying that all young people want are brainless nob gags. It's patronising and sidelining genuine talent out there. It sends out a message. If you're young and want to get commissioned write 'cock' and 'fanny' every three seconds.
By the way I'm in my thirties and a professional gag writer. I don't write scripts - so this isn't sour grapes. Just someone who genuinely looked forward to an exciting new outlet for comedy and watched in sheer disbelief as more and more pitiful bollocks got commissioned.
There are plenty of people out there who want to shut down BBC3. The sad thing is BBC3 seems hell bent on doing everything in its power to help them.
The solution is simple. No more shit. Please...
On Wednesday 29th October 2008 GMT at 3:50 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Welcome, tinselboy. I've not seen this week's episode as yet, but from the previous ones, I certainly understand where you're coming from! (Although don't entirely agree.)
On Wednesday 29th October 2008 GMT at 3:52 AM GMT, zooo said:
I wish people wouldn't blanket the whole of BBC3, there have been various good shows on the channel. It's not aalllll shite.
On Wednesday 29th October 2008 GMT at 2:33 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: zooo @ October 29 2008, 12:52 AM BSTI wish people wouldn't blanket the whole of BBC3, there have been various good shows on the channel. It's not aalllll shite.
On Saturday 1st November 2008 GMT at 5:57 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Where is any humanity/considerate writing/laughs?
This series is deliberately offensive/not at all funny.
It gives a poorer impression of the standards of the BBC than Ross/Brand have ever done.
Quote: tinselboy @ October 29 2008, 12:21 AM BSTI've just watched the latest episode of 'Coming of Age'.
It is without doubt one the biggest buckets of humourless toss ever to have graced British television screens.
This isn't my main beef however. BBC3 is about taking risks. I get that. We all get that, and this is something to be positive about.
The problem is that BBC3 is rapidly making itself a laughing stock. This is just the latest in a long line of puerile guff which equates to saying that all young people want are brainless nob gags. It's patronising and sidelining genuine talent out there. It sends out a message. If you're young and want to get commissioned write 'cock' and 'fanny' every three seconds.
By the way I'm in my thirties and a professional gag writer. I don't write scripts - so this isn't sour grapes. Just someone who genuinely looked forward to an exciting new outlet for comedy and watched in sheer disbelief as more and more pitiful bollocks got commissioned.
There are plenty of people out there who want to shut down BBC3. The sad thing is BBC3 seems hell bent on doing everything in its power to help them.
The solution is simple. No more shit. Please...
Fancy a pint?
On Saturday 1st November 2008 GMT at 6:49 AM GMT, zooo said:
Quote: chipolata @ October 29 2008, 11:33 AM BST
*shoots chipolata in face*
On Wednesday 5th November 2008 GMT at 10:01 PM GMT, jok3r128 said:
you all seem like the type of person to sit in a dark room being miserable waiting for something to happen it might not be the best show in the world but it is amusing and you try finding something better to do when theirs nothing else on unless you like watching rubbish documentaries or some rubbish eastenders copycat, eastenders is bad enough without some cheap copycat
On Wednesday 5th November 2008 GMT at 10:07 PM GMT, Eat My Shirts said:
Quote: jok3r128 @ November 5 2008, 5:01 PM GMT,
. <----- Are you familiar with one of these?
On Wednesday 5th November 2008 GMT at 10:10 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: jok3r128 @ November 5 2008, 5:01 PM GMTyou all seem like the type of person to sit in a dark room being miserable waiting for something to happen it might not be the best show in the world but it is amusing and you try finding something better to do when theirs nothing else on unless you like watching rubbish documentaries or some rubbish eastenders copycat, eastenders is bad enough without some cheap copycat
Good to have you aboard, Mr Dawson. Or do you prefer Tim?
On Wednesday 5th November 2008 GMT at 10:13 PM GMT, Eat My Shirts said:
On Wednesday 5th November 2008 GMT at 10:32 PM GMT, tinselboy said:
Hi Tim
I like the occasional pint, unless I'm watching 'Coming of Age', when I get through a whole keg.
Yes, credit where it's due. BBC3 is responsible for 'Gavin and Stacy' 'The Mighty Boosh' and even stuff like 'Ideal'. But it's a tiny percentage of output.
The answer is to stick with the producers who made the above and move the others to CBeebies where their target audience is already.
On Wednesday 5th November 2008 GMT at 11:37 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Then I must be Tim Dawson, because I've found myself quite liking it. Hell, everyone who likes it is Tim Dawson!
On Thursday 6th November 2008 GMT at 4:34 AM GMT, Spagett said:
BBC Three is absolute gash.
In the 5 or 6 years its been on it has only produced 3 hits in The Mighty Boosh, Little Britain and Gavin and Stacey.
The rest of the output is like this "comedy"; pathetic mindless drivel aimed at impressing idiots, children, and children who are idiots.
On Thursday 6th November 2008 GMT at 3:56 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Spagett @ November 5 2008, 11:34 PM GMT
In the 5 or 6 years its been on it has only produced 3 hits in The Mighty Boosh, Little Britain and Gavin and Stacey.
The Smoking Room was BBC3, wasn't it? That was good. And was The Visit on BBC3? That was okay... The rest is pretty forgetable, though.
Quote: Aaron @ November 5 2008, 6:37 PM GMTThen I must be Tim Dawson, because I've found myself quite liking it.
You've long since ceased to matter.
On Thursday 6th November 2008 GMT at 3:57 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: chipolata @ November 6 2008, 10:56 AM GMTThe Smoking Room was BBC3, wasn't it? That was good. And was The Visit on BBC3?
If only there was a si- Oh bugger it, yes, they both were.
Although it's BBC Three, not BBC3.
On Thursday 6th November 2008 GMT at 4:07 PM GMT, Afinkawan said:
What about Pulling and Nighty Night?
On Thursday 6th November 2008 GMT at 4:09 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Afinkawan @ November 6 2008, 11:07 AM GMTWhat about Pulling and Nighty Night?
Pulling - excellent. Nighty Night - no. Just twattish.
On Thursday 6th November 2008 GMT at 6:47 PM GMT, zooo said:
There's lots of good stuff on BBC Three, and lots of shit.
Just like any other channel.
Imagine that!
On Thursday 6th November 2008 GMT at 6:56 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: zooo @ November 6 2008, 1:47 PM GMTThere's lots of good stuff on BBC Three
Enough to warrant its slice of the license fee. And has it really blooded a lot of exciting new talent? Discuss.
On Thursday 6th November 2008 GMT at 6:59 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Yes.
On Thursday 6th November 2008 GMT at 7:01 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
For better or worse; it's led to big-to-biggish things for Lucas and Walliams; Corden of Gavin And Stacey fame, the Boosh boys, and so Matt Berry, Sarah Horgan (is it?) who was a newish writer with Pulling. And I'm sure plenty of others who I can't currently remember.
On Thursday 6th November 2008 GMT at 7:04 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Sharon Horgan, yes.
Wasn't Monkey Dust on BBC Three as well? Swiss Toni?
And Snuff Box.
On Thursday 6th November 2008 GMT at 7:06 PM GMT, zooo said:
Quote: chipolata @ November 6 2008, 1:56 PM GMTEnough to warrant its slice of the license fee. And has it really blooded a lot of exciting new talent? Discuss.
Of course it has!
I really like BBC4 and BBC3.
Even if not every single show on their schedule is to my taste.
On Thursday 6th November 2008 GMT at 7:08 PM GMT, Aaron said:
I always liked the name BBC Knowledge.
ANYWAY. Back to Coming Of Age. I am about to watch episode 5.
On Thursday 6th November 2008 GMT at 7:10 PM GMT, chipolata said:
My problem with BBC3 is that it's aimed at a particular demographic, so a great deal of its comedy tends to be of a similar mindset.
I personally would like to see BBC3 getting less money and BBC4 getting more for comedy and drama. Then I think you'd get more interesting and diverse shows.
On Thursday 6th November 2008 GMT at 7:48 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Well, episode 5 made me laugh a lot. Pretty much all the way through in fact. So delightfully puerile.
Onto episode 6...
On Thursday 6th November 2008 GMT at 8:21 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Not as funny as E5, but still a good end to the series. I really hope that there's another - even if only to piss off everyone else.
On Saturday 8th November 2008 GMT at 5:43 PM GMT, swerytd said:
Missed ep 5 but saw the rest. Not so bad at the end of it; entertaining enough but couldn't really give two hoots if it didn't come back again.
Dan
On Saturday 8th November 2008 GMT at 10:06 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Episode 5 was repeated last night, so should be on iPlayer. Give it a go.
On Thursday 20th November 2008 GMT at 6:55 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
A great series. So much to feed the soul. I like jokes about tits. And nobs. And fannies. How do they come (pardon!)-up with this stuff?!
On Sunday 23rd November 2008 GMT at 2:06 AM GMT, matt insley said:
Alright. I'm gonna join the minority of the world here. I liked it. Perfect escape.
On Sunday 23rd November 2008 GMT at 2:34 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Woo hoo! \o/
On Monday 1st December 2008 GMT at 10:38 PM GMT, matt insley said:
Alright, time to please everyone SO much!!! Haha.
Susan Nickson and Tim Dawson, who are engaged, have both all but confirmed that COA has received a series 2.
On Monday 1st December 2008 GMT at 10:43 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Source?
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 9:24 AM GMT, Ned1984 said:
I liked this, it made a change to hear knob gags from someone other than the Two Pints cast.
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 7:04 PM GMT, Mark said:
Series two of Coming Of Age has just been confirmed. 8 new episodes to follow in 2009.
I am utterly, utterly depressed right now. BBC Three is going down the toilet. They cancel Pulling, but are happy to give this show an extended-length new series... what the hell are they playing at?!?
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 7:10 PM GMT, Aaron said:
*snigger*
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 7:48 PM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
Quote: Mark @ December 3 2008, 2:04 PM GMTSeries two of Coming Of Age has just been confirmed. 8 new episodes to follow in 2009.
*shakes head*
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 8:00 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Mark @ December 3 2008, 2:04 PM GMTSeries two of Coming Of Age has just been confirmed. 8 new episodes to follow in 2009.
I am utterly, utterly depressed right now. BBC Three is going down the toilet. They cancel Pulling, but are happy to give this show an extended-length new series... what the hell are they playing at?!?
Sad fact is, it appealed to the demographic the BBC is obsessed with appealing to, and it picked up an audience that stuck with it.
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 8:01 PM GMT, Splodge said:
Quote: Mark @ December 3 2008, 2:04 PM GMTSeries two of Coming Of Age has just been confirmed. 8 new episodes to follow in 2009.
I am utterly, utterly depressed right now. BBC Three is going down the toilet. They cancel Pulling, but are happy to give this show an extended-length new series... what the hell are they playing at?!?
Danny Cohen has pretty much ruined BBC Three. He has commissioned some absolute tosh. What must go through his mind at times?
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 8:23 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Splodge @ December 3 2008, 3:01 PM GMTDanny Cohen has pretty much ruined BBC Three.
They'd have been better off with Leonard Cohen.
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 8:51 PM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
I can't believe Danny Cohen is the same guy, who at E4, comissioned Skins & The Inbetweeners. Two really good programmes.
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 8:58 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: hotzappa11 @ December 3 2008, 3:51 PM GMTI can't Danny Cohen is the same guy, who at E4, comissioned Skins & The Inbetweeners. Two really good programmes.
I wonder with commissioning how much is skill and how much is luck?
On Thursday 4th December 2008 GMT at 10:41 PM GMT, matt insley said:
It seemed to have some good viewing figures. It makes sense they'd pursue more episodes.
On Saturday 6th December 2008 GMT at 6:43 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Quote: matt insley @ December 4 2008, 5:41 PM GMTIt seemed to have some good viewing figures. It makes sense they'd pursue more episodes.
Can't argue with that. The Nuremberg rallies were comparable with 'The X Factor' in terms of popularity.
On Friday 12th June 2009 GMT at 3:21 AM GMT, Chappers said:
I just got the following email regarding tickets for the forthcoming series.
"When it hit BBC Three screens last year Coming Of Age was a world first for TV comedy - a sitcom about teenagers created and written by a teenager. It followed the adventures and misadventures of five friends - Jas, Ollie, Matt, Chloe and DK whose lives revolve around college, their bedrooms and, because they are always getting thrown out of the local pub, Ollie's garden shed.
Now their back for a second series still trying to navigate their way through their bumbling college lives and burgeoning sex lives. Often rude, often puerile but always very funny it's the teen sitcom that wears it's heart on it's sleeve.
Written and created by Tim Dawson when he was just 19 years old, this second series returns for an extended run and once again he promises to raise the bar when it comes to outrageous comic moments."
So is it any good?
(Runs and hides!)
And I get really irritated by spelling mistakes in publicity material. "Now their back." Aaron - sort them out.
On Friday 12th June 2009 GMT at 3:28 AM GMT, Aaron said:
It's much along the lines of Two Pints. If you like that, then it's good. If you don't, then it's not.
And I also noticed those typos and cringed.
On Friday 12th June 2009 GMT at 11:44 PM GMT, No-One said:
I also got the email and then the email which corrected the dates incorrectly! Unless July 24th really is a Monday?
On Saturday 13th June 2009 GMT at 12:50 PM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Boobies!!
On Saturday 13th June 2009 GMT at 5:25 PM GMT, Robert D said:
It's crap. Watched one episode where they were doing 'anal'. It was pathetic. No, actually, that would be an insult to pathetic programs. It hit rock bottom with sitcoms and went further. Rock bottom actually has a false bottom!
My thoughts: it was badly written, acted alright-ish and the canned laughter (was there any? Was it so crap even the studio audience wasn't laughing?). I shall never commit such a crime to my eyeballs again! I've banished it from my TV along with Two Pints, Ideal and crap like Lab Rats or whatever it was called. God help comedy.
On Sunday 14th June 2009 GMT at 11:45 AM GMT, peter gazzard said:
Watched a bit of this once, to see what I thought. Now I don't like Two Pints much but it's Shakespeare next to Coming Of Age 
On Sunday 14th June 2009 GMT at 6:26 PM GMT, No-One said:
I second that. Please don't put Two Pints in the same lowly category as this tripe! Two Pints is practically laugh out loud, wet yourself, die laughing humour compared to C.O.A.
On Sunday 14th June 2009 GMT at 6:30 PM GMT, Robert D said:
It's all crap. BBC Three = crap comedy.
On Sunday 14th June 2009 GMT at 7:03 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: Robert D @ June 14 2009, 3:30 PM BSTIt's all crap. BBC Three = crap comedy.
There's good and bad like any channel. Over the last few years I've enjoyed The Mighty Boosh, Pulling, Gavin And Stacey, the first series of Little Britain, Lifespam, Snuffbox, Meebox and I dare say others that don't spring quickly to mind.
On Sunday 14th June 2009 GMT at 7:17 PM GMT, Griff said:
Quote: Matthew Stott @ June 14 2009, 4:03 PM BSTThere's good and bad like any channel.
I don't think that rule works.
On Sunday 14th June 2009 GMT at 7:18 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Hey, I bought that jacket-!
On Sunday 14th June 2009 GMT at 7:19 PM GMT, sootyj said:
QVC is Woody Allan's favourite channel.
I have no idea if that's a good thing.
Don't the BNP have an internet TV channel?
I'd love to see their all white version of Love thy Neighbour.
On Monday 15th June 2009 GMT at 12:28 AM GMT, Dave said:
Dani Harmer has launched a singing career now.
On Monday 15th June 2009 GMT at 3:21 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Quote: Dave @ June 14 2009, 9:28 PM BSTDani Harmer has launched a singing career now.
Who?
On Monday 15th June 2009 GMT at 3:47 AM GMT, Dave said:
Dani Harmer played Nick Lyndhurst's daughter in After You've Gone, and was also in the pilot of Coming of Age.
On Monday 15th June 2009 GMT at 12:06 PM GMT, peter gazzard said:
Quote: Dave @ June 15 2009, 12:47 AM BSTDani Harmer played Nick Lyndhurst's daughter in After You've Gone, and was also in the pilot of Coming of Age.
Originally made her name in the children's show Tracy Beaker. Didn't know she was in the COA pilot, she's too good for that
On Tuesday 16th June 2009 GMT at 6:54 PM GMT, Robert D said:
Dani Harmer in this? Even unknown actors would turn it down.
On Friday 21st August 2009 GMT at 2:43 AM GMT, Tom Simpson said:
I haven't read through the entire thread so I don't know if anyone else actually likes it... but I love this show now! I only started watching it on Tuesday night after somehow finding out about it via the section at this site, I took a look at the characters page, took a fancy to Chloe and thought I'd have a search for the show on YouTube, and now I've seen the first series three times over in the last 48 hours.
On Friday 21st August 2009 GMT at 3:23 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Not even I've watched it that much! Blimey.
We gave the writer a very nice worst sitcom certificate after it won that title in our awards in January.
On Friday 21st August 2009 GMT at 12:55 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Aaron @ August 21 2009, 12:23 AM BST
We gave the writer a very nice worst sitcom certificate after it won that title in our awards in January.
Did you actually physically give it him?
On Friday 21st August 2009 GMT at 3:14 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Only e-mailed a PDF. Next year though, perhaps.
On Friday 21st August 2009 GMT at 6:02 PM GMT, Robert D said:
Quote: Tom Simpson @ August 20 2009, 11:43 PM BSTI haven't read through the entire thread so I don't know if anyone else actually likes it... but I love this show now! I only started watching it on Tuesday night after somehow finding out about it via the section at this site, I took a look at the characters page, took a fancy to Chloe and thought I'd have a search for the show on YouTube, and now I've seen the first series three times over in the last 48 hours.
Now even though I've said it's crap from the beginning I must admit I've watched 5 episodes of it. And laughed at some bits yet cringed at others. Perhaps it's not completely rubbish.
On Tuesday 6th October 2009 GMT at 2:00 AM GMT, LoneWolfWinter said:
Quote: Tom Simpson @ August 20 2009, 11:43 PM BSTI haven't read through the entire thread so I don't know if anyone else actually likes it... but I love this show now! I only started watching it on Tuesday night after somehow finding out about it via the section at this site, I took a look at the characters page, took a fancy to Chloe and thought I'd have a search for the show on YouTube, and now I've seen the first series three times over in the last 48 hours.
Kill yourself.
On Tuesday 6th October 2009 GMT at 3:51 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Quote: LoneWolfWinter @ October 5 2009, 11:00 PM BSTKill yourself.
Welcome to the BCG.
On Tuesday 6th October 2009 GMT at 4:06 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: LoneWolfWinter @ October 5 2009, 11:00 PM BSTKill yourself.
Direct and to the point. I don't echo your sentiments, but I like your style.
On Sunday 11th October 2009 GMT at 4:39 PM GMT, jacparov said:
Just watched some of this on iPlayer, is it a sitcom or a sketch show?
I couldn't figure it out?
Couple of good moments but generally crap.
On Sunday 11th October 2009 GMT at 4:56 PM GMT, zooo said:
Sitcom.
On Sunday 11th October 2009 GMT at 8:53 PM GMT, jacparov said:
Thanks Zooo.
On Sunday 11th October 2009 GMT at 9:03 PM GMT, Robert D said:
Quote: zooo @ October 11 2009, 1:56 PM BSTSitcom.
Sorry.
On Sunday 11th October 2009 GMT at 9:05 PM GMT, zooo said:
Shut it, cheeky.
On Monday 26th October 2009 GMT at 5:03 AM GMT, JimBob said:
Hello,
I don't love the show, in fact I don't even like the show.
I wrote the Theme Tune to it though.
"All We Wanna Do Is OH!"
I've just released it and as I'm as "up and coming" as everyone else involved apart from they all get help from the producers I'm having to advertise it through forums and Facebook.
If you like the tune it is for sale on itunes
Search "KateGoes" into iTunes or click on this link - http://tiny.cc/KateGoes
Thanks.
www.myspace.com/kategoes
On Monday 26th October 2009 GMT at 5:14 AM GMT, Aaron said:
'Tis a good track, that.
On Monday 26th October 2009 GMT at 5:35 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Quote: KateGoes @ October 26 2009, 2:03 AM BSTHello,
I don't love the show, in fact I don't even like the show.
I wrote the Theme Tune to it though.
"All We Wanna Do Is OH!"
Congrats. It's my favourite bit of the show.
On Monday 26th October 2009 GMT at 5:41 AM GMT, JimBob said:
Thanks!
I first saw the pilot as we were recording the theme and me and my band mate just sat back in shock!
I didn't know things could be so rude!
www.myspace.com/kategoes
On Monday 26th October 2009 GMT at 5:43 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Tim Dawson has an uncanny knack with rudeness!
On Monday 26th October 2009 GMT at 5:46 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Quote: KateGoes @ October 26 2009, 2:41 AM BSTThanks!
I first saw the pilot as we were recording the theme and me and my band mate just sat back in shock.
Oh well, just look at it as a paid gig (I hope!) and move onwards and upwards. There's a second series of this, so I believe, so try and find a way to use the exposure to your advantage, I suppose.
It could be (marginally) worse, your music could have been stuck all over Lunch Monkeys.
Good luck with your career.
Quote: Aaron @ October 26 2009, 2:43 AM BSTTim Dawson has an uncanny knack with rudeness!
I can think of a better description...
On Monday 26th October 2009 GMT at 6:50 AM GMT, Robert D said:
Quote: Tim Walker @ October 26 2009, 2:35 AM BSTCongrats. It's my favourite bit of the show.
It's the sole aspect of the show that is enjoyable without
-ing.Quote: KateGoes @ October 26 2009, 2:41 AM BSTThanks!
I first saw the pilot as we were recording the theme and me and my band mate just sat back in shock!
Parts of it are amusing, and the other 99% of it is utterly disgusting.
On Monday 26th October 2009 GMT at 11:46 AM GMT, Marc P said:
Quote: Aaron @ October 26 2009, 2:14 AM BST'Tis a good track, that.
Yeah I like it.
On Wednesday 28th October 2009 GMT at 5:22 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Tim Walker @ October 26 2009, 2:46 AM BSTThere's a second series of this, so I believe, so try and find a way to use the exposure to your advantage, I suppose.
Should broadcast from January 2010.
On Wednesday 28th October 2009 GMT at 5:37 PM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Quote: Aaron @ October 28 2009, 2:22 PM BSTShould broadcast from January 2010.
Yes, I had a read of that actor's blog about the filming of Series 2. Fascinating stuff.
On Thursday 29th October 2009 GMT at 1:41 PM GMT, swerytd said:
Link?
Dan
On Thursday 29th October 2009 GMT at 5:14 PM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Quote: swerytd @ October 29 2009, 10:41 AM BSTLink?
Dan
It's linked from this very site as well...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/comedy/2009/10/joe-tracinis-coming-of-age-dia-2.shtml
Hard to believe, but it sounds like making 'Coming Of Age' is perhaps even funnier than watching it!
On Thursday 29th October 2009 GMT at 5:25 PM GMT, swerytd said:
Ta. That was almost worth reading...
Dan
On Monday 8th February 2010 GMT at 3:40 AM GMT, Quenby23 said:
Utter utter shit. Not worth the time it took to film it. Shallow, childish and just f**king awful.