The IT Crowd 2.0
On Friday 17th August 2007 GMT at 12:23 PM GMT, Ben Ripley said:
OK, so I'm a bit behind the times, but I have only today learned that series 2 begins Friday 24th August!
Yeah, I know series one wasn't everybody's cup of tea, but I absolutely loved it and my friends and I often put on the DVD when we need a damn good hearty laugh!
In the words of Jen as she implored to Daniel the security guard re: chocolate on head... "It's not shit!"
On Friday 17th August 2007 GMT at 2:01 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Why did this second series take so long to reach us? It seems ages since the first series went out, and as much as I enjoy it, I can't imagine it took long to write the scripts or hone the performances, especially that woman from the Malteaser adds, who's acting style consists mainly of shouting in a vaguely silly silly voice. And the Irish guy, he shouts a lot too. While the black guy just does this stilted awkward thing so I can never work out whether he's playing a stiff person, or just a lousy actor... I am glad to have it back, though.
On Friday 17th August 2007 GMT at 2:26 PM GMT, Aaron said:
General delays in getting into the studio, I gather.
On Friday 17th August 2007 GMT at 3:03 PM GMT, chipolata said:
The reason I mention the delay is often when second series take a long time to reach us, they've lost some of the fizz. Or are perceived to have lost some of their fizz, by critics eager to stick the knife in. Famously, the second series of Fawlty Towers took five years to reach us, and the critics (bizarrely) gave it a drubbing. John Cleese was quite put out at the time. Likewise, the second series of I'm Alan Partridge took five years to reach us and similiarly recieved a drubbing. Armando Iannucci was quite put out at the time.
On Friday 17th August 2007 GMT at 4:15 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Yeah, but the critics are more often than not full of bullshit. If they pan something, it's almost guaranteed to be a public hit.
On Friday 17th August 2007 GMT at 5:00 PM GMT, Leevil said:
Well I can't wait for it, I think it's great.
On Saturday 18th August 2007 GMT at 1:07 AM GMT, earman2009 said:
I'm looking forward to it too. I think part of the delay was because Graham started writing the second series with his old writing partner Arthur Mathews, but for some reason it didn't work out, so he had to go back and write it by himself. At least that's what I read somewhere (Christ knows where that was though). Either way, at least it's coming back now. 
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 1:55 AM GMT, Aaron said:
So far, I'm not sure if it's bad or good.
I'm pretty sure that that's the New Wimbledon Theatre though.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 2:04 AM GMT, Avril said:
I agree with you Aaron...I'm just hoping it grows on me like the last series did
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 2:15 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
I LOL nearly the whole way through it. The fast half was often slow but the second half gradually became better. Jen's reaction when she saw Moss behind the bar was pitch perfect timing. Also when Roy is getting lifted into the van.
The preview of next weeks good and i liked the joke they showed.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 2:17 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Well, hmm, yes. Didn't start off too well, and Noel Fielding is embarassing, but I thought that it was mostly pretty good at the end. Enough laugh-out-loud moments to keep me entertained (and it's rare something actually makes me literally laugh out loud these days). Still hampered by a poor start though.
Yeah, ditto pretty much EXACTLY what hz said.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 3:03 AM GMT, Leevil said:
Yeah I'll echo HZ. (echo, echo, echo)
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 3:12 AM GMT, Stylo said:
I loved it. Roll on next Friday 
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 3:17 AM GMT, Leevil said:
The characters are likable and it's silly enough to be fun. Plus it has loads of great cameos in it.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 4:13 AM GMT, zooo said:
It was ace! Moss is even better this series.
And I was in that theatre a few weeks ago!
What japes.
And Ash Atalla at the end! 
Excellent.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 4:14 AM GMT, Mark said:
Yeah it was alright wasn't it. Anyone else spot the cameo from Ash Atalla? EDIT: Ah, I see Zooo did too!
I've been lucky enough to see the second episode and can say that if you liked tonight's you'll definitely like next week too.
Like this week, the first half of the episode starts slowly but in the second half Graham Linehan really heats things up. I won't give away too much of the plot but basically Denholm (Chris Morris) commits suicide which leads to a funeral... which is where things start to get fun. We're also finally introduced to the new boss in the episode, Denholm's lady-bothering son Douglas (Matt Berry firing on all cylinders).
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 4:15 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: zooo @ August 25, 2007, 12:13 AMAnd I was in that theatre a few weeks ago!
What japes.
No idea what this "japes" thing is all about, but New Wimbledon, yes?
Re Ash Atalla, thought that was him. Not seen him around the office recently though.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 4:16 AM GMT, zooo said:
I had japes in the New Wimbledon!
But they didn't involve wheelchairs.
I cannot wait for Matt Berry to start. I've missed him off my telly. (Even though he was only on it last night in Saxondale).
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 4:18 AM GMT, Aaron said:
*Googles 'japes'*
Riiiight.
(Anyone else spot that Linehan directed the show?)
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 4:23 AM GMT, earman2009 said:
That was so much funnier than the first series. Look forward to next week's episode! Ash's cameo at the end was great.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 6:33 AM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Quote: chipolata @ August 17, 2007, 10:01 AMWhy did this second series take so long to reach us? It seems ages since the first series went out, and as much as I enjoy it, I can't imagine it took long to write the scripts or hone the performances, especially that woman from the Malteaser adds, who's acting style consists mainly of shouting in a vaguely silly silly voice. And the Irish guy, he shouts a lot too. While the black guy just does this stilted awkward thing so I can never work out whether he's playing a stiff person, or just a lousy actor... I am glad to have it back, though.
Chip, sorry mate, but this is why you ain't on the telly! (Don't take that comment too seriously
).Katherine Parkinson is a truly brilliant comedy actress and the next big thing. Also the scripts of this show are super tight. The first episode, of the last series was available as a text file somewhere, and is actually a model of how to write a good comedy script.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 11:09 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ August 25, 2007, 2:33 AMKatherine Parkinson is a truly brilliant comedy actress and the next big thing.
I really have to agree with Chipolata on that one. I found her acting (in the last series - not sure about this yet) to be laboured, two-tone, unbelievable, and generally pretty weak.
Maybe you fancy her. WOOoooo! Godot fancies Katherine, Godot fancies Katherine! *skips around chanting it*
...Sorry. I'll stop now.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 1:55 PM GMT, David H said:
I think this shows how difficult it is to write a good sitcom. Because this is an experienced writer who has obviously spent months writing it and it is, to my mind, a throwaway comedy. In that, it's watchable but then you'd throw it away.
As has been said, the start to this was soporific. A novice writer's script would have been winging its way back to them if they'd have written the first five minutes.
And I'm still not sure there was a plot. There was the is he/isn't he? then the other two things just seemed to happen as an afterthought and 'we'll take it from there'.
I'm just glad there was no obligatory gay plot
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 3:22 PM GMT, Scatterbrained Floozy said:
I really enjoyed it this time round! maybe it was cos I was in a good mood; or because it was growing on me; or because, dare I say it? its getting better?
I didnt think it was that funny and then Moss came through, as well as the wheelchair bit.
Very annoyed that Noel Fielding is using a stupid voice in though. I think it would be much funnier and better if he just spoke like he usually does
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 3:24 PM GMT, Jack Massey said:
I thought it was absolutely fantastic. Definetly the best sitcom of recent times. The part when that man pushed the disabled man out of the wheel chair was hilarious. Roll on next Friday.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 3:59 PM GMT, Leevil said:
The gay theater dude, was Nathan Barley, yeah?
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 3:59 PM GMT, Scatterbrained Floozy said:
yep!
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 4:17 PM GMT, Walker said:
I'm annoyed they didn't continue last series' "To Be Continued" ending, i thought this first episode was very, very good. The writing is noticeably a lot stronger, bar the first five minutes or so, and i thought the acting was done better. All in all, everything has improved. I look forward to next week.
I also didn't like Katherin's performance in the first series, but i think she did good in this first episode.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 5:38 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Leevil @ August 25, 2007, 11:59 AMThe gay theater dude, was Nathan Barley, yeah?
Nicholas Burns. I'll always remember him from the sublime Absolute Power.
*theatre
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 5:44 PM GMT, zooo said:
I looove Katherine.
I can see why she could annoy, but she doesn't annoy me.
Because I looove her.*
As I said.
*Not like that.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 5:56 PM GMT, Leevil said:
Quote: zooo @ August 25, 2007, 1:44 PM*Not like that.
A little bit like that?
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 6:04 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Haha, I was about to say...
(Dirty, filthy Lee.)
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 6:14 PM GMT, Martin H said:
Quote: Aaron @ August 25, 2007, 7:09 AMI really have to agree with Chipolata on that one. I found her acting (in the last series - not sure about this yet) to be laboured, two-tone, unbelievable, and generally pretty weak.
Maybe you fancy her. WOOoooo! Godot fancies Katherine, Godot fancies Katherine! *skips around chanting it*
...Sorry. I'll stop now.
I also agree, Katherine Parkinson is a horrible actress, she wasn't as bad last night as she was in the first series where she practically shouted her way through every episode.
Last nights episode was crap in the first half and good in the second half.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 6:25 PM GMT, Ben Ripley said:
I watched the latest episode with my friends Louise and Adam (who both love the show) and we were all falling about laughing! We love non-p.c. stuff and the fact that nothing was sacred was an absolute joy.
For those who aren't aware, I'm a gay guy who hates all the pretentious paraphernalia which gay guys are supposed to love, so I found 'Gay - a gay musical' particularly funny! (Like 'Lease' in 'Team America'.)
And, for the record, I don't hate Katherine Parkinson, I think she's fab! (ooh, was that too gay saying that? Damn!!)
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 6:29 PM GMT, zooo said:
She is indeed fab. Even in that advert.
I loved Roy's 'disabled' voice!
I think this series is better, but I already loved it.
I didn't notice that graham Linehan had directed this one, but he was ace. I loved the timing of Roy being raised and lowered on the wheelchair van.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 6:32 PM GMT, ajp29 said:
Did anyone notice that the lighting was awful? Were the light people on strike that week. I thought it was OK, the disabled joke went on for way too long (wouldn't have happened under the directors of Father Ted) but when Jen turned around and Moz was there, that was brilliant.
P.S. Linehan directed the entire first series.
P.P.S. I'm gonna sue him for knicking my idea of doing 'Gay' the musical
P.P.P.S. Yeah the woman really can't act can she. She has two looks, hiding the fact she is irritated and her irritated shouty face. I think she'll be the next big thing only if she starts binge eating
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 7:16 PM GMT, zooo said:
Quote: ajp29 @ August 25, 2007, 2:32 PMP.S. Linehan directed the entire first series.
I didn't know that.
But then I don't know much.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 8:15 PM GMT, Martin H said:
The best part was definitely the reveal of Moss behind the bar. The worst part was the annoying pitch of the studio laughter, it didn't sound right.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 8:17 PM GMT, Leevil said:
They applauded at the end, do they normally do that? It sounded like a cheesy 70's sitcom.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 8:55 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Ha, ha you guys are swelling my ego. Of course you don't think Katherine Parkinson can act!
Katherine Parkinson is going to be massive. You heard it here first.
I don't fancy her, I fancy Konnie Huq.
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 8:59 PM GMT, zooo said:
...Dara?
On Saturday 25th August 2007 GMT at 9:04 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Yes. Everyone watches MTW don't they?
Actually I do fancy katherine parkinson.
On Sunday 26th August 2007 GMT at 12:43 AM GMT, earman2009 said:
The whole shouting thing was noted by Graham and the cast on the commentary and they said they would address that on the next series. It's only been one episode so far, but I did notice a less shouty performance yesterday. Katherine was a little annoying last series, but I have faith for this one.
On Sunday 26th August 2007 GMT at 3:48 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
There's a post on Graham's blog about laughter and that.
On Sunday 26th August 2007 GMT at 3:49 AM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Not another one!
On Sunday 26th August 2007 GMT at 4:20 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: ajp29 @ August 25, 2007, 2:32 PMP.S. Linehan directed the entire first series.
Indeed he did. And was present at the recordings, and very polite and nervous of the show's success.
Re the shouting, the first thing I thought, first scene they recorded, was basically "CHRIST! Shut up, woman!". (The episode, although the first one recorded, turned into ep 3. With the blind date scene in the restaurant. Watch it, and you'll see a toned down version of what actually happened at Teddington that fateful night.)
Quote: hotzappa11 @ August 25, 2007, 11:48 PMThere's a post on Graham's blog about laughter and that.
Link, purlease?
On Sunday 26th August 2007 GMT at 4:39 AM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Wow, you mean he directed the first series AND he was present at the recordings?
Sorry, Aaron, but you wouldn't let anyone else get away with that.
On Sunday 26th August 2007 GMT at 5:49 AM GMT, Liam said:
I thought it was brilliant, i was laughing most of the way through. If the season keeps up at the same standard it really will be better than the first.
At first when Roy started doing the disabled thing I thought yeh i know what will happen, Moss will blow open his lie in typical fashion, but the fact that that didnt happen was a nice suprise
On Sunday 26th August 2007 GMT at 1:16 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ August 26, 2007, 12:39 AMWow, you mean he directed the first series AND he was present at the recordings?
Sorry, Aaron, but you wouldn't let anyone else get away with that.
Many 'directors' will delegate the day-to-day direction to assistants and others lower down the ladder, whilst still maintaining overall responsibility (and credit) for the whole show. And they certainly don't come onto the studio floor to talk to the audience.
On Sunday 26th August 2007 GMT at 4:53 PM GMT, zooo said:
Was he wearing a cardigan?
I always imagine him wearing a cardigan...
On Sunday 26th August 2007 GMT at 4:58 PM GMT, Leevil said:
I was thinking Graham Linehan was the other dude, the blonde one!
On Sunday 26th August 2007 GMT at 5:30 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: zooo @ August 26, 2007, 12:53 PMWas he wearing a cardigan?
I always imagine him wearing a cardigan...
Jeans and an oversized t-shirt, if I remember rightly.
On Sunday 26th August 2007 GMT at 9:08 PM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
Quote: Aaron @ August 26, 2007, 12:20 AMLink, purlease?
Here you go....
http://whythatsdelightful.wordpress.com/2007/08/24/the-it-crowd-series-2-begins-tonight/#comments
On Sunday 26th August 2007 GMT at 9:39 PM GMT, earman2009 said:
A lotof people, Graham included, seem to make quite a fuss about the laughter track. I've seen it as a problem at all.
On Sunday 26th August 2007 GMT at 10:35 PM GMT, zooo said:
I didn't notice it.
On Sunday 26th August 2007 GMT at 10:41 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Quote: Aaron @ August 26, 2007, 9:16 AMMany 'directors' will delegate the day-to-day direction to assistants and others lower down the ladder, whilst still maintaining overall responsibility (and credit) for the whole show. And they certainly don't come onto the studio floor to talk to the audience.
Er... no. The person who 'directs' people on the set is the floor manager or assistant director. He's not doing the director a favour, that's his job. The director isn't on set during recording, he's in the booth cueing the cameras. Sorry to pick you up, but you always pick me up.
On Monday 27th August 2007 GMT at 2:00 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ August 26, 2007, 6:41 PMEr... no. The person who 'directs' people on the set is the floor manager or assistant director. He's not doing the director a favour, that's his job. The director isn't on set during recording, he's in the booth cueing the cameras. Sorry to pick you up, but you always pick me up.
Congratulations. You've just graduated from the University of the Bleedin' Obvious!
(In other words, that's not what I meant at all.)
On Monday 27th August 2007 GMT at 4:39 AM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Perhaps you could draw a picture of what you meant, since you can't explain it using words.
On Monday 27th August 2007 GMT at 4:48 AM GMT, Chappers said:
I love this show. I was a late arrival - a bit like I was with Father Ted and you can see the similarities.
Incidentally I saw Al Murray at Wimbledon Theatre last year. (Why "New" - it's thew same building as the old one!)
On Monday 27th August 2007 GMT at 2:39 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ August 27, 2007, 12:39 AMPerhaps you could draw a picture of what you meant, since you can't explain it using words.
I'm not sure how I could make it any clearer. Go back and re-read my post. I made no mention of the floor manager, or his/her duties. Not my problem if you misunderstand what's been posted by others.
But in all honesty, I really don't care, and I'm not going to waste any more time on this discussion.
So in summary: The IT Crowd S02E01. Good.
On Monday 27th August 2007 GMT at 4:19 PM GMT, ajp29 said:
And the most anal posters of the year award 2007 goes to Aaron and Godot. Congratulations 
On Monday 27th August 2007 GMT at 5:26 PM GMT, Leevil said:
Quote: ajp29 @ August 27, 2007, 12:19 PM
Surely Charley?
On Monday 27th August 2007 GMT at 7:15 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Boom boom.
On Monday 27th August 2007 GMT at 7:40 PM GMT, Paul W said:
Omg my 600th post.
And I missed the first episode of series 2... anyone have a website I can watch it!
On Monday 27th August 2007 GMT at 9:36 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Quote: ajp29 @ August 27, 2007, 12:19 PM
Busy week for me, first I graduated from the University of the Bleedin' Obvious, now I've won an award for being an arse. But I don't like sharing things, so Aaron can have it.
On Monday 27th August 2007 GMT at 10:05 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Quote: Aaron @ August 27, 2007, 10:39 AMI'm not sure how I could make it any clearer. Go back and re-read my post. I made no mention of the floor manager, or his/her duties. Not my problem if you misunderstand what's been posted by others.
But in all honesty, I really don't care, and I'm not going to waste any more time on this discussion.
So in summary: The IT Crowd S02E01. Good.
I re-read your post as you suggested.
You said that Linehan directed the series AND was present at the recordings, as if it was possible to do either and not both. They are the same thing.
You said "Many 'directors' will delegate the day-to-day direction to assistants and others lower down the ladder, whilst still maintaining overall responsibility (and credit) for the whole show."
I assumed by 'day-to-day direction' you meant the local direction of the actors on the set by the floor manager/assistant director. This is also not properly delegation as he/she is under instruction from the director in the gallery, but the gist seems clear: that many directors are happy to let assistants do the work on the floor - again, indicating that you do not understand exactly what the director's role is.
I agree that it is very pedantic to argue in this way, and have only done so because you have been very anal in the past regarding my posts.
But it seems that when it comes to being anal, you like to 'give' but you won't 'take'.
(That line taken from 'Gay- the Musical' by ajp29)
On Tuesday 28th August 2007 GMT at 12:10 AM GMT, ajp29 said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ August 27, 2007, 5:36 PMBusy week for me, first I graduated from the University of the Bleedin' Obvious, now I've won an award for being an arse. But I don't like sharing things, so Aaron can have it.
On Tuesday 28th August 2007 GMT at 12:54 AM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: paul watson @ August 27, 2007, 3:40 PMI missed the first episode of series 2... anyone have a website I can watch it!
It's a free download on 4oD
On Tuesday 28th August 2007 GMT at 3:33 AM GMT, Aaron said:
On Tuesday 28th August 2007 GMT at 6:04 PM GMT, Jason Kindred said:
I really enjoyed the first episode. Sure, it was a bit laboured to start with, and the gay musical wasn't nearly as funny as it could have been (See The Simpsons Planet of the Apes Musical for how to do it right), but once the pay offs started coming in the second half, I laughed a lot.
On Friday 31st August 2007 GMT at 7:16 PM GMT, johnny roulette said:
i've not read every post on this thread so i apologise if this has already been covered...
i really liked episode 1. it was the first tv comedy to make me laugh out loud for a long time. so, i'm not criticising it, but...
did anyone else notice that it just seemed to be father ted under a different name? roy was clearly in the ted role - i could just imagine ted having to pretend he was disabled. and moss was clearly dougal - the comedy fool.
also, there was nothing about IT in it. at all. it was more about the characters.
i think these things really helped the show but i strongly suspect that a writer who isn't Mr Linehan might not have got away with them.
good show though.
On Friday 31st August 2007 GMT at 7:19 PM GMT, Frankie Rage said:
The whole idea that anything or anyone related to I.T. could be funny bemuses me...
On Friday 31st August 2007 GMT at 7:20 PM GMT, Leevil said:
I'm sooo glad there are few IT references in it, they would go straight over my head, 'the off and on again' is about as much as I can handle. I'm glad it's about the characters, that's what makes a great comedy in my books.
Yeah, it is very Father Ted, disguised by the fact that it takes place in a very different stetting, a city, rather then the middle of nowhere on crazy Craggy Island.
On Friday 31st August 2007 GMT at 7:33 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Linehan has a lot of credit with me. He would have to televise the worse joke imaginable several times an episode for two episodes in a row for me to even frown. And even then it would probably be only one brow.
On Friday 31st August 2007 GMT at 11:48 PM GMT, earman2009 said:
Does anyone know why Graham Lineman wasn't involved in the second or third series of black books? Or the second series of Big Train for that matter? Come to think of it, he co-created the show Hippies, but wasn't involved with the writing. Commitment issues?
On Friday 31st August 2007 GMT at 11:53 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: johnny roulette @ August 31, 2007, 3:16 PMalso, there was nothing about IT in it. at all. it was more about the characters.
In the average Father Ted episode, what was there that was actually about being clergymen, or even particularly religious? It was all about the characters. One utter incompetent, one paralytic, and one undoubtedly well-intentioned, but really really f**king unlucky and put-your-foot-in-it. They were put in positions where people looked up to them, to a certain extent at least, and yet they were useless. Change the setting and it wouldn't lose any comedic value. No?
(Likewise most sitcoms really.)
On Saturday 1st September 2007 GMT at 1:33 AM GMT, earman2009 said:
How many people would watch The IT Crowd, if it were completely about computers? Incidentally, how many people do watch The IT Crowd? How may I found out about the viewing figures for last week's episode? I don't expect an answer right now as everyone's watching the second episode that's on now. I'm sky plusing it myself.
On Saturday 1st September 2007 GMT at 1:38 AM GMT, Aaron said:
I would. And I do. But missed the start tonight, so will catch it on 4+1. Mark may very well have posted viewing figures for last week. Check our news section. Other than that, Google is probably your best bet.
On Saturday 1st September 2007 GMT at 1:41 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Quote: johnny roulette @ August 31, 2007, 3:16 PMalso, there was nothing about IT in it. at all. it was more about the characters.
Like Green Wing doesn't really have to be in a Hospital. Does it really matter? It's just to laugh at nerds. Are you watching Aaron?
On Saturday 1st September 2007 GMT at 2:29 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Aaron @ August 31, 2007, 9:38 PMBut missed the start tonight, so will catch it on 4+1.
On Saturday 1st September 2007 GMT at 3:00 AM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: earman2009 @ August 31, 2007, 9:33 PMIncidentally, how many people do watch The IT Crowd? How may I found out about the viewing figures for last week's episode?
2.5 million watched the first episode last Friday which isn't too shaby. That figure doesn't include the repeat or 4oD viewings either. To put it in perspective: last year The IT Crowd double-bill intro managed 1.7 million so it's up on that by quite a bit.
You can get viewing figures via a subscription to BARB, Broadcast Now, MediaGuardian or ViewingFigures.com. MediaGuardian is the only one which doesn't cost a bomb but they only report on some shows.
On Saturday 1st September 2007 GMT at 3:12 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
"Oh, no. It'll blow my cock off." haha. I enjoyed tonights. The 2nd half wasn't as good as the 1st half.
On Saturday 1st September 2007 GMT at 3:18 AM GMT, Chappers said:
as i said i caught the first series late - on repeats i think but now have to watch it
On Saturday 1st September 2007 GMT at 3:27 AM GMT, Leevil said:
Tonight wasn't great, but I still really enjoy this show. Roll on next week, Matt Berry is great! Although I really liked Chris Morris and was the reason I stuck with the show in the first place.
On Saturday 1st September 2007 GMT at 1:21 PM GMT, Ben said:
I only watched the first two episodes of it last year and could only think "What on earth is Chris Morris doing in this". Although, after Nathan Barley it's not a surprise....
On Saturday 1st September 2007 GMT at 2:02 PM GMT, David H said:
It's really weak stuff. It seems like it's his first draft. Some of the stuff like the boardroom meeting and him jumping out of the window, the son fighting with the vicar, and the thing with the pen outside the church was all very amateurish and like a first time writer trying to get a joke in. And what that guy's doing in the basement God only knows.
Would they really get changed for the funeral at work liked they seemed to?
On Saturday 1st September 2007 GMT at 4:00 PM GMT, zooo said:
You want realism in a sitcom?
Madness.
On Saturday 1st September 2007 GMT at 4:20 PM GMT, Darren Goldsmith said:
I loved the second episode... as I did the first. This is a nice step up from the first series, which I also enjoyed.
La la laa laa la... everything is wonderful... la laa la la.
On Saturday 1st September 2007 GMT at 6:36 PM GMT, earman2009 said:
Quote: hotzappa11 @ August 31, 2007, 11:12 PM"Oh, no. It'll blow my cock off."
Very funny. The mobile phone bits were very good. Maybe not quite as funny as the first episode, but there were plenty of great lines. Matt Berry looks like a great replacement for Chris Morris. I will miss Chris though. He was brilliant in the opening scene. Look forward to the next episode.
On Saturday 1st September 2007 GMT at 9:51 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
I liked it-Matt Berry is a comedy god. Ok, hes basically exactly the same in everything, but I cant get enough of it! That voice! Anyway . . .
On Sunday 2nd September 2007 GMT at 3:45 AM GMT, johnny roulette said:
Quote: Aaron @ August 31, 2007, 7:53 PMIn the average Father Ted episode, what was there that was actually about being clergymen, or even particularly religious? It was all about the characters. One utter incompetent, one paralytic, and one undoubtedly well-intentioned, but really really f**king unlucky and put-your-foot-in-it. They were put in positions where people looked up to them, to a certain extent at least, and yet they were useless. Change the setting and it wouldn't lose any comedic value. No?
(Likewise most sitcoms really.)
virtually every episode of Father Ted had stuff in it which was appropriate to the setting. such as scenes taking place in the parochial house, nuns, bishops, discussions about God, dougal doing a funeral etc
i agree that you could change the setting and still have comedic value but it wouldn't be called Father Ted. It would be called the IT crowd. probably.
Both are wonderful in my view. And this series of the IT crowd benefits massively from loosening its ties to the IT stuff and just being Father Ted set somewhere else.
On Monday 3rd September 2007 GMT at 4:29 AM GMT, Stan Doubt said:
Yes, unlike Father Ted, there's no relevance at all to the fact they are IT people - which somehow makes it better than if there was. But if the script had been submitted by a new writer...no chance.
On Monday 3rd September 2007 GMT at 5:21 PM GMT, Walker said:
Did anyone notice the reference to "Cigarettes, Alcohol, and Roller Blading" in the last episode?
On Monday 3rd September 2007 GMT at 5:24 PM GMT, Leevil said:
No, at what point did this happen?
On Tuesday 4th September 2007 GMT at 7:25 AM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Certainly did - 'lovely fags'. I hope there aren't too many more 'references' in future scripts.
On Tuesday 4th September 2007 GMT at 2:10 PM GMT, chipolata said:
I have to say, I'm really enjoying this series, and think it's a marked improvement on the the first series (thank god they've told the woman to stop shouting). Yes, there's still quite a few clunky lines, and it hasn't got the magic of Father Ted, but it's still very funny and refreshingly daft. And unlike Leevil, I'm glad Chris Morris has left. To me his presence always jarred slightly.
On Tuesday 4th September 2007 GMT at 2:40 PM GMT, SivoxII said:
What can you say about the IT Crowd?
You either love it or hate it, luckily, I LOVE IT!!! ... most people see it as cheesey, but I figure, that's the hidden deliberacy in this comedy, they work hard to make it cheesey, that's why it's funny!!
Favourite lines from the latest episode:
"You brush your teeth in the bath? ... that's where your balls are!"
"I've totally pimped your phone girlfriend!"
"I'm not putting it up to eight Moss, it will blow my cock off!!"
ACE.
On Tuesday 4th September 2007 GMT at 6:52 PM GMT, Scatterbrained Floozy said:
I loved that first quote! amazing
On Tuesday 4th September 2007 GMT at 7:21 PM GMT, ajp29 said:
Chris Morris's suicide was genius. You think after Nathan Barley you've seen all the possible ways of jumping out of a window and then hes comes up with another hilarious way
On Tuesday 4th September 2007 GMT at 11:23 PM GMT, earman2009 said:
It's really great to see that the ratings have vastly improved as well.
On Tuesday 4th September 2007 GMT at 11:29 PM GMT, Leevil said:
All hail IT Crowd!
On Tuesday 4th September 2007 GMT at 11:49 PM GMT, Walker said:
Quote: Leevil @ September 3, 2007, 1:24 PMNo, at what point did this happen?
During Denholm's funeral video. He lights a cigarette and blows the smoke onto the screen. All that was missing was the smoke turning into the phrase "lovely fags".
I hope it was a reference anyway. Or else he just ran out of ideas and dropped in something that worked in Father Ted.
On Tuesday 4th September 2007 GMT at 11:50 PM GMT, Leevil said:
Riight, yeah I remember.
On Thursday 6th September 2007 GMT at 12:25 AM GMT, earman2009 said:
I was actually expecting the words Lovely Fags to appear on the screen at the point.
On Thursday 6th September 2007 GMT at 3:21 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Is this "reference" purely that he was smoking?
On Thursday 6th September 2007 GMT at 3:21 AM GMT, zooo said:
Yeah, I don't get it.
On Friday 7th September 2007 GMT at 11:52 PM GMT, earman2009 said:
Quote: Aaron @ September 5, 2007, 11:21 PMIs this "reference" purely that he was smoking?
Err, yeah. Probably not really a reference at all, but it definitely reminded me of Ted.
On Saturday 8th September 2007 GMT at 1:44 AM GMT, Aaron said:
If it really was just that he was smoking, sorry, but how the hell is that a reference? It's not like it's a particularly niche activity (as much as I may wish otherwise). I mean, we may as well say that the fact they can read is a reference to Black Books!
On Saturday 8th September 2007 GMT at 3:13 AM GMT, Chappers said:
I liked the smoking jokes tonight though. Like they're outcasts - which of course they should be!
On Saturday 8th September 2007 GMT at 1:05 PM GMT, Ben Ripley said:
I loved the anti-piracy warning and I share Roy's chagrin over people telling me there's a twist in a movie! As soon as I know that, I too cannot stop my brain from figuring it out and thus, spoiling the film.
That made me laugh a lot!
On Saturday 8th September 2007 GMT at 1:44 PM GMT, David H said:
I think I'll finally give up on this. It is so weak. You know, to be honest with you, I don't know who these characters are. If someone asked me what type of character Jen was I wouldn't know. She just kinda says lines. Roy's the same. I mean you can say Moss is a bit wacky but that's about it. And the scenes go on and on when they aren't funny in the first place.
On Saturday 8th September 2007 GMT at 2:32 PM GMT, Darren Goldsmith said:
Quote: David H @ September 8, 2007, 9:44 AMI think I'll finally give up on this. It is so weak. You know, to be honest with you, I don't know who these characters are. If someone asked me what type of character Jen was I wouldn't know. She just kinda says lines. Roy's the same. I mean you can say Moss is a bit wacky but that's about it. And the scenes go on and on when they aren't funny in the first place.
Bet you watch it next week...
On Saturday 8th September 2007 GMT at 2:51 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: David H @ September 8, 2007, 9:44 AMYou know, to be honest with you, I don't know who these characters are. If someone asked me what type of character Jen was I wouldn't know. She just kinda says lines. Roy's the same. I mean you can say Moss is a bit wacky but that's about it.
Thinking about it, I agree. I don't think it's quite as bad on the whole as you, but good point about the characters. Although she's grown on me a bit since the first series, I'm still not a huge fan of Jen. I wouldn't be awfully upset if she just disappeared, I don't think. Nothing to do with the actress playing her, and I guess she adds to the dynamic in a way that would otherwise lack without such a character, but if she left, I wouldn't be overly disappointed. I hope the show is given a chance to grow a bit more though, 'cos there's some good jokes and stories to be had, I think.
On Saturday 8th September 2007 GMT at 3:06 PM GMT, Jack Massey said:
Brilliant last night, I loved the idea the house gets raided because of the fake DVD
"That man is a canabal"
"Oh right. I just do piracy, but I'll get someone to look into it"
There was a case in the news last year of a German man who ate people with consent.
On Saturday 8th September 2007 GMT at 4:17 PM GMT, Mark said:
I thought this week's was rather average but, like you say, still some funny lines.
I've seen next week's and its probably the best of the series so far so do stick with it (Jen holds a dinner party and Roy, Moss and Richmond un-surprisingly fail the whole social interaction thing spectacularly).
On Saturday 8th September 2007 GMT at 4:19 PM GMT, Chappers said:
I love it but it must have a shelf life (I hate cliches). It can't really go on and on like OFAH's or something.
Father Ted ended out of necessity but it makes it all the better really. They couldn't flog a dead priest.
On Saturday 8th September 2007 GMT at 5:34 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
I thought last nights episode was great, probably the best episode the shows had so far; very strong. Hopefully it will stay this good for the rest of the series. And Matt Berry is great, 'Hey look, its me!' 'Theres somebody at the door, theres somebody at the door' All his bits are so like what you see him do in other things that I cant help but think he must have a little hand in some of the things he says and does.
On Saturday 8th September 2007 GMT at 6:24 PM GMT, Martin H said:
I do like this show but I don't think I could ever love it. It's far too inconsistent, it has some nice gags sometimes and good pay-offs but some of the choices of casting is horrible, Katherine Parkinson was awful last night and she started doing that ridiculous shouting voice during the scene were Moss was telling them about meeting the cannibal. And also Matt Berry...jesus, he plays the exact same style in everything he's in, just terrible.
The show does make me laugh though and is always worth watching but it's very patchy.
On Saturday 8th September 2007 GMT at 6:26 PM GMT, Loopey said:
I've only just caught up with this thread and just watched the wheelchair episode. If someone pulls the emergency cord in a disabled loo, the staff have a key, so bashing the door down was not necessary and I felt it was just filling time. The patronizing looks were spot on though.
On Saturday 8th September 2007 GMT at 6:39 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: Martin Holmes @ September 8, 2007, 2:24 PMtel And also Matt Berry...jesus, he plays the exact same style in everything he's in, just terrible.
I know hes the same in everything, but I cant get enough of it, I think hes great! Eveything he says and does seems to tickle me for some reason. Though having said that he doesnt do his usual schtick in Saxondale, hes a bit more naturalistic in that.
On Saturday 8th September 2007 GMT at 6:46 PM GMT, Leevil said:
I think Matt Berry is great, I can imagine him being a bit marmitey though.
On Saturday 8th September 2007 GMT at 7:47 PM GMT, johnny roulette said:
it makes me laugh. and that is why i like it. on that basis i can forgive its weaknesses.
On Saturday 8th September 2007 GMT at 8:17 PM GMT, earman2009 said:
I like Matt Berry too. I think he suits The IT Crowd very much. The piracy thing at the beginning and its pay off at the end were fantastic. Jen's smoking storyline was incredible. The fact that it's on just after Not Going Out now is brilliant. What an hour of comedy!!
On Sunday 9th September 2007 GMT at 1:47 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Quote: Loopey @ September 8, 2007, 2:26 PMI've only just caught up with this thread and just watched the wheelchair episode. If someone pulls the emergency cord in a disabled loo, the staff have a key, so bashing the door down was not necessary and I felt it was just filling time. The patronizing looks were spot on though.
So you mean that it's not factually correct?
Oh - you disappoint me!
On Sunday 9th September 2007 GMT at 3:35 PM GMT, Loopey said:
I just thought the breaking down the door thing went on for too long considering the 'incorrect facts.'
On Sunday 9th September 2007 GMT at 3:38 PM GMT, Frankie Rage said:
They could have lost the key!
In fact it could have been stolen!
There's another angle! Easy ain't it? ;-)
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 2:52 AM GMT, Martin H said:
Did anyone see tonights? Some funny lines but can't believe how much was ripped off other shows, especially the Peter File gag first used by Chris Morris on Brass Eye. Then lots of Seinfeld pinching. This show desperately wants to be good but it has so many flaws and it's a shame because you can see that it does have potential to be great.
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 2:57 AM GMT, RubyMae - Glamourous Snowdrop said:
I loved tonights! It was amazing! Just made me laugh aloud.
BTW is it slighty wrong that I think Matt Berry is kinda cute?
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 3:03 AM GMT, Jay72 said:
Quote: Martin Holmes @ September 14, 2007, 10:52 PMDid anyone see tonights? Some funny lines but can't believe how much was ripped off other shows, especially the Peter File gag first used by Chris Morris on Brass Eye. Then lots of Seinfeld pinching. This show desperately wants to be good but it has so many flaws and it's a shame because you can see that it does have potential to be great.
I thought tonight's episode was very funny - best one so far. I'd forgotten about the Chris Morris link, but can't picture off the top of my head how Seinfeld was ripped off. Any examples?
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 3:03 AM GMT, Chappers said:
I'M PETER FILE!!!
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 3:06 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
"I'VE WASHED MY HANDS!"
"Stop pinching me. I'm trying to eat my dinner!"
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 3:44 AM GMT, zooo said:
I liked their 'dinner party conversation': documentary, balsamic vinegar. Hee.
(And no, it is not strange to fancy Matt Berry)
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 2:02 PM GMT, johnny roulette said:
i enjoyed tonight's but i think the episodes are gradually getting less funny as the series progresses.
i missed matt berry. i wanted to see him at the dinner party.
i enjoyed the scene where they tried to look "normal" before the other gusets arrived.
and the bit where roy wanted a poo. being a child, i wanted to see that developed more. eg him in the toilet for ages, making a mess, no paper, log not flushing away etc. i would rather have seen that than the face conversation which i felt was a bit predictable and repetitive.
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 2:07 PM GMT, Darren Goldsmith said:
Quote: johnny roulette @ September 15, 2007, 10:02 AMi wanted to see that developed more. eg him in the toilet for ages, making a mess, no paper, log not flushing away etc.
Surely THAT would have been predictable?
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 3:43 PM GMT, Martin H said:
Quote: Jay72 @ September 14, 2007, 11:03 PMI thought tonight's episode was very funny - best one so far. I'd forgotten about the Chris Morris link, but can't picture off the top of my head how Seinfeld was ripped off. Any examples?
Seinfeld examples:
Jen and her boyfriend been all cutesy-cutesy with each other and Roy and Moss looking uncomforable - Compares with Jerry and his girlfriend been all cutesy-cutesy with each other, remember "No you're Schmoopy" and George and Elaine looking uncomfortable. (Episode - The Soup Nazi)
----
Roy trying to find out if the woman with the bandaged face is still attractive - Compares with Elaine trying to find out if her boyfriend who has a bandaged up face is still attractive, some lines from the scene: (Episode - The Stall)
ELAINE
so huh, what did the doctors say?
TONY
they said huh.. they said I'm coming along
ELAINE
but what else did they say
TONY
well, they said huh Tony, try to keep it clean
ELAINE
yeah.. no I mean did they get into stuff like a.. long jagged scars or.. gross deformities, major skin grafts, stuff like that
TONY
I really don't remember, I was kinda out of it for the 1st couple of days, I was on a lot of medications, it was kinda like a haze, it's pretty cool
ELAINE
huh (smiles) but huh, in this medicated haze, in this woozy state, um do you recall the words.. radical reconstructive surgery being uttered?
----
And then the more obvious one, at the end when Jen is with her boyfriend and the tanoy announces "Can a Peter File please come to..." and everyone stares at them and Jen says "It's Peter File not paedophile!" - Compares with Elaine dating a guy called Joel Rifkin (who shares his name with a murderer) and at a baseball game this happens: (Episode - The Masseuse)
ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please? Would Joel Rifkin report to the stadium office. Joel Rifkin...telephone. (the crowd stops cheering and we see a football player distracted from the game while hearing the announcer saying Joel Rifkin)
JOEL: Who would be calling me here? (he stands up and looks around)
ELAINE: (to the person in front of her) He's not the murderer.
----
The first and last I picked up on, someone else on another site mentioned the "bandaged face" rip, which is basically just taken straight from Seinfeld. I know Grahame Linehan is a big Seinfeld fan so I'm not sure what his reasoning is, has he just got these ideas in his head subconciously forgetting that they were in Seinfeld or is he doing it intentionally.
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 3:43 PM GMT, monkeybeard said:
I thought last nights episode was the best yet. Great dinner party scenes and loved the bit where Richmond was up on the ceiling
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 4:08 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Last nights episode was great, two really great episodes in a row now; it looks like this show is finally starting to live up to its potential. Though I would have loved to have seen Matt Berry at the dinner party rather than Richmond! Lets hope the rest of the series manages to maintain this level of quality.
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 4:12 PM GMT, Scatterbrained Floozy said:
Quote: zooo @ September 14, 2007, 11:44 PM.
(And no, it is not strange to fancy Matt Berry)
you two should go see him in concert! he's doing a sing song
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 5:38 PM GMT, David H said:
I gave up on this last week so didn't see it. But if he didn't have loo paper, (Elaine did that in Seinfeld) and if he couldn't flush it away (Mike did that in Spin City)
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 6:08 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
neither of those things happened.
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 6:38 PM GMT, johnny roulette said:
Quote: Darren Goldsmith @ September 15, 2007, 10:07 AMSurely THAT would have been predictable?
yes. but being a child i wanted more poo.
i strongly suspect that one of the drafts of the script would have taken that poo plot line for roy and developed it further. but someone would have decided to cut it and just make Jen usher him back in to the dining room instead.
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 7:09 PM GMT, Martin H said:
Yeah but Dumb and Dumber did one of the best "not been able to flush" scenes ever, so anything else would've paled in comparison.
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 8:03 PM GMT, earman2009 said:
Brilliant again yesterday. Best yet? Possibly. I don't think you can compare the Peter File joke to that in Brass eye as they were very different. Roy's line about needing to poo was the best line of the series so far! Other higlights included Richmond on the ceiling, the guys acting normal before the guests arrived and Moss turning into an embarrassed husband. That's also two episodes in a row where Jen has yelled for a taxi. Not a major talking point, but I thought i'd mention it. Overall, this is me watching this episode and indeed this series so far ->
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 8:30 PM GMT, Chappers said:
I don't watch Seinfeld so if he ripped it off I wouldn't know. I just thought it was funny.
The Peter File was so obvious that you had to laugh but you had to be on their wave length to think the Rifkin thing was funny.
Signed namesake of John Lennon's murderer.
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 9:47 PM GMT, Jay72 said:
Quote: Martin Holmes @ September 15, 2007, 11:43 AMSeinfeld examples:
Jen and her boyfriend been all cutesy-cutesy with each other and Roy and Moss looking uncomforable - Compares with Jerry and his girlfriend been all cutesy-cutesy with each other, remember "No you're Schmoopy" and George and Elaine looking uncomfortable. (Episode - The Soup Nazi)
----
Roy trying to find out if the woman with the bandaged face is still attractive - Compares with Elaine trying to find out if her boyfriend who has a bandaged up face is still attractive, some lines from the scene: (Episode - The Stall)
ELAINE
so huh, what did the doctors say?
TONY
they said huh.. they said I'm coming along
ELAINE
but what else did they say
TONY
well, they said huh Tony, try to keep it clean
ELAINE
yeah.. no I mean did they get into stuff like a.. long jagged scars or.. gross deformities, major skin grafts, stuff like that
TONY
I really don't remember, I was kinda out of it for the 1st couple of days, I was on a lot of medications, it was kinda like a haze, it's pretty cool
ELAINE
huh (smiles) but huh, in this medicated haze, in this woozy state, um do you recall the words.. radical reconstructive surgery being uttered?
----
And then the more obvious one, at the end when Jen is with her boyfriend and the tanoy announces "Can a Peter File please come to..." and everyone stares at them and Jen says "It's Peter File not paedophile!" - Compares with Elaine dating a guy called Joel Rifkin (who shares his name with a murderer) and at a baseball game this happens: (Episode - The Masseuse)
ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please? Would Joel Rifkin report to the stadium office. Joel Rifkin...telephone. (the crowd stops cheering and we see a football player distracted from the game while hearing the announcer saying Joel Rifkin)
JOEL: Who would be calling me here? (he stands up and looks around)
ELAINE: (to the person in front of her) He's not the murderer.
----
The first and last I picked up on, someone else on another site mentioned the "bandaged face" rip, which is basically just taken straight from Seinfeld. I know Grahame Linehan is a big Seinfeld fan so I'm not sure what his reasoning is, has he just got these ideas in his head subconciously forgetting that they were in Seinfeld or is he doing it intentionally.
Have to say that's a good spot. I've seen those episodes and didn't pick up on any of them.
Still thought it was very funny though.
On Saturday 15th September 2007 GMT at 11:50 PM GMT, Martin H said:
Quote: David Chapman @ September 15, 2007, 4:30 PMI don't watch Seinfeld so if he ripped it off I wouldn't know. I just thought it was funny.
The Peter File was so obvious that you had to laugh but you had to be on their wave length to think the Rifkin thing was funny.
Signed namesake of John Lennon's murderer.
I don't get your point? The Peter File thing was not funny, it was good as a throw-away gag on Brass Eye, but it was laboured to beyond the point of funny in the IT Crowd last night.
The Joel Rifkin gag in Seinfeld worked so well because they are bound to be others called that and the fact that Elaine starts suggesting other names for him to use is great and then he gets into the idea and starts suggesting names himself, mainly Stuart which Elaine hates even more than Joel Rifkin.
On Sunday 16th September 2007 GMT at 12:11 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Quote: Martin Holmes @ September 15, 2007, 7:50 PMI don't get your point? The Peter File thing was not funny, it was good as a throw-away gag on Brass Eye, but it was laboured to beyond the point of funny in the IT Crowd last night.
The Joel Rifkin gag in Seinfeld worked so well because they are bound to be others called that and the fact that Elaine starts suggesting other names for him to use is great and then he gets into the idea and starts suggesting names himself, mainly Stuart which Elaine hates even more than Joel Rifkin.
That's the whole point of Lineham's comedies.
He does overdo things and that's why WE find it funny. Also the situations are so ridiculous that they (probably) could never really happen. And the characters are unbelievable.
On Sunday 16th September 2007 GMT at 12:29 AM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
I was really embarrassed by the Peter File pun, which I've even heard from my dad, who doesn't know who Chris Morris is. Also the actress who played Richmond's dinner partner was considerably off-key.
Richmond stuck to the ceiling was good though.
I hate to criticise this, but at the moment, the quality of the comedy doesn't accurately reflect the talent involved - which is immense.
On Sunday 16th September 2007 GMT at 1:15 AM GMT, RubyMae - Glamourous Snowdrop said:
Quote: Scatterbrained Floozy @ September 15, 2007, 12:12 PMyou two should go see him in concert! he's doing a sing song
I would choke on my drool.
On Sunday 16th September 2007 GMT at 4:07 AM GMT, Leevil said:
Haha, Moss's reaction to hearing Peter File was great, I choked on my sandwich.
Really good episode this week, although the actors playing Jen's freinds, were really cringeworthy, but it's all good.
I love this show.
On Sunday 16th September 2007 GMT at 5:00 AM GMT, Chappers said:
I thought it was really funny - but then I would
On Sunday 16th September 2007 GMT at 5:21 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Interesting to see the divide of opinion on this one. Pretty Marmite I guess. For me, aside from a few good lines, it was really quite mediocre really. Just seemed to plod along at an average pace, no scene which was constantly funny, and no 'genius' or anything to write home about. Which is a shame really!
On Sunday 16th September 2007 GMT at 3:22 PM GMT, earman2009 said:
Any news on the ratings for the last episode? I hope they haven't fallen as this show deserves high ratings.
On Monday 17th September 2007 GMT at 8:08 AM GMT, Mick Dolan said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ September 15, 2007, 8:29 PMI hate to criticise this, but at the moment, the quality of the comedy doesn't accurately reflect the talent involved - which is immense.
I tend to agree with this opinion. I think the writing is usually good, and has its flashes of brilliance. It doesn't have me in stitches all the time, but it consistently puts a smile on my face. Also, the acting definitely elevates the script exponentially.
Groan moment: "He was a fine young cannibal."
On Monday 17th September 2007 GMT at 10:59 PM GMT, Britcom Barry said:
I've only recorded these so far and have yet to watch them back but the fact that Martin Holmes disliked it and Leevil like it is a good omen.
On Monday 17th September 2007 GMT at 11:36 PM GMT, Martin H said:
Quote: Britcom Barry @ September 17, 2007, 6:59 PMI've only recorded these so far and have yet to watch them back but the fact that Martin Holmes disliked it and Leevil like it is a good omen.
What's the suppose to mean? I do like this show at times but it does have lots of flaws.
On Monday 17th September 2007 GMT at 11:48 PM GMT, Mark Lewis said:
Judging by this thread, The IT Crowd is better than I gave it credit for. It seemed to me last series that Maltesers Girl was just shouty and face-pully, the Irish chap (who may or may not be the fat bloke from the 'doesn't work like that' adverts) had weak lines. And I remain frankly offended by the incredibly prolific black chap whose schtick in whatever he appears in seems to be a slow delivery in a foolish-sounding voice.
Oh man, I don't get it. But Linehan is a genius so perhaps I can be persuaded to give it another go.
On Monday 17th September 2007 GMT at 11:51 PM GMT, Martin H said:
It's not much different Mark to be honest. I say the show is worth it because it can provide laughs now and again but from an acting stand point it's pretty dire, especially Parkinson. Although Ayoade's style works well with this type of show I think and O'Dowd isn't too bad.
On Tuesday 18th September 2007 GMT at 1:19 AM GMT, zooo said:
Quote: Mark Lewis @ September 17, 2007, 7:48 PMJudging by this thread, The IT Crowd is better than I gave it credit for. It seemed to me last series that Maltesers Girl was just shouty and face-pully, the Irish chap (who may or may not be the fat bloke from the 'doesn't work like that' adverts)
He looks nothing like him!!
He's not even from the same country!
You are a big massive mental.
On Tuesday 18th September 2007 GMT at 1:33 AM GMT, Leevil said:
Quote: Britcom Barry @ September 17, 2007, 6:59 PMI've only recorded these so far and have yet to watch them back but the fact that Martin Holmes disliked it and Leevil like it is a good omen.
Haha! I don't even know what you mean by that, but it sounds quite good.
Even though I think me n Martin share the same taste, he's too judgmental, lol, I was like that when I was his age, now I'm all patronising.
On Tuesday 18th September 2007 GMT at 1:45 AM GMT, Martin H said:
Quote: Leevil @ September 17, 2007, 9:33 PMHaha! I don't even know what you mean by that, but it sounds quite good.
Even though I think me n Martin share the same taste, he's too judgmental, lol, I was like that when I was his age, now I'm all patronizing.
Ha. It's not that I'm too judgmental, I just know how good comedy can and has been and I won't champion something that's mediocre just because it's slightly better than that other thing that's shit.
On Tuesday 18th September 2007 GMT at 2:03 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Mick Dolan @ September 17, 2007, 4:08 AMGroan moment: "He was a fine young cannibal."
Funnily enough (or not), that was actually my favourite line in that ep I think!
And hello to you, Mark Lewis.
On Tuesday 18th September 2007 GMT at 3:29 AM GMT, David H said:
Quote: Martin Holmes @ September 17, 2007, 9:45 PMHa. It's not that I'm too judgmental, I just know how good comedy can and has been and I won't champion something that's mediocre just because it's slightly better than that other thing that's shit.
That is the same view I share. These things are better than Blunder etc, but they're really not much cop. They don't have the longevity of the classics. You know when you've seen a good show.
On Tuesday 18th September 2007 GMT at 3:45 AM GMT, ajp29 said:
Quote: Aaron @ September 17, 2007, 10:03 PMFunnily enough (or not), that was actually my favourite line in that ep I think!
Have to beg to differ Aaron the funniest line was about the guy pooing in the policeman's helmet
And welcome to the BSG Mark
On Tuesday 18th September 2007 GMT at 4:08 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: ajp29 @ September 17, 2007, 11:45 PMHave to beg to differ Aaron the funniest line was about the guy pooing in the policeman's helmet
I don't even remember that one. :-/
On Tuesday 18th September 2007 GMT at 4:17 AM GMT, Mick Dolan said:
Quote: Martin Holmes @ September 17, 2007, 9:45 PMHa. It's not that I'm too judgmental, I just know how good comedy can and has been and I won't champion something that's mediocre just because it's slightly better than that other thing that's shit.
But it's not about "championing" it, unless you're their marketing director. :p It's just a reality that the majority of art produced - whether it be tv shows, movies, music, or some other form - is horrible. When a show comes along that's funny (all the way through or in parts), then it's just nice to appreciate it. Can my wife cook like a cordon bleu chef? No, but that doesn't mean I'm going to "not champion mediocrity" and refuse to eat it. There's room to enjoy the really great classics and have fun with the good stuff as well, if for no other reason than to highlight why classics are classics.
On Tuesday 18th September 2007 GMT at 6:45 AM GMT, ajp29 said:
Quote: Mick Dolan @ September 18, 2007, 12:17 AMCan my wife cook like a cordon bleu chef? No, but that doesn't mean I'm going to "not champion mediocrity" and refuse to eat it.
I'm going to try that line the next time someones cooks me something 'I'm sorry, I won't champion mediocrity by eating this' Brilliant
On Tuesday 18th September 2007 GMT at 4:45 PM GMT, Mick Dolan said:
Quote: ajp29 @ September 18, 2007, 2:45 AM
Just make sure you remember to give me credit.
On Tuesday 18th September 2007 GMT at 11:27 PM GMT, earman2009 said:
Quote: Mark Lewis @ September 17, 2007, 7:48 PMthe Irish chap (who may or may not be the fat bloke from the 'doesn't work like that' adverts)
What the hell???
Quote: zooo @ September 17, 2007, 9:19 PM
You are a big massive mental.
I'll second that!
On Thursday 20th September 2007 GMT at 5:39 PM GMT, waytoblue said:
Got a couple of clips of episode 5 (completely legally, I should add) that I've just stuck up on YouTube - you can view them here:
Roy fixes Douglas Reynholm's computer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-wXVU70FW4
Moss invents the perfect bra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWVJyXPZ0kc
On Thursday 20th September 2007 GMT at 7:19 PM GMT, earman2009 said:
Is this right?
The second series out on DVD October 1st? 3 days after the last episode airs?
If that information is correct, I hope that doesn't mean there will be a lack of extras. Graham's normally pretty good with commentaries and the such.
On Thursday 20th September 2007 GMT at 9:43 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Yep, that's correct. And it's still not the quickest ever transfer to DVD!
Not sure why it would mean that there wouldn't be extras though?
On Thursday 20th September 2007 GMT at 9:56 PM GMT, Leevil said:
I still haven't got the first series yet. But by God, I will.
On Thursday 20th September 2007 GMT at 10:18 PM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: Leevil @ September 20, 2007, 5:56 PMI still haven't got the first series yet. But by God, I will.
If you are going to buy series one Leevil get the double-boxset...
On Thursday 20th September 2007 GMT at 10:25 PM GMT, Leevil said:
Haha! Yes I might just do that, although I'm not too keen on boxes, don't ask why, I'm weird.
On Thursday 20th September 2007 GMT at 10:50 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Quote: waytoblue @ September 20, 2007, 1:39 PMGot a couple of clips of episode 5 (completely legally, I should add) that I've just stuck up on YouTube - you can view them here:
Roy fixes Douglas Reynholm's computer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-wXVU70FW4
Moss invents the perfect bra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWVJyXPZ0kc
The oven of shame... gas mark egg-on-your-face... Now that's funny.
On Friday 21st September 2007 GMT at 3:18 AM GMT, ajp29 said:
Quote: Leevil @ September 20, 2007, 6:25 PMHaha! Yes I might just do that, although I'm not too keen on boxes, don't ask why, I'm weird.
I that why you let other people live in yours
On Friday 21st September 2007 GMT at 3:29 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Leevil @ September 20, 2007, 6:25 PMI'm weird.
AN ADMISSION! FINALLY!
On Friday 21st September 2007 GMT at 4:01 AM GMT, earman2009 said:
Quote: Aaron @ September 20, 2007, 5:43 PMYep, that's correct. And it's still not the quickest ever transfer to DVD!
Not sure why it would mean that there wouldn't be extras though?
I don't know. Maybe I was thinking that they were rushing the release or something. There's no mention of extras on Amazon.
On Friday 21st September 2007 GMT at 4:04 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Yeah, but we all know how patchy Amazon's info can be. Check our entry; there's quite a bit of extras info there.
On Friday 21st September 2007 GMT at 7:27 AM GMT, Leevil said:
Quote: Aaron @ September 20, 2007, 11:29 PMAN ADMISSION! FINALLY!
Isn't the tattoo across the forehead enough?
On Friday 21st September 2007 GMT at 3:51 PM GMT, Cinnamon said:
Is it coincidence that every part Richard Ayoade takes is acted 'deliberately' badly? Still, every episode has it's moments, it just pales in comparison with...anything Linehan has done previously.
On Friday 21st September 2007 GMT at 11:39 PM GMT, Chappers said:
I've never seen Richard Ayoade in anything before to my knowledge. I still think its one of the funniest new things on TV.
On Friday 21st September 2007 GMT at 11:43 PM GMT, Leevil said:
Garth Maranges Dark Place, he was the reason I watched it, because of his hilarious "bad acting". He was also in Look Around You, I think?
That's all I know him from though.
On Friday 21st September 2007 GMT at 11:45 PM GMT, zooo said:
He's played lots of very different characters. He's a great actor!
He's 'normal' in the film Festival, and on Time Trumpet too.
On Friday 21st September 2007 GMT at 11:49 PM GMT, Leevil said:
Ahh Time Trumpet.
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 12:26 AM GMT, earman2009 said:
Quote: Leevil @ September 21, 2007, 7:43 PMGarth Maranges Dark Place, he was the reason I watched it, because of his hilarious "bad acting". He was also in Look Around You, I think?
That's all I know him from though.
I don't remember seing him in Look Around You. But, he was great in Darkplace.
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 12:30 AM GMT, Leevil said:
Nathan Barley as well.
He might not of been in 'Look Around You' but I'm sure I remember seeing him in once as an inventor or something?
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 12:33 AM GMT, earman2009 said:
maybe he was. i just can't remember.
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 12:35 AM GMT, zooo said:
He was in Look Around You. He was playing the guitar I think.
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 12:37 AM GMT, Leevil said:
Was he the rapper? Or was that the guy out of Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie?
They all look the same to me, comedy actors that is
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 12:48 AM GMT, RubyMae - Glamourous Snowdrop said:
All I remember of his role in nathan barely was the tiny hat he wore!
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 12:51 AM GMT, Jessie said:
I saw him in an episode of The Mighty Boosh late last night. Series 2 something.
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 12:58 AM GMT, zooo said:
Quote: Leevil @ September 21, 2007, 8:37 PMWas he the rapper? Or was that the guy out of Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie?
They all look the same to me, comedy actors that is
No he wasn't that scary rapper.
It was just him in a room, he was either playing or introducing a nice seventies song. Like Jimmy Saville on TOTP, only... nice.
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 2:36 AM GMT, RubyMae - Glamourous Snowdrop said:
"I feel trapped like a moth in the bath!"
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 2:39 AM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
A great episode, I really think this series is getting better and better.
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 2:41 AM GMT, RubyMae - Glamourous Snowdrop said:
I have that shade of lippy somewhere.
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 2:42 AM GMT, Jack Massey said:
A powercut occured half way through tonights episode, but all back on now, so I will watch it on Channel 4 + 1.
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 3:14 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Very stupid but very funny.
And I'm still none the wiser having never seen the programmes you say that Richard has been in.
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 3:16 AM GMT, zooo said:
What you wanna do, is get out less.
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 3:42 AM GMT, Aaron said:
I love not getting out. It's loads of fun.
(That sounds far more saucy than I intended.)
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 2:34 PM GMT, Jack Massey said:
I've just broke my PC, I typed Google into google.
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 7:58 PM GMT, Chappers said:
just make sure Jack that you get a decent bra
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 8:33 PM GMT, earman2009 said:
The plots to this series have been completely daft, but brilliant. Definitely better than the first series. The computer/briefcase joke was my favourite bit yesterday. It's such a shame there's only one more episode left. At least the DVD will be out just a few days later.
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 8:41 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Hope this gets a third series as it seems to be improving more and more as it goes along; so a third series could be great.
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 11:47 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Quote: Jessie @ September 21, 2007, 8:51 PMI saw him in an episode of The Mighty Boosh late last night. Series 2 something.
He was also the original Dixon Bainbridge, hence the description by Noel in his artwork as 'a black Roger Moore'.
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 11:50 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Ive seen the pilot where he plays Bainbridge, and Im glad he couldnt do the series, because I dont think hes a patch on Matt Berry in the role. I love the series two episode he appears in though, with the little head octopus thing; very, very funny.
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 GMT at 11:58 PM GMT, Jay72 said:
Funny episode again. Not as good as last weeks for me, but some great moments nonetheless.
Loved it when the bra burst into flames!
On Sunday 23rd September 2007 GMT at 12:21 AM GMT, Leevil said:
When does this mother repeat? I missed this weeks "grr!" Do I have to wait till next Thursday or whenever?
I'll go watch it on 4OD.
On Sunday 23rd September 2007 GMT at 3:11 AM GMT, RubyMae - Glamourous Snowdrop said:
Just read about next week. It's gonna be a good one!
On Sunday 23rd September 2007 GMT at 4:33 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Just watched this week's episode (from Friday night). Very, very funny. Had me properly lol-ing all the way through. Definitely the best episode to date, series one included.
On Sunday 23rd September 2007 GMT at 2:41 PM GMT, Jude said:
It really made me laugh and I loved the flaming bra
On Sunday 23rd September 2007 GMT at 11:38 PM GMT, ajp29 said:
I thought the whole episode was a bit contrived and lazy especially the Moz appearing on the news bit. I already new the punchline to that joke as soon as Moz said he couldn't remember the name.
Father Ted set up jokes in a similar way but it was so masterfully done, in hindsight by the director, that you never felt that it was overly staged or blindingless obvious. So to put it bluntly i thought it was poor. And what the (i'm going to swear) f**k is up with the lighting!?! Were the union on strike or something, again this just points to the director not making this show as good as it could be.
On Sunday 23rd September 2007 GMT at 11:43 PM GMT, Leevil said:
This wasn't the best episode, I shouldn't have read this thread before, I was too excited.
It felt like it's something they'd stuck together with bits from other shows, lol.
On Sunday 23rd September 2007 GMT at 11:56 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: ajp29 @ September 23, 2007, 7:38 PMI thought the whole episode was a bit contrived and lazy especially the Moz appearing on the news bit. I already new the punchline to that joke as soon as Moz said he couldn't remember the name.
But then you're an over-analysing writer, so not really the target audience anyway.
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 12:11 AM GMT, ajp29 said:
Quote: Aaron @ September 23, 2007, 7:56 PMBut then you're an over-analysing writer, so not really the target audience anyway.
Is that a polite way of calling me a grumpy bastard
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 12:16 AM GMT, Aaron said:
In a roundabout sort of way.
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 12:59 AM GMT, johnny roulette said:
i enjoyed this one. it made me laugh again. but i thought the bra bursting into flames was a cop out really.
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 2:08 AM GMT, Ben Ripley said:
I thought the episode 'Smoke & Mirrors' was hilarious. I loved the google joke and Jen's "My tits are on fire"...
(Also, anything with Amelia Bulmore in gets extra points from me!)
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 3:17 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Who was she?
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 3:24 AM GMT, Leevil said:
I think she was the lawyer?
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 3:29 AM GMT, zooo said:
Her from Suburban Shootout.
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 7:32 AM GMT, Mick Dolan said:
I agree with Leevil... I shouldn't have read this thread before watching. I thought, "My God, Arron - who didn't laugh at Spaced or This is Spinal Tap - laughed all the way through! It has to be rip-roaringly, side-splittingly hilarious. But it wasn't. I prefer the 'situational' stuff, like when Roy and Moss both get caught in predicaments as a result of the bathroom attendant and their inability to pee. It was certainly contrived, but it had its moments. I loved the bits with the boss, except the punchline... this is a suitcase.
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 10:26 AM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Quote: ajp29 @ September 23, 2007, 7:38 PMI thought the whole episode was a bit contrived and lazy especially the Moz appearing on the news bit. I already new the punchline to that joke as soon as Moz said he couldn't remember the name.
Father Ted set up jokes in a similar way but it was so masterfully done, in hindsight by the director, that you never felt that it was overly staged or blindingless obvious. So to put it bluntly i thought it was poor. And what the (i'm going to swear) f**k is up with the lighting!?! Were the union on strike or something, again this just points to the director not making this show as good as it could be.
There are a number of instances in this series and the last where the show has suffered a little because Linehan is directing. A little example is last weeks show when Jen goes for a taxi at the end. It's not quite punchy enough because the original take isn't long enough but the editor has to hold it. The first series had a few scenes where the characters' heads are too close to the top of the frame because Linehan had ordered too tight crops. Another good example is when the jap businessman jumps on Jen's feet in the DMs, the cut away of the outside of the building doesn't work. It's Linehan trying to get the same effect from the Father Ted scene when the AA man tries to stop Jack drinking and it jump cuts to an ambulance. He's a good director of actors and he gets the most out of his lines but like many writers who direct falls down on shooting 'coverage' and the technical stuff.
I totally agree with AJP about the episode being contrived and a bit lazy, although it was very funny. It definitely feels as if Linehan didn't have the ideas for this series or he was working on something else at the same time. And now we know why Chris Morris isn't in it any more.
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 11:29 AM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Quote: Matthew Stott @ September 22, 2007, 7:50 PMIve seen the pilot where he plays Bainbridge, and Im glad he couldnt do the series, because I dont think hes a patch on Matt Berry in the role. I love the series two episode he appears in though, with the little head octopus thing; very, very funny.
Well yeah, Matt Berry is outstanding as Dixon bainbridge. Luckily I met him in a pub last year and was able to tell him what a comedy God he is. Stupidly forgot to shout Whiskey! to the barmaid.
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 12:12 PM GMT, Mick Dolan said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ September 24, 2007, 6:26 AMThere are a number of instances in this series and the last where the show has suffered a little because Linehan is directing. A little example is last weeks show when Jen goes for a taxi at the end. It's not quite punchy enough because the original take isn't long enough but the editor has to hold it. The first series had a few scenes where the characters' heads are too close to the top of the frame because Linehan had ordered too tight crops. Another good example is when the jap businessman jumps on Jen's feet in the DMs, the cut away of the outside of the building doesn't work. It's Linehan trying to get the same effect from the Father Ted scene when the AA man tries to stop Jack drinking and it jump cuts to an ambulance. He's a good director of actors and he gets the most out of his lines but like many writers who direct falls down on shooting 'coverage' and the technical stuff.
I totally agree with AJP about the episode being contrived and a bit lazy, although it was very funny. It definitely feels as if Linehan didn't have the ideas for this series or he was working on something else at the same time. And now we know why Chris Morris isn't in it any more.
But do you really think the average person notices or cares about some of the technical stuff you've mentioned?
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 12:25 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Depends what you mean by average person. I wrote it for the people on this forum of which you're a member and i'm another. If you don't care that's up to you.
Regarding editing: if a film is badly edited, only editors will say 'that's badly edited', but most people recognise that something's 'wrong', they just don't know what it is.
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 12:42 PM GMT, Mick Dolan said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ September 24, 2007, 8:25 AMDepends what you mean by average person. I wrote it for the people on this forum of which you're a member and i'm another. If you don't care that's up to you.
Regarding editing: if a film is badly edited, only editors will say 'that's badly edited', but most people recognise that something's 'wrong', they just don't know what it is.
I'm not even sure if some people will recognize something is wrong. I think it would have to be Garth Marenghi's Darkplace level of bad for people to actually notice.
I'm not sure I'd consider us to be average viewers. Percentage wise, I think there are far more people viewing the program than are online discussing it.
That's not to say that it's not important. I think if it is well directed and edited it elevates the results of the show. Maybe I'm way off, but I think a show like Spaced has great directing and editing and it improves the show's overall quality enormously. Had it been poorly directed, I think it definitely would have been a worse show in general, but would a techno dope like myself actually see what could have been (or where the direction had gone bad)?
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 1:28 PM GMT, johnny roulette said:
Regarding editing: if a film is badly edited, only editors will say 'that's badly edited', but most people recognise that something's 'wrong', they just don't know what it is.
[/quote]
i totally agree. any minor mistake in directing or editing can cause a joke to fail or a scene to be less funny than it should be. when a show is done really well you don't notice, you just laugh. when mistakes are made everyone will notice, its just that people like us will realise why we are noticing, whereas "normal"people will just not laugh. or notr laugh as much as they should.
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 3:04 PM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ September 24, 2007, 6:26 AMThere are a number of instances in this series and the last where the show has suffered a little because Linehan is directing.
Unfortunately Linehan makes a less-than-convincing cameo at the start of this Friday's episode.
I have to agree though - It is one of those things you don't notice if it is done right, but direction is quite important in making things funny.
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 3:15 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Mick Dolan @ September 24, 2007, 3:32 AMI thought, "My God, Arron - who didn't laugh at Spaced or This is Spinal Tap - laughed all the way through! It has to be rip-roaringly, side-splittingly hilarious. But it wasn't. I prefer the 'situational' stuff...
I like the funny stuff.
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 3:18 PM GMT, Mick Dolan said:
Quote: Aaron @ September 24, 2007, 11:15 AMI like the funny stuff.
I just realized I spelled your name wrong. Ouch! In my defence, I've got a cold today.
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 3:23 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Mark @ September 24, 2007, 11:04 AMI have to agree though - It is one of those things you don't notice if it is done right, but direction is quite important in making things funny.
As particularly proven by Home Again.
On Monday 24th September 2007 GMT at 9:11 PM GMT, waytoblue said:
Got a couple more preview clip for you guys, this time of Episode 6, up on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XgMfGtjaDM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XGs36hUrtQ
Enjoy!
On Tuesday 25th September 2007 GMT at 1:12 AM GMT, Chappers said:
I'm no good at names but is the girl the receptionist in Doc Martin?
On Tuesday 25th September 2007 GMT at 1:16 AM GMT, earman2009 said:
Quote: Mick Dolan @ September 24, 2007, 3:32 AMI agree with Leevil... I shouldn't have read this thread before watching. I thought, "My God, Arron - who didn't laugh at Spaced or This is Spinal Tap - laughed all the way through! It has to be rip-roaringly, side-splittingly hilarious. But it wasn't. I prefer the 'situational' stuff, like when Roy and Moss both get caught in predicaments as a result of the bathroom attendant and their inability to pee. It was certainly contrived, but it had its moments. I loved the bits with the boss, except the punchline... this is a suitcase.
It wasn't a suitcase, it was a briefcase. Christ!
On Tuesday 25th September 2007 GMT at 1:18 AM GMT, zooo said:
Or it was a suitcase, and Roy is just really massive.
On Tuesday 25th September 2007 GMT at 1:41 AM GMT, earman2009 said:
I meant to mention this earlier, I'm surprised that no-ones mentioned that Moss's appearance on the news is obviously a reference to the real life event where that bloke ended up on the news when he had only went for an interview.
On Tuesday 25th September 2007 GMT at 1:42 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Quote: earman2009 @ September 24, 2007, 9:41 PMI meant to mention this earlier, I'm surprised that no-ones mentioned that Moss's appearance on the news is obviously a reference to the real life event where that bloke ended up on the news when he had only went for an interview.
I thought the same too. It was a good idea though.
On Tuesday 25th September 2007 GMT at 2:24 AM GMT, ajp29 said:
Quote: earman2009 @ September 24, 2007, 9:41 PMI meant to mention this earlier, I'm surprised that no-ones mentioned that Moss's appearance on the news is obviously a reference to the real life event where that bloke ended up on the news when he had only went for an interview.
I thought it was so obvious i didn't feel the need to mention it was obvious but as soon as moz said, i have an interview with the producers and I can't remember the name i gave, I knew that was going to be the punchline. Its also why I mentioned it was contrived.
On Tuesday 25th September 2007 GMT at 2:58 AM GMT, Chappers said:
The thing is it's almost the unbelievable situation that you'd see in a sitcom. You couldn't believe thast it could really happen.
On Tuesday 25th September 2007 GMT at 4:15 AM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: waytoblue @ September 24, 2007, 5:11 PM
I love the ambulance bit in this clip... it sums up the show perfectly - a celebration of silliness where the boring grind of 'what would really happen' (i.e. 999 would never have responded) is ignored to make way for laughs.
I'm going to have to go out and try a similar prank myself in real life now.
On Tuesday 25th September 2007 GMT at 3:16 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: ajp29 @ September 24, 2007, 10:24 PMI thought it was so obvious i didn't feel the need to mention it was obvious but as soon as moz said, i have an interview with the producers and I can't remember the name i gave, I knew that was going to be the punchline. Its also why I mentioned it was contrived.
Good God. How do you like anything, let alone find anything funny?! The whole nature of sitcom is that it's contrived!
On Tuesday 25th September 2007 GMT at 3:59 PM GMT, ajp29 said:
Quote: Aaron @ September 25, 2007, 11:16 AMGood God. How do you like anything, let alone find anything funny?! The whole nature of sitcom is that it's contrived!
I mean 
On Tuesday 25th September 2007 GMT at 6:25 PM GMT, Mick Dolan said:
Quote: Aaron @ September 25, 2007, 11:16 AMGood God. How do you like anything, let alone find anything funny?! The whole nature of sitcom is that it's contrived!
Only the bad ones you like.
On Tuesday 25th September 2007 GMT at 7:17 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Mick Dolan @ September 25, 2007, 2:25 PMOnly the bad funny ones you like.
On Wednesday 26th September 2007 GMT at 1:38 AM GMT, earman2009 said:
Quote: ajp29 @ September 24, 2007, 10:24 PMI thought it was so obvious i didn't feel the need to mention it was obvious but as soon as moz said, i have an interview with the producers and I can't remember the name i gave, I knew that was going to be the punchline. Its also why I mentioned it was contrived.
I know it was obvious, but i just thought someone would mention it. Actually, i nearly didn't mention it myself because of how obvious it was. I didn't see it coming on the show though.
On Wednesday 26th September 2007 GMT at 8:53 AM GMT, Mick Dolan said:
Quote: earman2009 @ September 25, 2007, 9:38 PMI know it was obvious, but i just thought someone would mention it. Actually, i nearly didn't mention it myself because of how obvious it was. I didn't see it coming on the show though.
Being in China, I hadn't heard about that situation. I had no clue it was taken from real life.
So, thanks.
On Wednesday 26th September 2007 GMT at 1:15 PM GMT, ajp29 said:
Mick heres a link, apologies if youtube is restricted in China. Watch his face as it cuts to him its pure comedy gold.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt3W6X8971o
On Thursday 27th September 2007 GMT at 12:07 AM GMT, earman2009 said:
Didn't he then go for the interview for real afterwards and end up not getting the job? How could you not give him the job after that?
On Thursday 27th September 2007 GMT at 1:30 AM GMT, wii-man76 said:
I was round a mates house the other day and caught one of the new episodes!
I know it hasn't finished on the TV as of yet, but I can't wait for it to be released on DVD so I can see all of the episodes!
On Thursday 27th September 2007 GMT at 3:16 AM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
I'll probably put a torrent up of my own DVD of this if anyone wants to save some money.
Don't worry, as tempted as I am, i won't be adding an audio commentary of my own.
On Thursday 27th September 2007 GMT at 5:04 AM GMT, ajp29 said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ September 26, 2007, 11:16 PMI'll probably put a torrent up of my own DVD of this if anyone wants to save some money.
You'll be shitting in policeman's helmets next
On Thursday 27th September 2007 GMT at 9:41 AM GMT, Mick Dolan said:
Quote: ajp29 @ September 26, 2007, 9:15 AMMick heres a link, apologies if youtube is restricted in China. Watch his face as it cuts to him its pure comedy gold.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt3W6X8971o
Thanks for the link, much appreciated.
omg, that's so funny! Wow, the interviewer must have felt like a knob afterwards. I mean, it really highlights the utter uselessness of 'soundbite' media.
I can get YouTube over here, as long as the page doesn't have a 'key' word, like "Tiananmen". Google video, on the other hand, doesn't work here, but not from blocking, they just don't service this area.
On Thursday 27th September 2007 GMT at 2:41 PM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: Mick Dolan @ September 27, 2007, 5:41 AMI can get YouTube over here, as long as the page doesn't have a 'key' word, like "Tiananmen".
I hope you haven't just shot yourself in the foot Mick and got yourself locked out of this website for posting that keyword!
On Thursday 27th September 2007 GMT at 6:59 PM GMT, Mick Dolan said:
Quote: Mark @ September 27, 2007, 10:41 AMI hope you haven't just shot yourself in the foot Mick and got yourself locked out of this website for posting that keyword!
Nah, it's usually fairly safe to say anything on forums. Maybe it has to do with the whatchamacallit... the area in a web page where you put all the key words for -- let's say -- search engines to check. I forget the technical term for it, but anyone who has made a web site knows what I mean. Man, I need to brush up on my web page making skills. Been too too long.
On Thursday 27th September 2007 GMT at 11:18 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Quote: ajp29 @ September 27, 2007, 1:04 AMYou'll be shitting in policeman's helmets next
Aren't they already full of shit?
On Thursday 27th September 2007 GMT at 11:35 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Mick Dolan @ September 27, 2007, 2:59 PMNah, it's usually fairly safe to say anything on forums. Maybe it has to do with the whatchamacallit... the area in a web page where you put all the key words for -- let's say -- search engines to check. I forget the technical term for it, but anyone who has made a web site knows what I mean. Man, I need to brush up on my web page making skills. Been too too long.
Meta tags? Not sure how that makes a difference to the rest of the page though...
On Friday 28th September 2007 GMT at 3:34 PM GMT, ajp29 said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ September 27, 2007, 7:18 PMAren't they already full of shit?
Are you a Burmise monk
On Friday 28th September 2007 GMT at 4:31 PM GMT, Mick Dolan said:
Quote: Aaron @ September 27, 2007, 7:35 PMMeta tags? Not sure how that makes a difference to the rest of the page though...
Yeah, those. I'm guessing that there may be a correlation between those tags and the pages that end up being blocked. Maybe if they have a key word in the meta tags, it will block it, in which case a forum where a word like "Tiananmen" is mentioned, wouldn't end up being blocked. It's all speculation on my part.
On Friday 28th September 2007 GMT at 6:08 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Oooo, right, yes, I see. I'm not exactly sure how it works. I think it's a mixture of pre-defined blacklists and some different dynamic scanning like that though.
On Friday 28th September 2007 GMT at 7:40 PM GMT, Jazza said:
Matt Berry is fast becoming my favourite character.
"Things are moving so fast I can't keep up. First The Ord-in-ary Boys and now this!!!"
On Friday 28th September 2007 GMT at 11:39 PM GMT, earman2009 said:
Quote: Jazza @ September 28, 2007, 3:40 PMMatt Berry is fast becoming my favourite character.
"Things are moving so fast I can't keep up. First The Ord-in-ary Boys and now this!!!"
I loved it when he was answering the door singing "There's someone at the door".
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 12:25 AM GMT, Jay72 said:
Quote: Jazza @ September 28, 2007, 3:40 PMMatt Berry is fast becoming my favourite character.
"Things are moving so fast I can't keep up. First The Ord-in-ary Boys and now this!!!"
Matt Berry has been ace in everything I've seen (Garth Marenghi, Mighty Boosh and now the IT Crowd). Think the Boosh was slightly poorer for him not being in the second series.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 12:45 AM GMT, Ben Ripley said:
Quote: earman2009 @ September 28, 2007, 7:39 PMI loved it when he was answering the door singing "There's someone at the door".
I had to explain Emu's Pink Windmill to my Aussie friends. I was actually quite embarrassed about how much of it I recalled - and the fact that I can still do an impression of 'Croc'.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 2:40 AM GMT, RubyMae - Glamourous Snowdrop said:
I just loved the hand gag in tonights.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 2:55 AM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Its hammer time . . .
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 3:00 AM GMT, Aaron said:
I thought that that was more than a bit laboured really Ruby, but otherwise a very good episode, yes.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 3:25 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
"SIT ON MY HAND!"
I enjoyed it.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 3:32 AM GMT, zooo said:
It's a shame they left giving Matt Berry a proper part until the last episode!
But I thought it was great throughout.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 3:41 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Quote: zooo @ September 28, 2007, 11:32 PMIt's a shame they left giving Matt Berry a proper part until the last episode!
But I thought it was great throughout.
Was it artificial then?
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 3:42 AM GMT, zooo said:
I'll have to have a closer look next time I'm down there.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 6:47 AM GMT, Mick Dolan said:
I agree that Matt Berry stole the show. The part with the nude pic flashing up: funny funny stuff. (Pause it at that frame and it looks like his head is Photoshopped onto the body.)
I really don't like when they play up the 'stupid' side of Moss, like when she is explaining the PA job offer. I know he is supposed to have absolutely no social skills, but he's not a complete fudging moron. I don't even think I cracked a smile for that scene.
I know it's a bit pre-mature, but are there any rumours of a third series?
Edit: I just read on Channel 4's website, an interview with Graham Linehan, and he says: "Well I need to move back to England first, and then I want to move onto Series Three. I need to start getting out there, forcing myself into uncomfortable social situations. That's where the material is."
So that's something to look forward to.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 12:13 PM GMT, Jay72 said:
Another good episode. I really will miss this show now it has finished. Think it has got stronger as it has gone on.
Much better than series 1. Matt Berry makes a better boss than Chris Morris (Morris was good, but Berry is better suited to the role and just a lot funnier). I'm glad Richmond wasn't used more than I thought he would be, because he's a bit of weak link in my eyes.
Sorry, but Ugly Betty is just not going to compensate on Friday nights for me.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 1:47 PM GMT, johnny roulette said:
i loved episode one with the disabled stuff.
and episode two with the funeral.
but for me the series has gradually got worse and tonight's was a stinker. the whole joke about your boss putting rohypnol in the tea was just awful.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 2:25 PM GMT, David H said:
Gave it another go to see if it had improved and there is no doubt in my mind that it's got worse. Linehan is now completely devoid of ideas and writes the first thing that pops into his head.
It started badly (what was all that about? If you do a teaser at least make it funny) The flies , as has been mentioned the conversation between Jen and Moss (did that really make it through the edit?) The hand? The golf shots? It was as though he'd written 16 minutes and had to get another six more.
Much, much worse than NGO, which does at least have good jokes peppering the script.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 3:05 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Jay72 @ September 29, 2007, 8:13 AMI'm glad Richmond wasn't used more than I thought he would be, because he's a bit of weak link in my eyes.
Well there's an understatement.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 3:25 PM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: Jay72 @ September 29, 2007, 8:13 AMI'm glad Richmond wasn't used more than I thought he would be, because he's a bit of weak link in my eyes.
Quote: Aaron @ September 29, 2007, 11:05 AMWell there's an understatement.
It's the voice that's to blame I think.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 3:32 PM GMT, Aaron said:
It's everything about him. Pointless, waste of space, not funny, and the rest. Seems to be just a lazy tool to fall back on when the old writer's block sets in.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 4:02 PM GMT, Mick Dolan said:
Quote: johnny roulette @ September 29, 2007, 9:47 AMi loved episode one with the disabled stuff.
and episode two with the funeral.
but for me the series has gradually got worse and tonight's was a stinker. the whole joke about your boss putting rohypnol in the tea was just awful.
Agreed! At least about the first two episodes being the high point. I too think it got progressively worse, not better. I wouldn't, however, go so far as to call it a stinker, as it did have its moments.
Quote: Aaron @ September 29, 2007, 11:32 AMIt's everything about him. Pointless, waste of space, not funny, and the rest. Seems to be just a lazy tool to fall back on when the old writer's block sets in.
I don't think the character is a pointless waste of space, and I'm glad they carried him over at least to the episode with the dinner party. And the gag with the funeral and him looking like he's dressed for it, but not knowing there is one... well, it gave me a smile. I think he was a nice off-beat background character and they made the right choice to keep him there.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 4:11 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Series two got worse as it went on? I really dont understand that view at all! I think it just got better and better, the final four episodes were, in my opinion, very strong and easily the best episodes in the shows run. Series two was a massive leap up on series one, which I think bodes well for a third series. I think the addition of Matt Berry was a good thing, though he was a bit under used; I agree though that the Richmond character is poor, not funny and a bit pointless; as evidenced by the fact that he barely features, there seems no reason for him to still be there. So overall, very, very good; consistently made me laugh and certainly one of my favourite comedies of the year. Oh, and I liked the hand gag, I thought the whole reason it was funny was how dementadly far he went with it.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 4:14 PM GMT, zooo said:
I loved the flies.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 4:40 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Mick Dolan @ September 29, 2007, 12:02 PMI don't think the character is a pointless waste of space, and I'm glad they carried him over at least to the episode with the dinner party. ... I think he was a nice off-beat background character and they made the right choice to keep him there.
He's a whole shark-jump in himself!
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 4:41 PM GMT, zooo said:
I think one of the flies was a wasp.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 5:01 PM GMT, Mick Dolan said:
Quote: Aaron @ September 29, 2007, 12:40 PMHe's a whole shark-jump in himself!
What a horrible phrase you're reinforcing!
And I disagree, so double
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 5:02 PM GMT, zooo said:
Maybe it was a bee.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 5:06 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Mick Dolan @ September 29, 2007, 1:01 PMWhat a horrible phrase you're reinforcing!
Yeah, buy you're wrong. So triple
and some more on top of that.Quote: zooo @ September 29, 2007, 1:02 PMMaybe it was a bee.
Some species of fly look like bees and wasps.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 5:18 PM GMT, Jay72 said:
With regards again to Richmond, I don't think he should have been discarded entirely through Series 2 - there was the odd good moment - but I'm just glad he wasn't used every week. The fact he seemed to be phased out and Matt Berry came into the show more was a great positive as far as I'm concerned.
This show has really polarised opinions. Interesting to see people's reactions.
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 5:34 PM GMT, ajp29 said:
Quote: Aaron @ September 29, 2007, 1:06 PM
Some species of fly look like bees and wasps.
Yeah they're called bees and wasps. I didn't think yesterdays episode was any good really and the failure to resolve the cliff hanger of the last series has really annoyed me. Basically I thought the writing was lazy and the direction amateurist and what was up with the bloody lighting!
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 6:10 PM GMT, zooo said:
What was the cliff hanger again?
And I didn't notice the lighting once. Even though I kept meaning to since you've gone on about it so much!
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 9:58 PM GMT, ajp29 said:
Good to know my constant moaning works. Yeah at the end of last season Mozz slept with the woman who looked like Roy's mum. Roy slept with Jen and Renholm slept with Richmond
On Saturday 29th September 2007 GMT at 10:40 PM GMT, Chappers said:
Was that a cliff hanger?
I thought that roundedit off well. I'd like to wake up with Frances Barber.
On Sunday 30th September 2007 GMT at 12:20 AM GMT, ajp29 said:
Well don't put 'to be continued' if its not a bloody cliff hanger!!!!! Don't make me use my angry face again, screw it i'm going to use it 
On Sunday 30th September 2007 GMT at 3:31 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: ajp29 @ September 29, 2007, 1:34 PMYeah they're called bees and wasps.
Bees and wasps are called bees and wasps, not flies. Bless. *pats Adam on the head*
On Sunday 30th September 2007 GMT at 3:12 PM GMT, ajp29 said:
You said there were flies that look like bees and wasps. Granted i'm not a biologist but i'm guessing they were bees and wasps and not flies in disguise! (angry face)
On Sunday 30th September 2007 GMT at 6:26 PM GMT, Aaron said:
No, there was some fly-obsessive on The One Show a few weeks ago who brought in - and I'm not kidding here - a glass case with all different types of flies inside, some of which look like bees and wasps, even in size, I would assume as a defensive mechanism.
On Sunday 30th September 2007 GMT at 10:47 PM GMT, Erik said:
So I just watched the first two seasons this past week and I love the series. I'm a big fan of FATHER TED and BLACK BOOKS, so it's not too much of a stretch.
I liked Season Two more than Season One, mainly because it changed from a neurotic woman being thrown into a social setting with socially inept guys to hrt being, essentially, one of them. My favourite episodes of Season Two were the first one with the musical "Gay", "The Dinner Party" and "Moss and the German". But there were parts in all the episodes that were great.
And I'm totally in love with Katherine Parkinson. Can someone please get me her number? I appreciate it!
-Erik
On Monday 1st October 2007 GMT at 1:40 AM GMT, Stylo said:
I thought the final ep in series 2 was v. disappointing. It was as if there were fifteen minutes of material being stretched into a full episode so that Mr L could get off down the pub.
I agree with Erik that the best episode was the first one 'GAY!' which, alone, will justify for me the price of the dvd when it comes out.
On Monday 1st October 2007 GMT at 2:40 AM GMT, Leevil said:
Haha "Sit on my big hand!"
On Monday 1st October 2007 GMT at 2:44 AM GMT, earman2009 said:
I can't believe how many people didn't like the last episode! It was possible the best episode of the whole series! The flies gag was brilliant. Also, I love Richmond. He's a great source for jokes. I really hope there is a series three, which there probably will be. If Father Ted and Black Books is anything to go by, it will be be the best (and last) series.
On Monday 1st October 2007 GMT at 7:27 AM GMT, Camo said:
I thought that season 2 was better than season 1 but the last episode went downhill. I think the series went to kind of a bell curve actually, but the middle had me laughing aloud, so I think it's a good thing.
I have horrible taste, so bad comedies suit me just fine.
On Tuesday 2nd October 2007 GMT at 1:55 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Quote: ajp29 @ September 29, 2007, 8:20 PMWell don't put 'to be continued' if its not a bloody cliff hanger!!!!! Don't make me use my angry face again, screw it i'm going to use it
Ooh - that was frightening!
On Tuesday 2nd October 2007 GMT at 2:12 AM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: earman2009 @ September 30, 2007, 10:44 PMI can't believe how many people didn't like the last episode! It was possible the best episode of the whole series! The flies gag was brilliant. Also, I love Richmond. He's a great source for jokes. I really hope there is a series three, which there probably will be. If Father Ted and Black Books is anything to go by, it will be be the best (and last) series.
Black Books 3 was not good. Linehan only worked on series 1. The best episodes of two came courtesy of Arthur Mathews.
On Tuesday 2nd October 2007 GMT at 2:46 AM GMT, earman2009 said:
Quote: Seefacts @ October 1, 2007, 10:12 PMBlack Books 3 was not good. Linehan only worked on series 1. The best episodes of two came courtesy of Arthur Mathews.
That's your opinion and your entitled to it, but I thought series 3 of black books was brilliant. The Simon Pegg episode, the gambling episode, the episode where they try to write a children's book - brilliant. Wasn't Moo Ma and Moo Pa series 3 as well? That was brilliant too. I know that Lineham only worked on series 1, but despite that, series 3 was the best in my opinion.
On Tuesday 2nd October 2007 GMT at 7:55 AM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
This show has completely self-destructed.
Bloody hell, did I imagine it or did the last episode really end with Matt Berry trying to bum Moss and Roy with Jen behind the door saying 'you lot deserve each other'?
Looking at the loving care with which the first three episodes of the first series were constructed, it's hard not to wonder why Linehan threw everything out of the window. Either he wrote the series quickly, or he'd lost interest in it or he'd run out of ideas, but all in all it's been a bit shocking.
Now I'm not saying I didn't laugh, or didn't enjoy it, and parts of it were genius, but there was a lot of weak and directionless writing/plotting. Did anyone else get the Boosh vibe that was in the background - like Linehan was a bit overawed by them? I thought the beginning of the last episode was straight out of the Boosh - except not as funny. And what's happened to the characterisation - it's all over the shop. Characters' personalities just change to suit the plot. And where's the IT framework gone? In the last series we had Moss laughing at a circuit board and Roy getting trapped under a desk. This series could have been set in the finance department.
I think Chris Morris looked at the scripts and phoned for a taxi. Or maybe him leaving was the catalyst for Linehan loosing interest? Lot's of laughs but at the cost of the integrity of the show.
All that talent, but without a well-written script and a sure director, you're f**ked.
On Tuesday 2nd October 2007 GMT at 8:23 AM GMT, Camo said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ October 2, 2007, 3:55 AMI thought the beginning of the last episode was straight out of the Boosh - except not as funny.
Come to think of it, you could substitute Bob Fossil (or other Rich Fulcher character) for Matt Berry and it would work. Actually... I liked The Mighty Boosh but it wasn't that funny.
On Tuesday 2nd October 2007 GMT at 5:04 PM GMT, Leevil said:
Quote: Camo @ October 2, 2007, 4:23 AMI liked The Mighty Boosh but it wasn't that funny.
Yeah, ditto.
On Tuesday 2nd October 2007 GMT at 5:10 PM GMT, zooo said:
Well, what did you like about it then?
On Tuesday 2nd October 2007 GMT at 5:21 PM GMT, johnny roulette said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ October 2, 2007, 3:55 AMThis show has completely self-destructed.
Bloody hell, did I imagine it or did the last episode really end with Matt Berry trying to bum Moss and Roy with Jen behind the door saying 'you lot deserve each other'?
Looking at the loving care with which the first three episodes of the first series were constructed, it's hard not to wonder why Linehan threw everything out of the window. Either he wrote the series quickly, or he'd lost interest in it or he'd run out of ideas, but all in all it's been a bit shocking.
All that talent, but without a well-written script and a sure director, you're f**ked.
i totally agree. episodes 1 and 2 were great. from 3 it just went downhill.
the last one beggared belief in my opinion.
i couldn't believe the rohypnol / bumming ending. just terrible.
you're also right on the inconsistent characters and lack of any IT references - other than the usual "turn it off and on again" joke.
even in "silly" sitcoms the characters have to have some credibility. i'd believe that roy would pretend to be disabled. but i wouldn't believe that they would both walk through the office and visit the CEO in their boxers.
very poor.
On Tuesday 2nd October 2007 GMT at 5:22 PM GMT, Leevil said:
Quote: zooo @ October 2, 2007, 1:10 PMWell, what did you like about it then?
I liked the characters, the world and imagination. I like Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding and the rest of the cast. It was funny and the little bits of banter between Howard and Vince were really funny.
It's just not a show I consider hilarious, compared to others I do.
On Tuesday 2nd October 2007 GMT at 5:25 PM GMT, zooo said:
Ah, okay then. That's allowed.
I wish they'd do stand up together, just doing the banter-y chatting bits. They did that on the live tour for twenty miutes before the show started. It was fantastic.
On Tuesday 2nd October 2007 GMT at 5:47 PM GMT, ContainsNuts said:
It wasn't perfect but I thought it was still funnier in parts than anything else on at the moment. Its true its lost its IT framework and its like watching a three-person flatshare but there were some great belly-laughs throughout. They compensated it for me. I prefer big laughs than little chuckles all the way through like Not Going Out. I think as a lot of us are writers or watch loads of comedy we don't reflect the typical audience that would forgive the points you make.
The ending to the disabled episode made me cry and that is very rare. Also the Dragons Den ending was fantastic. There is going to be a third series by the way.
On Tuesday 2nd October 2007 GMT at 5:53 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Quote: Leevil @ October 2, 2007, 1:04 PMYeah, ditto.
See my 'electro' thread.
Their stuff holds up like you wouldn't believe.
On Wednesday 3rd October 2007 GMT at 12:16 AM GMT, Seefacts said:
Quote: earman2009 @ October 1, 2007, 10:46 PMThat's your opinion and your entitled to it, but I thought series 3 of black books was brilliant. The Simon Pegg episode, the gambling episode, the episode where they try to write a children's book - brilliant. Wasn't Moo Ma and Moo Pa series 3 as well? That was brilliant too. I know that Lineham only worked on series 1, but despite that, series 3 was the best in my opinion.
Yeah, maybe I was harsh. The episodes you mention WERE good, but I distinctly remember it having a lot of pedestrian stuff in it. The worst of the 3 series though. (One was magic of course, two quite good)
Quote: Godot Taxis @ October 2, 2007, 3:55 AM
I think Chris Morris looked at the scripts and phoned for a taxi. Or maybe him leaving was the catalyst for Linehan loosing interest? Lot's of laughs but at the cost of the integrity of the show.
All that talent, but without a well-written script and a sure director, you're f**ked.
He stepped in as a favour to Linehan in series 1 after the original choice (never revealed who that was) pulled out. Morris was never intended to be in the show after series 1.
Linehan's direction should never be questioned. The way he sets up the cut to's and reveals are genius. I'd have him direct anything I wrote without a second thought.
Quote: johnny roulette @ October 2, 2007, 1:21 PMbut i wouldn't believe that they would both walk through the office and visit the CEO in their boxers.
very poor.
Repeat after me: It's a sitcom, it's a sitcom, it's a sitcom . . .
If it makes me laugh, I forgive any stretches of credibility.
You only spot stuff like that when you don't like the show. Ted was full of mad stuff, but as the show was a masterpiece, people ignored it.
On Wednesday 3rd October 2007 GMT at 12:45 AM GMT, earman2009 said:
Quote: Seefacts @ October 2, 2007, 8:16 PM
Repeat after me: It's a sitcom, it's a sitcom, it's a sitcom . . .
If it makes me laugh, I forgive any stretches of credibility.
You only spot stuff like that when you don't like the show. Ted was full of mad stuff, but as the show was a masterpiece, people ignored it.
Exactly!
On Wednesday 3rd October 2007 GMT at 1:34 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Ditto that and a half.
On Wednesday 3rd October 2007 GMT at 3:41 AM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Well, you guys are the audience too, so if you think the firesale 'jokes at any price' mentality of the second series is acceptable, then maybe it is. I never said I didn't laugh...
Quote: Seefacts @ October 2, 2007, 8:16 PM
He stepped in as a favour to Linehan in series 1 after the original choice (never revealed who that was) pulled out. Morris was never intended to be in the show after series 1.
Well, that may not actually be true, even if it's what Linehan says. Producers/writers/actors rarely give the real reasons for production decisions in public forums. I'm sure Linehan would have let him do the second series if he'd asked.
Quote: Seefacts @ October 2, 2007, 8:16 PM
Linehan's direction should never be questioned. The way he sets up the cut to's and reveals are genius. I'd have him direct anything I wrote without a second thought.
Seefacts, see earlier posts by me in this thread to see a number of mistakes by Linehan. I'm not saying he's a bad director, but I don't recall seeing any mistakes by Dan Zeff in three series of Ideal.
Lastly I am the biggest Ted fan going. I love it to bits, including some of it's 'mistakes' like making Father Stone ACTUALLY boring, and i've been telling people about the IT Crowd since january last year when it was first screened, or whenever. I liked bits of every episode of this series and I laughed a lot, but I was also disappointed and shocked for the reasons I've given.
On Wednesday 3rd October 2007 GMT at 6:02 PM GMT, Evalys said:
Does anyone know when the DVD set will come out in Region 4? I'm over in Australia, and yea, I've got shitty Internet connection, so the episodes online take absolute ages to load. And the quality isn't that "ideal" either. Yes, I'm very picky indeed. But hm... just wondering, because I'm absolutely itching to watch more of my favourite series. =)
On Wednesday 3rd October 2007 GMT at 8:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Your best bet is probably to get the Region 2 release and have it shipped. Check out our Coming Soon listings (click Shop at the top of the page).
On Thursday 4th October 2007 GMT at 12:54 PM GMT, monkeybeard said:
Not sure if it was just my copy, but my DVD of the IT Crowd Version 2.0 had severe glitches on the first two episodes which made them impossible to watch.
I'm going to replace it and hopefully it was just a one-off. Of course, with the impending postal strike and because I bought it online I won't be getting a new copy for a while now. humph.
On Friday 5th October 2007 GMT at 1:14 AM GMT, earman2009 said:
My copy of the DVD hasn't arrived yet, so I can't tell you if I have the same problem, but I'd say it's more than likely that it's a one off and you were just unlucky.
On Thursday 11th October 2007 GMT at 7:06 PM GMT, monkeybeard said:
Looks like the DVD has caused a problem with quite a few people. I haven't received my replacement (post being slow and all that) but hopefully this will be sorted out and it was just the initial batch that was faulty.
On Friday 12th October 2007 GMT at 12:11 AM GMT, earman2009 said:
I got my dvd yesterday and I haven't watched every episode or the extras yet, but the first five episodes even with commentary are fine.I'm impressed with the amount of effort that went into the animated menus. The whole Mortal Kombat thing is great!
On Friday 19th October 2007 GMT at 5:48 PM GMT, Candice Hetler said:
Grossly over hyped tedium zeitgeist The IT Crowd should be recalled immediately as somebody seems to have left all the jokes out.
On Friday 19th October 2007 GMT at 9:10 PM GMT, Cinnamon said:
I agree with Godot taxi's....except that I loved the Father Stone episode...
On Monday 31st December 2007 GMT at 9:12 PM GMT, Chappers said:
Best sitcom of last year in mymind along with Lead Balloon. To remind you they've got series 2 back to back on More 4 tonight from 9 - 12.15.
On Monday 31st December 2007 GMT at 10:10 PM GMT, James Williams said:
Quote: monkeybeard @ October 4, 2007, 8:54 AMNot sure if it was just my copy, but my DVD of the IT Crowd Version 2.0 had severe glitches on the first two episodes which made them impossible to watch.
I found the same thing when it was on the telly! All the funny stuff seemd to have been taken out somewhere, leaving interminable gaps filled with shite.
On Monday 31st December 2007 GMT at 10:10 PM GMT, Aaron said:
LOL
On Monday 31st December 2007 GMT at 11:17 PM GMT, Chappers said:
Quote: James Williams @ December 31, 2007, 5:10 PMI found the same thing when it was on the telly! All the funny stuff seemd to have been taken out somewhere, leaving interminable gaps filled with shite.
You must have a dodgy telly then.
On Monday 31st December 2007 GMT at 11:20 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
I love the IT CROWD, and thought the second series was one of the comedy highlights of the year. No, its not as good as Father Ted, but then few things are.
On Monday 31st December 2007 GMT at 11:21 PM GMT, James Williams said:
Quote: David Chapman @ December 31, 2007, 6:17 PMYou must have a dodgy telly then.
Maybe, it did that to 'Grownups' too. I'm taking it in for repair!
On Monday 31st December 2007 GMT at 11:28 PM GMT, Eat My Shirts said:
Quote: Matthew Stott @ December 31, 2007, 6:20 PMits not as good as Father Ted, but then few things are.
Are you sure? What about Super Ted?
On Monday 31st December 2007 GMT at 11:36 PM GMT, Chappers said:
Quote: James Williams @ December 31, 2007, 6:21 PMMaybe, it did that to 'Grownups' too. I'm taking it in for repair!
And maybe get a humour implant too while you're there.
On Monday 31st December 2007 GMT at 11:37 PM GMT, James Williams said:
Quote: David Chapman @ December 31, 2007, 6:36 PMAnd maybe get a humour implant too while you're there.
'Humour implant'?!
I thought we were talking about my telly.
On Friday 4th January 2008 GMT at 5:21 PM GMT, Ian Wolf said:
For those who don't know, the German version of The IT Crowd starts tonight on German TV. Their version is called "Das iTeam - Die Jungs mit der Maus" which means "The iTeam - The Boys With The Mouse" In German, the word "Maus/Mouse" is also the name for a young woman.
Link to story about the German IT Crowd, but only good if you can read German.
On Friday 4th January 2008 GMT at 5:54 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Translation: http://tinyurl.com/28bumq
On Friday 4th January 2008 GMT at 9:20 PM GMT, earman2009 said:
My God, the German version has an ugly cast!
On Friday 4th January 2008 GMT at 9:23 PM GMT, Aaron said:
The British original isn't exactly a vision of beauty...
On Friday 4th January 2008 GMT at 9:26 PM GMT, earman2009 said:
They're better looking those ugly Germans!
On Friday 4th January 2008 GMT at 9:28 PM GMT, Seefacts said:
I'm sure it'll be good.
"Ich fühle mich gefangen - wie eine Motte in einem Bad!!!"
On Friday 4th January 2008 GMT at 9:46 PM GMT, earman2009 said:
Quote: Seefacts @ January 4, 2008, 4:28 PM"Ich fühle mich gefangen - wie eine Motte in einem Bad!!!"
Sounds good.
On Friday 4th January 2008 GMT at 10:02 PM GMT, zooo said:
Hey! Richard Ayoade's gorgeous.
On Saturday 5th January 2008 GMT at 2:25 AM GMT, Chappers said:
I spent 3 hours on new year's eve watching this (the English version). One of my best NYE's in years including the "fun" parties.
On Thursday 10th January 2008 GMT at 10:40 PM GMT, comedydissertation said:
A pizza with extra grapes on. LOVE IT and may try it
On Friday 11th January 2008 GMT at 12:14 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Quote: comedydissertation @ January 10, 2008, 5:40 PMA pizza with extra grapes on. LOVE IT and may try it
Yeah - just imagine pineapple on one.
On Friday 11th January 2008 GMT at 1:34 AM GMT, Aaron said:
I had a large deep pan Hawaiian pizza tonight. Not the whole thing to myself, obviously. But ham and pineapple. Mmmmmm.
On Friday 11th January 2008 GMT at 2:14 PM GMT, Leevil said:
I fecking love Hawaiian pizza!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
On Friday 11th January 2008 GMT at 2:54 PM GMT, Aaron said:
And that's why you are a Global Moderator.
On Friday 11th January 2008 GMT at 2:58 PM GMT, Leevil said:
Garlic makes me sick too!
On Friday 11th January 2008 GMT at 3:08 PM GMT, ajp29 said:
Quote: Leevil @ January 11, 2008, 9:14 AMI fecking love Hawaiian pizza!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
The food of Champions. Best has to be Papa Johns and i'll slap anyone who says otherwise *goes off to fetch slapping stick*
On Tuesday 4th March 2008 GMT at 4:38 PM GMT, olgie said:
Can anyone tell me if the IT Crowd 2.0 has aired in Australia?
I've only just come to hear of this second series and can't find anywhere to buy the dvd. But I'm not even sure it's been aired on Aust television.
If anyone knows, please let me know.
I'll cry if I've missed it.
On Wednesday 5th March 2008 GMT at 4:41 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Quote: olgie @ March 4, 2008, 11:38 AMCan anyone tell me if the IT Crowd 2.0 has aired in Australia?
I've only just come to hear of this second series and can't find anywhere to buy the dvd. But I'm not even sure it's been aired on Aust television.
If anyone knows, please let me know.
I'll cry if I've missed it.
And so you should. It's the best new comedy of recent years.
On Wednesday 5th March 2008 GMT at 4:50 AM GMT, Graham Bandage said:
The second series of The IT Crowd is so good, it even improves the first series.
The first episode of the second series made me heave for breath while beating my fist on the floor. And I am not exaggerating. Anybody walking past my window would have assumed I was playing charades and miming somebody laughing at the world's funniest joke. Although then they might have realised there was nobody else in the room and would wonder why I was playing charades on my own.
I suppose I could have had a webcam and been playing online charades.
On Wednesday 5th March 2008 GMT at 5:17 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Or having a heart attack.
On Wednesday 5th March 2008 GMT at 7:37 AM GMT, Leevil said:
IT Crowd is fantastic!
On Saturday 8th March 2008 GMT at 4:14 AM GMT, Shane said:
Like some, i was not an instant fan of the show, i thought series 2 though, was much better than 1 and retroactively appreciated series 1 much more (the roy as james dean in 'messy joes' scene in particular is fantastic) but i have to say ep 1 of series 2 is an absolute masterclass... the structure of set-up and reveals is amazing.. just wonderful. Its also very nice to see a series genuinely improve over time it this world of the 6 episode make or break series... cannot wait for series 3, btw, in a doc recently on rte, we saw linehan going through his series 3 notes. Apparently we can expect a character called the 'pc whisperer' (sounds bloody brilliant).......
On Saturday 8th March 2008 GMT at 5:01 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Quote: Shane @ March 7, 2008, 11:14 PMLike some, i was not an instant fan of the show, i thought series 2 though, was much better than 1 and retroactively appreciated series 1 much more (the roy as james dean in 'messy joes' scene in particular is fantastic) but i have to say ep 1 of series 2 is an absolute masterclass... the structure of set-up and reveals is amazing.. just wonderful. Its also very nice to see a series genuinely improve over time it this world of the 6 episode make or break series... cannot wait for series 3, btw, in a doc on rte recently on rte, we saw linehan going through his series 3 notes. Apparently we can expect a character called the 'pc whisperer' (sounds bloody brilliant).......
Great to hear that. For some reason I just expected that to be it now.
On Monday 31st March 2008 GMT at 3:11 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Re-watching episode one (of series two) on more4 at the moment. Absolutely hilarious. Perfect writing, and equally spot-on performances, particularly from Chris O'Dowd (as Roy). Brilliant.
On Monday 31st March 2008 GMT at 3:15 AM GMT, zooo said:
Just rewatched the Gay theatre one too (I thought that was one of the last episdoes, not the first, for some reason.) I'd forgotten Ash Atalla made an appearance!
On Monday 31st March 2008 GMT at 3:25 AM GMT, Aaron said:
I seem to retain sad little factoids like that.
If only my GCSEs had been in sitcom format...
Anyway, really showed what a truly great sitcom episode is like. Hopefully they'll re-show the rest too, as I don't think I actually watched them properly.
On Monday 31st March 2008 GMT at 4:20 AM GMT, Curt said:
I laughed so hard watching that Gay theatre episode.
The IT Crowd 2.0 is so different (I find) from season 1 that it feels like a spin off from the first season.
Either way... one of my favourite sitcoms ever!
On Monday 31st March 2008 GMT at 3:23 PM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
Roy was excellent in the "Gay" episode. His sqeaky voice made those wheelchair scenes. Oh, and that reveal of Moss behind the counter had me in stitches.
On Monday 31st March 2008 GMT at 3:39 PM GMT, zooo said:
Yes! I loved his 'disabled voice.'
On Tuesday 1st April 2008 GMT at 2:23 AM GMT, Chappers said:
And I've been there too. I don't mean that in a gay way. I saw Al Murray there last year.
On Tuesday 1st April 2008 GMT at 2:29 AM GMT, Aaron said:
I saw B'Stard there a couple of years ago. Lovely theatre!
On Tuesday 1st April 2008 GMT at 3:01 AM GMT, zooo said:
I went to see something or other there last year too!
On Tuesday 1st April 2008 GMT at 3:11 AM GMT, Aaron said:
A thing? With the man from the thingumy do?
On Tuesday 1st April 2008 GMT at 3:13 AM GMT, zooo said:
There were lots of men!
I've just remembered what it was, it was rubbish. Gay the Gay musical probably would have been better.
I let my friend choose.
Still a gorgeous theatre though, one of the nicest.
On Tuesday 1st April 2008 GMT at 3:34 AM GMT, Joey Moose said:
I've enjoyed both series of IT Crowd. They did have their flaws though.....the first series had some seriously bad acting and the second series wasn't as funny as the first in some places, but I think all the creases will be ironed out in the third series.
On Tuesday 1st April 2008 GMT at 3:40 AM GMT, Aaron said:
And there was the pointless freakazoid Richmond, for whom alone The IT Crowd will never be near my top 20 sitcoms.
On Tuesday 1st April 2008 GMT at 4:08 AM GMT, Joey Moose said:
Quote: Aaron @ March 31, 2008, 11:40 PMAnd there was the pointless freakazoid Richmond, for whom alone The IT Crowd will never be near my top 20 sitcoms.
I can't hate any character played by Noel Fielding I'm afraid
On Tuesday 1st April 2008 GMT at 4:31 AM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Richmond is not a very well developed character, but Fielding is indubitably a genius.
On Tuesday 1st April 2008 GMT at 1:58 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ April 1, 2008, 12:31 AMFielding is indubitably a genius.
James Corden is far more of a genius than Noel Fielding.
On Tuesday 1st April 2008 GMT at 6:19 PM GMT, zooo said:
Stop confusing me!
I think Richmond is very funny, and well played by Noel. I would like to see how it would work without the Richmond voice though, just out of curiosity.
On Friday 25th April 2008 GMT at 4:02 PM GMT, billwill said:
It always annoys me though that the stupid link announcers always call it
"the it crowd" ["it" as in "pit"} instead of "The Eye Tee Crowd".
On Friday 25th April 2008 GMT at 4:06 PM GMT, Oliver said:
Quote: Aaron @ April 1 2008, 10:58 AM BSTJames Corden is far more of a genius than Noel Fielding.
do you love Gavin and Stacey (most boring, cliched, worthless program ever), or are you just obsessed?
James Corden is a fat bloke! Wow! That's brilliant
'oh look a welsh idiot and an essex prat get married and they 'luv each over!'
lets all cry and laugh and throw baftas at them
On Friday 25th April 2008 GMT at 4:12 PM GMT, Richard Wells said:
Well Gavin and Stacey has won award after award so i'd say you're definitely in the minority.
It's funny you called it boring, cliched and worthless as that's what I thought when I read your post
On Friday 25th April 2008 GMT at 4:25 PM GMT, Oliver said:
Quote: Richard Wells @ April 25 2008, 1:12 PM BSTWell Gavin and Stacey has won award after award so i'd say you're definitely in the minority.
It's funny you called it boring, cliched and worthless as that's what I thought when I read your post
Just the kind of retort you would find in Gavin and Stacey.
Just to point out, I mentioned I'm in the minority you dick!
I said that most of the UK is made up of below average IQ, common, muppetts and old people.
IMO I don't think i fit into this category.
This sitcom is made for the great unwashed and appeals generically to as many morons as possible.
On Friday 25th April 2008 GMT at 4:47 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Oliver @ April 25 2008, 1:25 PM BSTJust to point out, I mentioned I'm in the minority you dick!
Personal insults like this are neither appreciated, nor needed. Please refrain in future. Thanks.
Quote: Oliver @ April 25 2008, 1:06 PM BSTdo you love Gavin and Stacey (most boring, cliched, worthless program ever), or are you just obsessed?
I like it, but I don't "love" it. Not sure what you're suggesting I'm obsessed with either, but any character in Gavin and Stacey is worth 20 of Fielding's in The IT Crowd.
Quote: billwill @ April 25 2008, 1:02 PM BSTIt always annoys me though that the stupid link announcers always call it
"the it crowd" ("it" as in "pit") instead of "The Eye Tee Crowd".
Could be because Graham Linehan has stated that it's meant to be '(p)it' and not 'eye tee'.
On Saturday 26th April 2008 GMT at 12:28 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Quote: Oliver @ April 25 2008, 1:25 PM BST
I said that most of the UK is made up of below average IQ, common, muppetts and old people.
Yes - I probably fulfill all those criteria - and I love IT Crowd.
Gavin & Stacey is quite good too though.
On Saturday 26th April 2008 GMT at 1:33 AM GMT, Britcom Barry said:
I saw this for the first time repeated on More4 (the one when they go to see "Gay" the musical) the funniest thing I've seen in a long long long long long long time.
On Saturday 26th April 2008 GMT at 1:34 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Unfortunately, the standard didn't keep so high Barry.
On Saturday 26th April 2008 GMT at 1:57 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Quote: Aaron @ April 25 2008, 10:34 PM BSTUnfortunately, the standard didn't keep so high Barry.
Oh yes it did!
On Saturday 26th April 2008 GMT at 1:59 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Oh no it didn't!
On Saturday 26th April 2008 GMT at 2:30 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
I still believe Series 2 is better than Series 1.
On Saturday 26th April 2008 GMT at 2:34 AM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Quote: Aaron @ April 1 2008, 10:58 AM BSTJames Corden is far more of a genius than Noel Fielding.
Wow, just seen that. Best April fool I've ever seen. At least I hope it was an April Fool Aaron... Aaron?
On Saturday 26th April 2008 GMT at 2:52 AM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: billwill @ April 25 2008, 1:02 PM BSTIt always annoys me though that the stupid link announcers always call it
"the it crowd" ["it" as in "pit"} instead of "The Eye Tee Crowd".
I believe it is an intentional play on the phrase 'It Crowd' (i.e. hip and happening people). This was all part of the marketing for series one (remember the trailers?) but since seems to have been dropped.
On Saturday 26th April 2008 GMT at 2:53 AM GMT, zooo said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ April 25 2008, 11:34 PM BSTWow, just seen that. Best April fool I've ever seen. At least I hope it was an April Fool Aaron... Aaron?
He just really doesn't rate Noel.
At least in the IT Crowd. I'm not sure he's watched much of his other stuff?
On Saturday 26th April 2008 GMT at 2:55 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Not recently enough to pass judgement, no.
I just really don't see any point or worth in that character. It's as if the part was written with no other reason than to put Noel Fielding in the show.
On Saturday 26th April 2008 GMT at 4:51 AM GMT, Curt said:
I think they were trying to expand the shows 2nd tier characters like Scrubs Sweaty Teddy and The Todd. I really like the character and think he is a positive addition.
On Saturday 26th April 2008 GMT at 5:35 AM GMT, thing said:
Quote: Oliver @ April 25 2008, 1:06 PM BSTdo you love Gavin and Stacey (most boring, cliched, worthless program ever), or are you just obsessed?
James Corden is a fat bloke! Wow! That's brilliant
'oh look a welsh idiot and an essex prat get married and they 'luv each over!'
lets all cry and laugh and throw baftas at them
Bitterness is the easiest act to do.
Quote: Oliver @ April 25 2008, 1:25 PM BST
I said that most of the UK is made up of below average IQ, common, muppetts and old people.
IMO I don't think i fit into this category.
Yeah, but there are some people who overestimate themselves as well and can't even spell 'muppets'.
Quote: Oliver @ April 25 2008, 1:25 PM BST
This sitcom is made for the great unwashed and appeals generically to as many morons as possible.
Oooohh, i love the great "unwashed" bit. You consider yourself, maybe, 'middle class' do you? One of the intelligencia?
Let me tell you: The dirtiest people I have ever found, (through some detailed experience) are always those who have a middle-class upbringing.
Sorry to generalise, people, just a simple, true, fact (in general).
On Saturday 26th April 2008 GMT at 12:27 PM GMT, Aaron said:
OOoo, you classist!
On Thursday 1st May 2008 GMT at 3:56 PM GMT, RichardAyoadeFanatic said:
I think the best episode was when the guys went to "GaY The musical" The I love willies song was quite a laugh ditto i'm a friend of dorothy.
On Thursday 1st May 2008 GMT at 4:03 PM GMT, zooo said:
Ooh, are you a real fanatic?
Did you find him alluring in the theatre uniform?
On Monday 12th May 2008 GMT at 12:53 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Who writes and proof reads this stuff?
"Golden Rose awards are very much sort after by broadcasters and programme makers, with shows from all around world entered each year in the hope of being named the best in the world."
On Monday 12th May 2008 GMT at 12:55 AM GMT, zooo said:
Quote: David Chapman @ May 11 2008, 9:53 PM BSTWho writes and proof reads this stuff?
Golden Rose awards are very much sort after by broadcasters and programme makers, with shows from all around world entered each year in the hope of being named the best in the world.
Sort?
Who writes and proof reads your posts?
Oh wait!
Is that your point?
I am officially confused...
On Monday 12th May 2008 GMT at 12:57 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Quote: zooo @ May 11 2008, 9:55 PM BSTSort?
Who writes and proof reads your posts?
Oh wait!
Is that your point?
I am officially confused...
Taken from the BSG web site.
On Monday 12th May 2008 GMT at 12:59 AM GMT, zooo said:
I seeeee.
On Monday 12th May 2008 GMT at 1:14 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Ugh. That's Mark for you. I'll go and edit it now.
On Monday 12th May 2008 GMT at 1:40 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Quote: Aaron @ May 11 2008, 10:14 PM BSTUgh. That's Mark for you. I'll go and edit it now.
Well done!
On Thursday 26th June 2008 GMT at 3:21 AM GMT, jeej said:
I've REALLY tried to like The IT Crowd. But I just don't find it particularly funny.
The Irish guy just shouts all the time and the 'gags' seem very predictable. It only perked up a bit in the 2nd series when Matt Berry came along.
Otherwise it just feels like the bastard love child of 2 Pints and My Family - where in this case the family is 2 IT geeks and their IT inept boss.
I'm a big Richard Ayoade fan and I like some of Graham Linehan's work, but The IT Crowd just feels watered down and cheap. It seems to try and make up for its weak humour by turning up the anti on the absurd. Then the roaring laughter from the studio audience just makes me cringe.
Oh Moss went to a cannibals house and watched a DVD but wasn't at all shocked about the fact the guy was a cannibal, much to the surprise of Jen... oh the hilarity! He's such a cad!
The phone is ringing but the Irish guy is ignoring it. He finishes his snack and leans forward... is he going to answer the phone?!?!... NO! He licks the fingers on one hand... is he going to answer the phone?!?!... NO! He licks the fingers on the other hand... ha-bloody-ha! She's behind you, oh no she isn't! The crowd goes wild!
I can understand why this is widely so popular, it has that definite mainstream appeal. But I'd rather watch my Garth Marenghi DVD for the 800th time.
On Thursday 26th June 2008 GMT at 3:39 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Best sitcom for years!
On Thursday 26th June 2008 GMT at 1:20 PM GMT, Griff said:
Yeah I like The IT Crowd too. If My Family is a 1 and Peep Show is a 10, The IT Crowd is definitely a 7 or 8.
On Friday 27th June 2008 GMT at 3:17 AM GMT, jeej said:
I'd say more like a 5.
On Friday 27th June 2008 GMT at 3:20 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Quote: jeej @ June 27 2008, 12:17 AM BSTI'd say more like a 5.
It's an English thing! You wouldn't get it.
On Monday 30th June 2008 GMT at 2:39 AM GMT, jeej said:
...I am English.
Don't get me wrong, there are far worse sitcoms out there, but I don't think The IT Crowd is worth all the hype it gets. A few laughs here and there, but otherwise generally weak.
On Saturday 26th July 2008 GMT at 2:42 PM GMT, Mark said:
It seems that no one won The IT Crowd DVD competition... as it was too fiendish! There's now a race on to win the laptop. Details from Linehan's blog
On Saturday 26th July 2008 GMT at 2:46 PM GMT, Aaron said:
A YELLOW laptop?! I think it's time for me to order a DVD.
On Thursday 7th August 2008 GMT at 11:38 PM GMT, Curt said:
Anyone got any news on this show? Perhaps when the 3.0 will come out? I've watched series 2.0 a few times now and I've been itching for new stuff!!! Or perhaps how the US version is coming along?
On Thursday 7th August 2008 GMT at 11:47 PM GMT, Aaron said:
I don't think I've even seen tickets advertised for series 3, so it's unlikely to be for the best part of a year still.
On Thursday 7th August 2008 GMT at 11:58 PM GMT, earman2009 said:
Quote: Curt @ August 7 2008, 8:38 PM BSTOr perhaps how the US version is coming along?
God only knows if we'll ever see that!
On Friday 8th August 2008 GMT at 1:24 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
NBC scrapped it. They've got US Kath & Kim now.
On Friday 8th August 2008 GMT at 11:12 PM GMT, earman2009 said:
Quote: hotzappa11 @ August 7 2008, 10:24 PM BSTNBC scrapped it. They've got US Kath & Kim now.
I thought they probably had as it was supposed to air about a year ago.
On Wednesday 13th August 2008 GMT at 5:41 PM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: Curt @ August 7 2008, 8:38 PM BSTAnyone got any news on this show?
Writer Graham Linehan has posted on his blog: "three weeks till we begin location filming"...
http://whythatsdelightful.wordpress.com/2008/08/12/be-my-hive-brain/
He is also inviting suggestions as to what geeky things the characters should have in their office this year, and what t-shirts they should wear.
On Wednesday 13th August 2008 GMT at 5:46 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Oh I want that shirt.
Anyway. Yeah. They should use that comedy magazine that Moss was on. I can't find it and can't remember what it's called! The BFI one. Ermm. I shall search...
Would be a nice thing to spot hidden away somewhere subtly though!
On Wednesday 13th August 2008 GMT at 5:49 PM GMT, john lucas 101 said:
Mustard?
On Wednesday 13th August 2008 GMT at 5:59 PM GMT, Aaron said:
That's the bastard.
Oh darn, it's already been featured.
http://www.mustardweb.org/about/itcrowd/
On Wednesday 13th August 2008 GMT at 6:53 PM GMT, Chappers said:
How about a BSG T-shirt?
QUICK!
On Wednesday 13th August 2008 GMT at 7:34 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Now there's a thought!
On Thursday 14th August 2008 GMT at 9:58 AM GMT, SivoxII said:
I am REALLY! looking forward to Series 3 of The IT Crowd!!!!
Series one was watchable, but a little cheezy in parts. Series two was really starting to become something robust, in quality and laughs, so I'm optimistic that Series 3 will be well worth the wait.
On Thursday 28th August 2008 GMT at 10:19 PM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: SivoxII @ August 14 2008, 6:58 AM BSTI am REALLY! looking forward to Series 3 of The IT Crowd!!!!
Here's what to expect from the third series, from C4 press office...
QuoteRoy, Moss and Jen continue, against the odds, to be employed by Reynholm Industries as IT consultants. Their sometimes fragile friendship is reinforced when they become the victims of sexual harassment, create a fundraising erotic calendar, confront the builders from hell, inadvertently assist with a robbery and join a social networking site. Despite attempts to leave the basement of the IT dept, Jen is quickly humiliated into returning to Roy and Moss, while they in turn are lost without her.
Meanwhile their boss Douglas, suffers a string of self-inflicted calamities: he shoots himself in the leg, dons a pair of electro shock therapy pants to control sexual desire and, even though he is the MD, he reduces Reynholm Industries to near bankruptcy.
Sounds good to me!
On Thursday 28th August 2008 GMT at 11:17 PM GMT, zooo said:
Yay! Sounds brilliant!
More of the same hopefully.
On Thursday 28th August 2008 GMT at 11:21 PM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
Argh! I can't wait! Having rewatched the repeats of Series 1 on More4, I realised how the show just gets better and better.
On Wednesday 12th November 2008 GMT at 7:04 PM GMT, john lucas 101 said:
I spy with my little eye in the Radio Times that series three starts next Friday on Ch4 at 10pm. That's good, innit.
On Wednesday 12th November 2008 GMT at 7:43 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Can't wait!
On Wednesday 12th November 2008 GMT at 8:09 PM GMT, Ben said:
OH. MY. GOD!
I am going to explode!
They only filmed it a few weeks back!
On Wednesday 12th November 2008 GMT at 8:13 PM GMT, john lucas 101 said:
Don't explode, Ben, it may well spoil your viewing.
Yes, this will take the number of decent programmes broadcast on Channel 4 this year to very nearly a handful.
On Wednesday 12th November 2008 GMT at 8:14 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Next week there shall be IT, Outnumbered and Lead Balloon; all good to different extents! About time there was some decent comedy on!
On Wednesday 12th November 2008 GMT at 8:16 PM GMT, john lucas 101 said:
And Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe.
On Wednesday 12th November 2008 GMT at 8:18 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: john lucas 101 @ November 12 2008, 3:16 PM GMTAnd Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe.
Oh yeah! Why've they horded all the good shows till the end of the year?
On Wednesday 12th November 2008 GMT at 8:20 PM GMT, john lucas 101 said:
I suppose they think we'll all be huddled inside, out of the cold. Or something. But yes, there is a definite back-up of stuff.
On Wednesday 12th November 2008 GMT at 8:27 PM GMT, Aaron said:
So, moving on...
On Wednesday 12th November 2008 GMT at 8:29 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: Aaron @ November 12 2008, 3:27 PM GMTSo, moving on...
What?
On Wednesday 12th November 2008 GMT at 8:50 PM GMT, Aaron said:
To a new thread for a new series.