Beautiful People - Series 1
On Sunday 14th September 2008 GMT at 2:24 AM GMT, Mark said:
Just creating a thread for this sitcom as it starts next month. It's part of BBC2's on-going attempts to find a sitcom that works in the Thursday's Are Funny slot (how many failed sitcoms have we had in a row in that slot now?!?)
The cast includes talented people like Olivia Colman which is promising, but it is about young gay boys which could prove to be a bit too, um, 'issue filled' for a BBC2 sitcom? We'll have to wait and see how they present it I guess.
http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/beautiful_people/
On Sunday 14th September 2008 GMT at 2:25 AM GMT, zooo said:
Exsqueeze me?
*runs to link*
*edit*
Oh. 
You really do mean young.
DAMMIT.
On Sunday 14th September 2008 GMT at 2:27 AM GMT, Aaron said:
HAHAH! Just your cup of tea, zooo. Well, your glass of Coke anyway. Interesting to see Olivia blonde. I shall wait with intrigued hesitation.
Damn, yes, a bit young after all.
On Sunday 14th September 2008 GMT at 2:27 AM GMT, zooo said:
It does look interesting though! I'm sure I'll watch.
On Wednesday 24th September 2008 GMT at 2:36 PM GMT, 2ChristianTypists said:
A glorious Facebook Page has been started in honour of BBC Two's Beautiful People. It tells you all you need to know about the show and a bit more.
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/BEAUTIFUL-PEOPLE-BBC-Comedy/26559017967
Join up... and watch the show Thurdsdays at 9.30pm from October 2nd.
On Thursday 25th September 2008 GMT at 10:55 PM GMT, Mexter said:
Now this looks to be very entertaining after the disasters that were 'The Cup' and 'Lab Rats' maybe Thrusday will be funny again.
On Saturday 27th September 2008 GMT at 3:08 PM GMT, Mark said:
Here's a preview clip...
http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/beautiful_people/videos/
I'm all for a bit of camp on my box (ahem, no jokes please), but I'm starting to worry this show is just going to be too much of a camp overdose for me to handle!
On Monday 29th September 2008 GMT at 1:18 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Mark @ September 27 2008, 12:08 PM BSTHere's a preview clip...
http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/beautiful_people/videos/
I'm all for a bit of camp on my box (ahem, no jokes please), but I'm starting to worry this show is just going to be too much of a camp overdose for me to handle!
I agree. I don't think the signs look good. Too camp for it's own good. It almost makes you want them to bring back Section 28 so that anybody openly promoting homsexuality in this way could have a short spell in prison.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 3:37 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
From the clips I've seen it neither looks like Reading (which I know very well) and no one seems to have a Reading accent. Reading has much comic potential but it doesn't look (from the little I've seen and heard) like this show is using this. Maybe it shouldn't have been place specific?
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 4:02 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Does Reading have an accent?
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 4:03 PM GMT, Griff said:
It certainly does. Ricky Gervais has got one.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 4:03 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Does he?
Maybe I'm just too "local" to notice.
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 GMT at 4:04 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
Quote: Griff @ October 1 2008, 1:03 PM BSTIt certainly does. Ricky Gervais has got one.
Precisely. It's quite a difficult one to do too.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:11 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Y'know, I didn't laugh very much, but I really thought that that was ace. Great story, great cast - and a really good theme tune too. Not too camp, as some had feared it may be. Nicely balanced.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:18 AM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
I thought it was cack. Might just be a case of bedding in,but I just found it painful, and not at all funny.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:23 AM GMT, zooo said:
I loved it!
You bunch of weirdos.
I didn't think it was particularly camp either, only the bits set in the present were. And the finish on the vase was great.
Where is Kylie now?!!
I must know!
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:24 AM GMT, Nil Putters said:
zooo likes gay comedy shock!
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:25 AM GMT, zooo said:
Whatevs girlfriend.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:26 AM GMT, Nil Putters said:
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:27 AM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: zooo @ October 2 2008, 10:23 PM BSTI loved it!
You bunch of weirdos.
Yes, its not you whos weird for liking it! I squirmed the whole way through it, and found it shockingly low on laughs. I knew you would like it though Zooo!
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:27 AM GMT, JuliaC said:
I realy liked it! On top of Olivia being fab, Meera Syal was good too. In fact, they were all good! I liked his sister and her Heather Small hair!
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:28 AM GMT, Electric Cornflakes said:
In the words of Eric Cartman I found this show to be 'lame'(in the voice of AWESOME-O).
Not particularly funny,overacted,smarmy and with the charm and wit sophistication of an alsatian after a headswap operation.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:28 AM GMT, zooo said:
Maybe only girls and men who aren't intimidated by the GAYS like it.
(I'm just kidding, lads. Don't get your panties in a twist.)
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:30 AM GMT, Nil Putters said:
*untwists boxers* Panties! Pah! 
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:30 AM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: zooo @ October 2 2008, 10:28 PM BSTMaybe only girls and men who aren't intimidated by the GAYS like it.
(I'm just kidding, lads. Don't get your panties in a twist.)
Gimme Gimme Gimme, by the same writer, was great though.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:30 AM GMT, zooo said:
Oh I didn't know that. I didn't mind Gimme Gimme Gimme, but I prefer this so far.
Quote: Nil Putters @ October 2 2008, 10:30 PM BST*untwists boxers* Panties! Pah!
Hee!
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:31 AM GMT, Nil Putters said:
Quote: Matthew Stott @ October 2 2008, 10:30 PM BSTGimme Gimme Gimme, by the same writer, was great though.
Agreed.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:38 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Matthew Stott @ October 2 2008, 10:30 PM BSTGimme Gimme Gimme, by the same writer, was great though.
Yes, I love Gimme Gimme Gimme. Delightfully filthy.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:44 AM GMT, Griff said:
I thought this was poor. Olivia Colman did her best, but compared to similar "growing up in suburbia" things like the adaptation of Jonathan Coe's The Rotter's Club, it felt really weak. The "surreal" touches like the boxing ring appearing in the middle of the street when the two women were fighting really felt like padding. I can't think of a single memorable line from the dialogue. I won't be bothering with this again.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:58 AM GMT, Electric Cornflakes said:
Can't agree with Griff more.
As you say Gimme, Gimme, Gimme pulled off camp comedy brilliantly. PC Goody from The Thin Blue Line. Waylon Smithers, Mark from Operation Good Guys, Mr Garrison.
All great gay characters, I don't think we can add 'Coming of Age' to that list.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:59 AM GMT, zooo said:
Quote: Electric Cornflakes @ October 2 2008, 10:58 PM BSTAll great gay characters, I don't think we can add 'Coming of Age' to that list.
That's lucky, we weren't watching that.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 2:00 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Was just wondering about that...!
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 2:02 AM GMT, zooo said:
I don't think it should just be judged like that. Oh, this gay character wasn't as good as that other gay character in that other gay show.
I liked the whole family, and the way it was shot. Felt kind of American actually, a bit like Everybody Hates Chris or something. Not shot at all like a normal British sitcom.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 2:06 AM GMT, Griff said:
Well I wasn't comparing it with other gay characters, but with a similar "growing up in suburbia" show.
Anyway, you liked it, I didn't, so, umm, I win or something.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 2:09 AM GMT, Electric Cornflakes said:
Quote: zooo @ October 2 2008, 10:59 PM BSTThat's lucky, we weren't watching that.
Sorry about that, there's so many mediocre comedies around I get confused. Coming of Age, Beautiful People, Trexx and Flipside; it's all the same to me.
I file all of them up my arse under 'a load of shite'.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 2:11 AM GMT, Griff said:
Trexx and Flipside! Now there's a shocka.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 2:12 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Aaron in "enjoyed Trexx and Flipside shock horror"!
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 2:47 AM GMT, paul f said:
I thought it was fantastic! Not the usual run of the mill stuff the BBC usually hits out with. The sound track was also pretty good, hope the second episode lives up to excellent series opener.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 2:49 AM GMT, zooo said:
What was the song over the credits?
I recognised it.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 2:51 AM GMT, Griff said:
Was it
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a122329/minogue-sisters-duet-for-tv-theme-tune.html
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 3:03 AM GMT, Aaron said:
No.
It was sung by thing from The Feeling. I think it was an original composition for the show.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 3:06 AM GMT, zooo said:
No! (To Griff)
It was some blokey band. At the end anyway...
Ooh, The Feeling. I like him.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 3:06 AM GMT, Griff said:
I switched over to 8 Out Of 10 Cats when the credits rolled, so didn't catch the theme tune.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 5:38 AM GMT, Jonwo said:
Watched it on iPlayer not expecting much but I really liked it. It wasn't laugh out loud funny but many of the lines were quite funny as were characters like Simon's Mum and Aunt Hayley.
Would be interesting to see if the older Kylie appears in the series.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 12:52 PM GMT, the heretic said:
Embarrassingly bad. It made me smile once in half an hour. Telegraphed 'jokes' and camp humour that seemed as dated as John Inman's mince - it was just so boring, boring, boring.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:09 PM GMT, chipolata said:
I thought it was pretty bland and forgettable, and I can't see me tuning in for any more episodes. I didn't really like the fantasy bits either and think those kind of things have been handled better in American shows. Still, I guess it'll keep the gays happy.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:14 PM GMT, Afinkawan said:
I thought it was OK and will probably give it one more try, mostly because there's nothing else good on at the same time.
But as far as "I grew up at some point in the past with an embarassing family" sitcoms/comedy-dramas go, it was no The Grimleys.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:22 PM GMT, Johnny Green said:
I thought this was OK...though I preferred 'The Cup'. At least the idea was quite original, having someone reflect back on their life in the 90s. I think there was a thread a while ago about sitcoms being set in the past and how this meant that they could never become old. I'm also guessing there is going to be some twist later on? I don't want to be a killjoy but am I right in thinking that it was supposed to be set in 1997? At the end of the episode it showed Tony Blair arriving in downing street. Was the episode meant to be a specific week or was it just a recollection of thoughts from the past. This is the thing that I couldn't quite work out although his mum trying not to drink for a week lead me to believe that it was set over the course of a week. If this is the case though then I think there are a few, albeit minor, historical inaccuracies. Firstly 'Moving on up' by M People I think was released in 1993, though yes they were still around until the end of the 90s. Also it looks like they are watching Live & Kicking on the TV, but to me it looks like an episode from early in the 90s. I'm pretty sure that by 97 they had a different studio design. Yes maybe I am sad!
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:26 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Johnny Green @ October 3 2008, 10:22 AM BSTI thought this was OK...though I preferred 'The Cup'.
It's sad that the last big BBC2 high-profile sitcoms - Lab Rats, The Cup and this - have been so dreary and uninspiring.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:29 PM GMT, Griff said:
More importantly, who's the new Chipolata Avatar Girl? (a role surely as sought after as Bond Girl?)
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:40 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Griff @ October 3 2008, 10:29 AM BSTMore importantly, who's the new Chipolata Avatar Girl? (a role surely as sought after as Bond Girl?)
Tricia Helfer, the willowy blonde from Battlestar Galactica. The last season goes in some unexpected directions.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 1:42 PM GMT, Griff said:
Oh I like her. Didn't recognise her with dark hair.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 6:48 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
This didn't work for me. I found the whole "my family are so eccentric" thing a bit unoriginal and not very eccentric at all. Also it looked more like Shameless than Reading - but then absolutely no one sounded like they lived in Reading. They were mainly Londoners, which made the whole got to get out of Reading and live in London theme a bit useless. Overall found it was full of stereotypes and weak innuendo gags.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 9:23 PM GMT, Mike88 said:
I loved it. One of only 2 recent BBC comedies of this year I have really got into (the other being Massive).
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 9:51 PM GMT, Scatterbrained Floozy said:
Quote: Mark @ September 13 2008, 11:24 PM BSTThe cast includes talented people like Olivia Colman which is promising, but it is about young gay boys which could prove to be a bit too, um, 'issue filled' for a BBC2 sitcom? We'll have to wait and see how they present it I guess.
http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/beautiful_people/
Posner! I will have to find a way to watch this now, though it doesn't seem very highly recommended.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 9:55 PM GMT, zooo said:
Well it is by me, Aaron and a few other people with taste.
On Friday 3rd October 2008 GMT at 10:48 PM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ October 3 2008, 3:48 PM BSTThis didn't work for me. I found the whole "my family are so eccentric" thing a bit unoriginal and not very eccentric at all.
Not very eccentric?!? They were all nutty. Either that, or I've lived a particularly very boring up-bringing compared to the rest of the country.
I know what you mean though, the 'we are wacky' message started to annoy me after a bit. Still, it was much for watchable than the other sitcoms that have been in the Thursday slot this year so I'll keep watching.
Quote: Griff @ October 2 2008, 11:51 PM BSTWas it
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a122329/minogue-sisters-duet-for-tv-theme-tune.html
The Sun/Digital Spy have got that slightly wrong... the Minogue Sisters' song features in episode four, it isn't the theme tune.
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 2:37 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
Quote: Mark @ October 3 2008, 7:48 PM BSTNot very eccentric?!? They were all nutty. Either that, or I've lived a particularly very boring up-bringing compared to the rest of the country.
Maybe you've been nicely sheltered
The aunty was an awful pointless character (it seemed like she was there as a n excuse to crowbar blind jokes), the brassy mum who likes a drink was a dull stereotype, crazy dad with his homemade wine was like something out of a bad 70s sitcom and the chavvy sister was pretty 2-d too.
This show also included the dialogue;
"I'd like you to have a look at my gash. Sorry, I mean gaff..."
Perhaps one of the most lazy, rubbish jokes ever that would have got rejected from a bad Carry On script.
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 4:47 PM GMT, zooo said:
Well, the woman who said that wasn't supposed to be funny. She was supposed to be a slutty idiot.
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 5:48 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
Quote: zooo @ October 6 2008, 1:47 PM BSTWell, the woman who said that wasn't supposed to be funny. She was supposed to be a slutty idiot.
Lol. But the programme is supposed to be funny. That usually means that every and any character should have funny lines.
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 5:49 PM GMT, zooo said:
Well, I don't agree. But I see your point!
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 5:55 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ October 6 2008, 2:48 PM BSTLol. But the programme is supposed to be funny. That usually means that every and any character should have funny lines.
There's a difference between every character having funny lines and every line being funny. The latter would just be tiring and irritating.
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 5:57 PM GMT, Griff said:
Come off it everyone. Just think about it for two seconds.
"Gash - I mean gaff" is obviously meant to be a gag line.
Try and imagine somebody ever saying that for real. If it's meant to be a serious line, it's an even worse piece of dialogue. It's neither realistic nor illuminating nor funny nor revealing of character nor anything. Just clunky and awful.
Think about all the occasions when you have seen someone say something "rude" by accident. "I'll have a pint of tits" or something. What do they do? They blush, or giggle, or slap their mates on the back and generally make a song and dance about it. Nobody just says it.
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 6:00 PM GMT, zooo said:
We disagree.
(Not that it was a favourite line or anything.)
But clearly (to me) meant to make us dislike the character. Make her look crass and unpleasant.
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 6:04 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
Honestly if, as a (new)writer, you submitted a script with that line in it would be picked up on, chewed to pieces and struck off. And quite right too. I can't believe it got past a producer and a script editor, but going by some of the flashback and fantasy scenes in this show, they obviously needing as much pissing crap as possible. Sorry, did I say pissing crap? I meant 'padding'...
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 10:10 PM GMT, random said:
I can't help but agree with zooo.
I think it was an intentional bad line, 'cos that character would use such a naff line in hope of getting his attention.
Edited by Aaron
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 10:32 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
Quote: random @ October 6 2008, 7:10 PM BSTI can't help but agree with zooo.
I think it was an intentional bad line, 'cos that character would use such a naff line in hope of getting his attention.
Edited by Aaron
I could accept that excuse, if the rest of the script wasn't filled with equally lame jokes and corny inneundo and the character who said it was actually funny.
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 10:33 PM GMT, zooo said:
In your opinion.
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 10:35 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
Quote: zooo @ October 6 2008, 7:33 PM BSTIn your opinion.
In my most humble opinion *scrapes floor like Uriah Heep*
But then I don't like On the Buses, etc
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 10:35 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: zooo @ October 6 2008, 7:33 PM BSTIn your opinion.
Who elses?
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 10:37 PM GMT, zooo said:
Shuttup you!
I like stating the obvious, leave me alone!
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 10:39 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: zooo @ October 6 2008, 7:37 PM BSTShuttup you!
I like stating the obvious, leave me alone!
*Flicks peanuts at Zooos head and giggles*
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 10:44 PM GMT, Aaron said:
zooo's*
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 10:45 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: Aaron @ October 6 2008, 7:44 PM BSTzooo's*
Get stuffed*
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 10:47 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Why thank you, I will*
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 10:48 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: Aaron @ October 6 2008, 7:47 PM BSTWhy thank you, I will*
Bummer*
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 11:44 PM GMT, random said:
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ October 6 2008, 7:32 PM BSTI could accept that excuse, if the rest of the script wasn't filled with equally lame jokes and corny inneundo and the character who said it was actually funny.
that is simply coincidental
On Monday 6th October 2008 GMT at 11:47 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: random @ October 6 2008, 8:44 PM BSTthat is simply coincidental
*cough*
http://www.sitcom.co.uk/info/terms_of_use.shtml#BoardRules
Point 9.
On Tuesday 7th October 2008 GMT at 12:25 AM GMT, jacparov said:
This programme is shite.
On Tuesday 7th October 2008 GMT at 12:53 AM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: jacparov @ October 6 2008, 9:25 PM BSTThis programme is shite.
That's the DVD quote sorted!
I think I'll try and watch the second episode of this, even though I didn't like the first, just to see if that was due to first episode wobble, rather than it just being a bit rubbish.
On Tuesday 7th October 2008 GMT at 12:17 PM GMT, ContainsNuts said:
I will watch the second episode before making too much of a judgement of this. It was more of a comedy drama than a comedy in my opinion, but then they did introduce a lot of characters. The Vase subplot seemed crow-barred in and I'm not sure the grown-up version book ending of the episode works. Wonder Years didn't have that and worked fine.
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 1:16 AM GMT, Ian G said:
I'm really enjoying this series. It reminds me in some ways of Adrian Mole - well, more Adrian Beautyspot, really.
I like the whole family and thought the production number was terrific.
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 2:55 AM GMT, zooo said:
I liked the second episode even more.
That Kylie is such an excellent dancer!
Quote: Ian G @ October 9 2008, 10:16 PM BSTand thought the production number was terrific.
The one in the street where they mixed all the songs togther?
That was ace.
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 2:58 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Yes, that little sequence was good, but really bloody odd.
Nice episode on the whole, enjoying the series so far.
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 3:01 AM GMT, zooo said:
I like how they haven't bothered with a tiresome 'dad is embarrassed by son's effeminacy' storyline. Yay!
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 3:03 AM GMT, Aaron said:
I agree. I wouldn't be surprised if there are a few moments where the father appears a little uncomfortable, but I don't think we'll be getting that particular plot.
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 3:03 AM GMT, zooo said:
Yes. His dad seems ace so far.
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 3:19 AM GMT, sootyj said:
I thought it was funny and sweet.
Also enjoyably linear, a breath of fresh air.
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 1:43 PM GMT, Spagett said:
I thought the show was a bit meh but the rant from the teacher at that little kid was fantastic.
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 2:26 PM GMT, random said:
Must say this as hit home now, two episodes in and it's grabbed and held my attention.
Wasn't so keen on the blind woman character at first but even she managed to raise a chuckle.
Very good me thinks.
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 2:56 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Does anybody else find Meera Syall really annoying? I can't stomach her.
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 2:58 PM GMT, Griff said:
o/
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 3:26 PM GMT, random said:
Quote: chipolata @ October 10 2008, 11:56 AM BSTDoes anybody else find Meera Syall really annoying? I can't stomach her.
Understand where your coming from, must say I disliked the character very much in the first episode. However, come episode 2 she did manage to win me over a little and raise a smile from me. I kinda felt tho' that I didn't want to laugh because of what i previously thought... Reluctant, one would say.
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 3:54 PM GMT, sootyj said:
Quote: chipolata @ October 10 2008, 11:56 AM BSTDoes anybody else find Meera Syall really annoying? I can't stomach her.
Great comidienne lousy part, or rather the only duffer in a great set of characters.
I love the mum very funny and a nice twist of realism.
You know I really liked the show, light, frothy funny and gently touching on lighter issues.
The G speech and the guru stuff was needless filler.
But you know small issues.
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 4:48 PM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: Aaron @ October 10 2008, 12:03 AM BSTI agree. I wouldn't be surprised if there are a few moments where the father appears a little uncomfortable, but I don't think we'll be getting that particular plot.
I think we will...
http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/beautiful_people/episodes/1/4/
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 4:50 PM GMT, zooo said:
Dammit!
If it was my show I'd let the dad do it to maybe help the son act butch to stop getting teased at school, but not because he actually wanted him to change.
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 4:52 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Not looking.
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 5:02 PM GMT, zooo said:
Oh you are strong.
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 5:52 PM GMT, Ian G said:
Quote: zooo @ October 9 2008, 11:55 PM BSTThe one in the street where they mixed all the songs togther?
That was ace.
Yep. That's the one.
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 5:57 PM GMT, Afinkawan said:
Quote: chipolata @ October 10 2008, 11:56 AM BSTDoes anybody else find Meera Syall really annoying? I can't stomach her.
She wandered past me outside London Bridge station on Wednesday morning and went into a shop. I didn't find it all that annoying.
On Friday 10th October 2008 GMT at 6:00 PM GMT, zooo said:
Haha. I quite like her. My mum loves her for some reason.
I think I may have done one of her books at uni.
On Tuesday 14th October 2008 GMT at 6:18 PM GMT, RubyMae - Glamourous Snowdrop said:
I was a bit hmmmm at first and wasn't gonna watch it but I love it! The mum cracks me up. I loved the exchange between the two boys mums in the second one.
"Have you heard of Hattie Jaques?"
"Yeah, cause you is wearing her dress...."
On Friday 17th October 2008 GMT at 3:43 AM GMT, paul f said:
This weeks episode was by far the weakest so far. It was pretty crap. The constant blind jokes, the gay innuendo, lazy writing from my point of view. I don't know how it could go from being a rather funny sitcom to being awful in one week!
On Friday 17th October 2008 GMT at 12:43 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: paul f @ October 17 2008, 12:43 AM BSTthe gay innuendo
It's Jonathan Harvey. Take out the gay innuendo and there's nothing left.
On Friday 17th October 2008 GMT at 1:27 PM GMT, Aaron said:
I don't even remember what happened in this week's now. *scratches head*
On Friday 17th October 2008 GMT at 4:55 PM GMT, zooo said:
The granny blew up.
I still liked it, although it wasn't as good as the previous week.
On Friday 17th October 2008 GMT at 6:52 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Ohhhhh yeah. Batty old bitch, she was.
On Friday 17th October 2008 GMT at 8:36 PM GMT, Ben said:
I caught the last 10 minutes of this last night by accident.
A few bits made me laugh, but most of it seemed terribly obvious.
On Friday 17th October 2008 GMT at 9:29 PM GMT, random said:
Quote: Aaron @ October 17 2008, 10:27 AM BSTI don't even remember what happened in this week's now. *scratches head*
Must agree, other than Gran kickin' the bucket.
Hardly a story line to carry you
Worst so far for me.
On Saturday 18th October 2008 GMT at 2:17 PM GMT, Mark said:
At least this third episode (barring the face-packs bits, and the bit at the end) turned down the camp. It was getting too much for me.
On Friday 24th October 2008 GMT at 12:47 AM GMT, Scatterbrained Floozy said:
I'm watching this right now, and even though I'm not sure of the dynamics as I've only seen this episode in isolation, I'm really enjoying it! Samuel Barnett is lovely, and I've always found Meera Syal hilarious.
On Friday 24th October 2008 GMT at 12:51 AM GMT, Aaron said:
'Tis triff.
On Friday 24th October 2008 GMT at 12:56 AM GMT, zooo said:
I knew the lovely dad wouldn't let me down!
Yayy!
On Friday 24th October 2008 GMT at 1:03 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Yeah, and silly Mark, misreporting synopses!
On Friday 24th October 2008 GMT at 1:05 AM GMT, zooo said:
Ha! *goes back to read*
Look at me though getting it right. Go me.
On Friday 24th October 2008 GMT at 2:10 AM GMT, Aaron said:
I now have the theme tune stuck in my head.
Interesting that the sound track has been released on CD. Quite rare for sitcoms.
On Friday 24th October 2008 GMT at 3:29 AM GMT, Spagett said:
Soundtrack you say?
Tell you what the first Terminator film has a brilliant soundtrack, very new wavey 80's synth pop.
Carry on.
On Tuesday 28th October 2008 GMT at 9:58 PM GMT, the heretic said:
It's boring, disjointed and too contrived for me and the 'amusing' lines are telegraphed and rendered with theatrical smugness.
On Friday 31st October 2008 GMT at 2:02 AM GMT, Scatterbrained Floozy said:
That epidsode was hilarious! 
I loved the dancng far more than I probably should have, and the spontaneous funeral singing. I actually didn't think I could be any more endeared to Samuel Barnett that I was by him as Posner, but I was wrong.
On Friday 31st October 2008 GMT at 2:13 AM GMT, zooo said:
And he still knows Kylie!
On Friday 31st October 2008 GMT at 2:16 AM GMT, Scatterbrained Floozy said:
Yes!
On Friday 31st October 2008 GMT at 2:17 AM GMT, Ian G said:
Quote: zooo @ October 30 2008, 11:13 PM BSTAnd he still knows Kylie!
I thought it was the end of a beautiful friendship
but no, it's ok, they're still together!
On Friday 31st October 2008 GMT at 2:22 AM GMT, zooo said:
Phewww!!!
On Friday 31st October 2008 GMT at 11:40 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
How did you take the adult dubbed with child voice?
And the completely unoriginal, totally predictable and unfunny voice of deceased on ansaphone and falling into grave gags?
On Friday 31st October 2008 GMT at 11:44 PM GMT, zooo said:
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ October 31 2008, 8:40 PM BSTHow did you take the adult dubbed with child voice?
Was disturbing.
QuoteAnd the completely unoriginal, totally predictable and unfunny voice of deceased on ansaphone and falling into grave gags?
Didn't bother me. I'm not really watching it for edgy, mind blowingly original comedy.
On Friday 31st October 2008 GMT at 11:46 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ October 31 2008, 8:40 PM BSTHow did you take the adult dubbed with child voice?
Didn't notice.
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ October 31 2008, 8:40 PM BSTAnd the completely unoriginal, totally predictable and unfunny voice of deceased on ansaphone and falling into grave gags?
Love that kind of thing.
On Friday 31st October 2008 GMT at 11:46 PM GMT, Dolly Dagger said:
But did it make you laugh? Or do you watch it more like a drama? I'm trying to understand its appeal....
On Friday 31st October 2008 GMT at 11:49 PM GMT, zooo said:
Hmmm. I watch it as a fun drama I think.
I don't personally think of it as a sitcom or a comedy.
But yes, it makes me laugh and smile and stuff.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 3:05 AM GMT, Aaron said:
A pretty nice end to the series. Hopefully they'll commission another, as I'm quite intrigued now to hear how he got to New York. Good show all-round.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 3:07 AM GMT, zooo said:
I loooved it.
I nearly did a blub at the end.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 3:07 AM GMT, Aaron said:
I would say "Oh you big girl!" except, um, well it doesn't quite have the same impact.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 3:10 AM GMT, Ian G said:
I'm with Zooo on this one.
I had a feeling I'd like it, but it became a must-see for me.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 3:14 AM GMT, zooo said:
I heart Kylie.
I think he should be the main one in the next series!
I want to watch him dancing more.
Quote: Ian G @ November 6 2008, 10:10 PM GMTI'm with Zooo on this one.
I had a feeling I'd like it, but it became a must-see for me.
Aha, I suspect Ian nearly did a blub at the end too.
Call him a big girl!
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 3:16 AM GMT, Aaron said:
I never really warmed to Kylie. Perhaps that's because it wasn't told from his POV.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 3:17 AM GMT, Ian G said:
Aaron's gone a bit quiet. Hmmmmm....
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 3:19 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Have I? You big girl.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 3:29 AM GMT, Ian G said:
Oh no, what a terrible insult!!
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 3:30 AM GMT, Aaron said:
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 3:33 AM GMT, Ian G said:
When I start doing my Jodie Kidd impression, then you can call me a big girl!
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 3:34 AM GMT, zooo said:
You probably have the same build as her...
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 3:41 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Haha!
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 4:04 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Well, this isn't terrible. It's SO Jonathan Harvey, but the writing is generally strong and I don't mind spending time with these characters. I see that Harvey was inspired from somewhere to write this. I think the American version of this (which will inevitably occur) will work better, however. Taking the late 90's as the decade to refer to seems slightly contrived. The young/gay thing doesn't really work because, firstly, it is too recent. Also, the gay factor would have been more convincing if Our Hero was describing the 80's. It rings slightly hollow.
A very good cast, but some slightly clunky writing. And it doesn't really know (like so many single-camera sitcoms) whether it is gag-based "heightened reality", or whether it cares more about characters and realism.
(I can't wait for my writing to be torn apart after broadcast, being an vital, vocal and fire-brand type of masochist myself.)
This show is entertaining and I look forward to watching the rest of the series. And there's no higher recommendation than that.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 4:14 AM GMT, Ian G said:
Even if you do say so yourself.
Quote: zooo @ November 6 2008, 10:34 PM GMTYou probably have the same build as her...
If only you knew, my dear, if only you knew.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 4:14 AM GMT, zooo said:
Quote: Tim Walker @ November 6 2008, 11:04 PM GMTThe young/gay thing doesn't really work because, firstly, it is too recent. Also, the gay factor would have been more convincing if Our Hero was describing the 80's. It rings slightly hollow.
I don't get what you mean.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 4:24 AM GMT, Aaron said:
I think he means he doesn't identify with being closer to that age in the 1990s as much as he would if it was the 1980s.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 4:42 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Quote: zooo @ November 6 2008, 11:14 PM GMTI don't get what you mean.
All I am saying is the 'Beautiful People' they describe were more than obvious to anyone growing-up or living in the 90's. The 80's is where the natural comedy of the dichotomy would eminate. I don't know if the late 90's was originally conceived as the main period for this show, or whether things were shifted forward a decade (from the late 80's) so that it would resonate with a wider audience...
As I say, I'm not knocking this show. I laugh at it and think most of the perfomances are really good. I just think that the orginal concept must have been changed? Not neccessarily for the better?
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 5:54 AM GMT, Ian G said:
Quote: Tim Walker @ November 6 2008, 11:42 PM GMT
As I say, I'm not knocking this show. I laugh at it and think most of the perfomances are really good. I just think that the orginal concept must have been changed? Not neccessarily for the better?
Fair enough, but I think it was a very vague quibble really. It's a whimsical show so I don't think setting it in the 80s would have made any difference.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 5:57 AM GMT, zooo said:
I think you're saying you don't like it set in the 90s, and because of your age you would prefer it to be in the 80s....
But yeah, obviously you know that not everyone watching is your specific age, so you're probably not really saying that...
Anyway, we all agree it's good so I ain't arguing.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 6:04 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Quote: zooo @ November 7 2008, 12:57 AM GMTI think you're saying you don't like it set in the 90s, and because of your age you would prefer it to be in the 80s....
But yeah, obviously you know that not everyone watching is your specific age, so you're probably not really saying that...
Anyway, we all agree it's good so I ain't arguing.
Zooo, it's not about my age really. I was just saying that to me comedically it would make more sense if it was set in the 80's. At 35 I don't think I'm senile quite yet.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 6:07 AM GMT, zooo said:
I knooow. They wouldn't let you inject people with the sleepy drugs if you were tooo old.
I'm just thinking that's quite a specific, personal taste thing, that you don't like the decade.
I don't understand how comedically the 80s would work better.
Are you sure it's not partly because the 90s feels like about 5 minutes ago, rather than an 'era' that something should be set in?...
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 6:14 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Tim, do you mean that the whole gay/straight inner personal battle type thing would have worked better in the 1980s than the enlightened and open 1990s?
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 6:26 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Quote: Aaron @ November 7 2008, 1:14 AM GMTTim, do you mean that the whole gay/straight inner personal battle type thing would have worked better in the 1980s than the enlightened and open 1990s?
That is partly it. To me, although the references are late 1990s, the characters feel more as though they began as late 1980s. As far as the gay personal struggle, (despite perhaps being true, that even 10 years ago things were more obvious) the situation doesn't quite ring true comedically.
This is one of the better comedies this year. The Inbetweeners is perhaps the best new sitcom. However, comedy has to reflect perception when it is historical, rather than simple fact.
I agree that I am perhaps being rather petty. I like the set-up. I just don't see why it didn't settle in the late 1980s rather than the late 1990s as its set-up. I'm an anal twat, it just niggles me, as that where the premise seems to make more sense and the characters sit more comfortably.
(Believe me, after 3 hours discussing such things, especially the back-story, to my sitcom, these things are thought about a lot. Perhaps I'm getting obsessed by it... a little.)
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 2:56 PM GMT, Ian G said:
Quote: Tim Walker @ November 7 2008, 1:04 AM GMTAt 35 I don't think I'm senile quite yet.
So that would mean you're almost exactly the same age as the Simon character. No wonder then that the 80s have more resonance for you.
I agree that 'Beautiful People' would have still worked if it had been set in the 80s, I just don't see how it would have been an improvement.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 3:30 PM GMT, Afinkawan said:
Isn't Beautiful People semi autobiographical? If that's true then, although the 80's would have made more sense to you, I doubt they would have to the writer!
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 4:05 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Since this is based on a memoir, has all the material been used up in this first series?
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 4:24 PM GMT, ContainsNuts said:
Quote: Afinkawan @ November 7 2008, 10:30 AM GMTIsn't Beautiful People semi autobiographical? If that's true then, although the 80's would have made more sense to you, I doubt they would have to the writer!
It was semi-autobiographical, so that why its set when it was. This sitcom wasn't 'my cup of tea' but didn't offend me with flaws like some others have.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 4:30 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Afinkawan @ November 7 2008, 10:30 AM GMTIsn't Beautiful People semi autobiographical? If that's true then, although the 80's would have made more sense to you, I doubt they would have to the writer!
The creator of the show was born in 1953. The writer was born in 1968. So, um, neither would have made sense like that.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 6:03 PM GMT, Ian G said:
The real Doonan didn't work at Barney's until '86, by which time he was 33, not 23, so most of the story would have taken place in the '66!
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 8:39 PM GMT, ContainsNuts said:
Ah... I sit corrected.
On Friday 7th November 2008 GMT at 9:25 PM GMT, Ian G said:
Not that it makes a blind bit of difference to it being a very entertaining series, of course.
On Wednesday 11th February 2009 GMT at 7:41 PM GMT, Mark said:
This has just been recommissioned. A second series to follow late this year or early next.
On Wednesday 11th February 2009 GMT at 7:43 PM GMT, zooo said:
Hurray!
(Hope it has the same two kids in it.)
On Wednesday 11th February 2009 GMT at 7:46 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: zooo @ February 11 2009, 2:43 PM GMT
Boo! I didn't like this at all!
On Wednesday 11th February 2009 GMT at 7:50 PM GMT, zooo said:
*flicks Stott with a wet towel*
On Wednesday 11th February 2009 GMT at 8:07 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Mark @ February 11 2009, 2:41 PM GMTThis has just been recommissioned. A second series to follow late this year or early next.
Christ. Why do they keep recomissioning bilge yet ignore Pulling? The BBC's a joke.
On Wednesday 11th February 2009 GMT at 8:29 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Pulling was good, but it's got a hell of a lot of talking-up since it was dropped. Get over it, people.
On Wednesday 11th February 2009 GMT at 8:32 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Aaron @ February 11 2009, 3:29 PM GMTPulling was good, but it's got a hell of a lot of talking-up since it was dropped. Get over it, people.
It was certainly better than this dreary gaycom.