Clone - Series 1
On Tuesday 21st October 2008 GMT at 7:46 PM GMT, Deferenz said:
Not wishing to duplicate a thread, has the new sitcom Clone been discussed here yet?
Def.
On Tuesday 21st October 2008 GMT at 7:51 PM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
Yes, kind of:
http://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/8143
On Tuesday 21st October 2008 GMT at 9:44 PM GMT, Aaron said:
This new one will do nicely.
So. Clone.
On Tuesday 21st October 2008 GMT at 9:46 PM GMT, zooo said:
Mark Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaatiss.
That is all. 
On Tuesday 21st October 2008 GMT at 9:47 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Obligatory guide link.
http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/clone/
On Friday 24th October 2008 GMT at 10:24 PM GMT, Mark said:
Oh, dear God! The trailer for Clone has just been released and I'm sorry to say it looks like they've got another Lab Rats-style disaster on their hands here.
See the 'Clone Unveiled' video, count the laughs...
http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/clone/videos/
The slapstick at the end is from kid's TV circa 1994.
On Friday 24th October 2008 GMT at 10:26 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Do we have any better idea of broadcast date yet?
On Friday 24th October 2008 GMT at 10:31 PM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
Quote: Aaron @ October 24 2008, 7:26 PM BSTDo we have any better idea of broadcast date yet?
30th Novemember. It says right at the bottom of the page in tiny writing.
Edit: To be honest I didn't laugh once at either video.
On Friday 24th October 2008 GMT at 10:34 PM GMT, Nil Putters said:
Quote: hotzappa11 @ October 24 2008, 7:31 PM BSTEdit: To be honest I didn't laugh once at either video.
Ditto
On Friday 24th October 2008 GMT at 10:35 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Yeah, not a very good clip; maybe a full episode will have better stuff in it?
On Friday 24th October 2008 GMT at 10:37 PM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: hotzappa11 @ October 24 2008, 7:31 PM BST30th Novemember. It says right at the bottom of the page in tiny writing.
That date is wrong, sorry (it says 2007 on it!). It starts in three weeks time (8-14th). The exact timeslot hasn't been announced yet... but my prediction is it'll take the slot vacated by Coming Of Age, i.e. Tuesday 11th Nov.
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 6:31 PM GMT, Deferenz said:
I'm going to play devils advocate and wait to see the full episode. Perhaps in context it might be funny or at least endearing.
Def.
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 6:36 PM GMT, sootyj said:
Great to see they're keeping all the funny stuff under wraps till the release.
On Monday 27th October 2008 GMT at 11:47 PM GMT, ContainsNuts said:
To quote the last sentence of the last clip "Oh no!".
I'll give it a chance though.
Quote: sootyj @ October 27 2008, 3:36 PM BSTGreat to see they're keeping all the funny stuff under wraps till the release.
Is that thinking of a wishful nature?
On Thursday 30th October 2008 GMT at 2:40 AM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: sootyj @ October 27 2008, 3:36 PM BSTGreat to see they're keeping all the funny stuff under wraps till the release.
The signs for this series really aren't good I have to say. The BBC have not only now delayed the start by another week - but it looks like Clone is also now destined to go out in a graveyard slot on Monday
On Thursday 30th October 2008 GMT at 2:44 AM GMT, sootyj said:
Much of the start of BBC comedy came in the 40s and 50s from exforces entertainers such as the Goons.
Who then inspired generations of writers into the 80s.
Perhaps BBC comedy needs a really deadly, appocalyptic war?
On Thursday 30th October 2008 GMT at 2:44 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
Quote: Mark @ October 29 2008, 11:40 PM BST
The signs for this series really aren't good I have to say. The BBC have not only now delayed the start by another week - but it looks like Clone is also now destined to go out in a graveyard slot on Monday
Does that mean 10.30 or later?
On Thursday 30th October 2008 GMT at 4:26 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: hotzappa11 @ October 29 2008, 11:44 PM BSTDoes that mean 10.30 or later?
Isn't 10:30 BBC3's prime comedy slot after 9 on Sundays?
On Sunday 16th November 2008 GMT at 10:20 PM GMT, Pete said:
I was at the filming of the pilot...trust me, Clone slapping himself in the head was the highlight!
On Monday 17th November 2008 GMT at 7:44 PM GMT, john lucas 101 said:
Terrific. Mark Gattis getting more f**king work. Like there aren't a gazillion better actors.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 1:30 AM GMT, Aaron said:
About to start...
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 1:31 AM GMT, Nil Putters said:
Watching.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 1:38 AM GMT, sootyj said:
Not the greatest comedy product from the BBC.
I've flicked over to Virgin1 Star Trek Voyager.
7 of 9 is in a silver jump suit.
Happiness.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 1:50 AM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: sootyj @ November 17 2008, 8:38 PM GMT
7 of 9 is in a silver jump suit.
Happiness.
That actress has a weird face. I haven't watched this; it just hasn't pulled me in.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 1:53 AM GMT, sootyj said:
The face isn't my major area of interest.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 1:55 AM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: sootyj @ November 17 2008, 8:53 PM GMTThe face isn't my major area of interest.
*Tuts* Men!
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 2:02 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Er, interesting. Light on laughs. The premise is essentially a good one, but just from that first episode I don't have the best feeling about the show.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 2:03 AM GMT, Leevil said:
It was so bad, it broke my telly.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 2:04 AM GMT, sootyj said:
World's worst laugh track?
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 2:05 AM GMT, Nil Putters said:
I didn't laugh once. I'll give it another chance though.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 2:05 AM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: sootyj @ November 17 2008, 9:04 PM GMTWorld's worst laugh track?
Worse than the one in Scooby Doo?
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 2:06 AM GMT, Nil Putters said:
I didn't laugh once. I'll give it another chance though.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 2:08 AM GMT, zooo said:
My mum and dad seemed to like it.
I guess that's their demographic.
(I think I'm using that word correctly this time...)
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 2:10 AM GMT, Aaron said:
(To say "they're its demographic" would be more correct, but yes.)
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 2:11 AM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Though Beeb 3 is supposed to be aimed at 'the kids', isn't it?
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 2:12 AM GMT, Afinkawan said:
Meh. I'll see next week. If I fancy watching it again then I'm probably hooked for the seires but it wasn't that great so far and that laughter track was seriously annoying.
The barmaid was gorgeous though so that might be the only reason I watch next week.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 2:17 AM GMT, zooo said:
I still didn't notice the laugh track.
I think I must be immune.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 2:24 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: zooo @ November 17 2008, 9:17 PM GMTI still didn't notice the laugh track.
I think I must be immune.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 2:25 AM GMT, Afinkawan said:
I doubt I'd have noticed the laugh track except there was so much of the beginning that wasn't in a studio.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 2:30 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
From the writer of some of the best Friends episodes such as The One With The Dozen Lasagnas/Where Eddie Moves In/With The Breast Milk and we get this. *shakes head*
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 3:07 AM GMT, Pete said:
And from Ash "The Office" as well.
Its like two positives equal a pile of poo.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 2:06 PM GMT, Lee Henman said:
It's actually rather heartening to see that despite absolute world class comedy pedigree (Atalla, Chase, Gatiss), things can still go awry. Not in a gloaty way obviously, (I really do want to see the Beeb turning out great comedy again) but in the respect that it does give the rest of us comedy bums a modicum of hope.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 2:45 PM GMT, dingo said:
I was done with this after 15 minutes and I managed to get through all 6 Lab Rats episodes.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 3:21 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Pete @ November 17 2008, 10:07 PM GMTAnd from Ash "The Office" as well.
Nice guy, but aren't the great shows he's been involved with down more talented people than him. The Office is Ricky Gervaise/Stephen Merchant and The IT Crowd Graham Linehan. Not sure how much input he had on those shows.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 3:30 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Very little, judging by their vast contrast.
But then The Catherine Tate Show is nothing like Father Ted or Spitting Image.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 4:51 PM GMT, Robin said:
I watched Clone, last night, and I quite enjoyed it, much to my surprise, considering it's new, and I hope it continues to be a success.
Hopefully, it will switch over to BBC One in the very near future, so it can then get a bigger audience.
The only thing I didn't like much, was the canned laughter.
This reminds of the 1970s, when canned laughter got a bit too much, although the comedy then, was much better.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 4:52 PM GMT, chipolata said:
On the subject of the show, on Front Row they talked about this as being team written, along the American-model lines. Why can we never get this system right?
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 4:57 PM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: Robin @ November 18 2008, 11:51 AM GMTI watched Clone, last night, and I quite enjoyed it, much to my surprise, considering it's new, and I hope it continues to be a success.
Hi Robin, welcome to the website. I'm glad you enjoyed it, but I must admit I can't see what you were laughing at... personally speaking, Clone is heading towards the top of my 'worst sitcom of the year' list (beating Lab Rats and Coming Of Age). I'll give it another couple of episodes, but the opener was just dire. There were admittedly two good jokes (pubic hair & smoking ban) but apart from that, in my opinion, the show was completely devoid of any jokes.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 5:00 PM GMT, Afinkawan said:
Quote: chipolata @ November 18 2008, 11:52 AM GMTOn the subject of the show, on Front Row they talked about this as being team written, along the American-model lines. Why can we never get this system right?
If you've ever watched Paramount Comedy, you'd see how often the Americans don't get this right either.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 5:11 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Afinkawan @ November 18 2008, 12:00 PM GMTIf you've ever watched Paramount Comedy, you'd see how often the Americans don't get this right either.
But they have got it right at least once. We haven't.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 5:39 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Robin @ November 18 2008, 11:51 AM GMTThe only thing I didn't like much, was the canned laughter.
This reminds of the 1970s, when canned laughter got a bit too much, although the comedy then, was much better.
Sorry Robin, but I really have to point out that this was NOT CANNED LAUGHTER. It was filmed in front of a real studio audience.
Aside from that, welcome to the site.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 5:44 PM GMT, sootyj said:
Don't they record the laughter and then reedit/reportion it through out the show?
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 5:59 PM GMT, Aaron said:
In some cases it is moved around or tweaked a little. Mostly just to level out laughter so there's not a bit of a chuckle to one line and then screaming howls a minute later. But it's still audience laughter; not just brought off a tape in a SFX library somewhere.
(As I understand it anyway.)
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 6:01 PM GMT, sootyj said:
Do people actually buy laughter?
My career as a standup may be reborn and for just a fiver.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 6:02 PM GMT, Aaron said:
"Buy" as in £ or "buy" as in believe?
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 6:04 PM GMT, sootyj said:
Well you suggested some shows bought laughter on CD, so buy is what I meant.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 6:04 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: sootyj @ November 18 2008, 1:01 PM GMTDo people actually buy laughter?
Claques.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 6:06 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: sootyj @ November 18 2008, 1:04 PM GMTWell you suggested some shows bought laughter on CD, so buy is what I meant.
Then yes, it's been done. I can't think of any shows offhand which are guilty of it, mind.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 6:08 PM GMT, sootyj said:
Well they stuck a laugh track on some Partridge shows when they were reshown on cable.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 6:09 PM GMT, Aaron said:
I'm pretty sure that that's a myth which has been discussed here previously.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 6:10 PM GMT, sootyj said:
I saw Partridge on cable there was laughter that wasn't there when it was on BBC.
Have I started hearing voices?
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 6:12 PM GMT, Pete said:
There was NO WAY the laughs were from the live show filming. When we left (just after they started the bar scene) The place was half empty and, trust me, no one was laughing much!
Here's something interesting....the scene where they enter the "secure building" and are handed their lab coats was shot in the studio.....the background (making it look like a huge multilevel complex) was CGI. Anyway, that scene needed about 6 takes and took AGES....as did the hand scan machine which didn't work right....so they spent about an hour getting to a point where they could deliver ANY lines! Now, part of me thinks...fair enough, dedication to your art....but then the opening scene has the lines "that was close" "tell me about it"......now hang on! "tell me about it" did Pryce/Ash/Adam not read that and say "let's spend 10 mins thinking of a more fitting line for a genius military professor" (almost as bad as "you're fired from the army" said by a general....was that a "comedy" phrase or did they really mean he was fired from the army?????)
It just felt like they had Chase, the concept, the star actor....and cracked on without reading the script over!
Pryce should have borrowed a few lines from his old mate Pacino when Chase showed him that cack...."You're f**king shit. Where did you learn your trade, you stupid f**king c**t, you idiot? Who ever told you that you could work with men? Oh, I'm gonna have your job, shithead." would have sufficed.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 6:13 PM GMT, Aaron said:
No, but you've fallen into the trap which a number of others also have, in only noticing the laughter on the repeats.
I'd like to point out now that I'm just going by what people have discussed on the board previously. I've still only seen 3 episodes of Partridge.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 7:26 PM GMT, Pete said:
Quote: Aaron @ November 18 2008, 1:13 PM GMTNo, but you've fallen into the trap which a number of others also have, in only noticing the laughter on the repeats.
Bottom line.....every monster sitcom hit has had a studio laughing along and, as long as you agree the stuff is worthy of a chuckle, it's fine.
On Tuesday 18th November 2008 GMT at 10:31 PM GMT, ContainsNuts said:
I thought this was painfully woeful. I will always give a sitcom a second episode as the first can always be guilty of suffering because it has to introduce the story and characters but I can't remember a worst start to a sitcom series.
As Aaron said the premise is there and the acting talent's very good but the writing for this episode was very bad, IMO. Let's hope for a big improvement next week.
On Wednesday 19th November 2008 GMT at 12:18 PM GMT, Cheesehoven said:
Hello everyone
I saw this last night and was suitably moved (ahem) to write a few words about it.
This seems to be one of those series which combines the worst of British sitcom (bad writing, low budgets etc) with the worst of American sitcoms (gags instead of humour growing out of situations, impossibly artificial set-ups etc). Americans can get away with this sort of stuff since they seem to have witty teams of writers, but I'm not sure how well we do it over here. When it goes wrong it can be painful...
Jonathan Pryce is pretty good as a sort of English version of John Lithgo; ie middle-aged and vainglorious. He's not given anything to play with, alas. Not much else good can be said of it. The plot was wooden and whole lot seemed to be very dated. The central character is so annoying and unloveable that I can see him getting hate mail.
Truly terrible.
On Wednesday 19th November 2008 GMT at 2:26 PM GMT, Mark said:
Hi Cheesehoven - welcome to the website and thanks for sharing your view. I think you've summed things up very nicely. I particularly agree with this...
Quote: Cheesehoven @ November 19 2008, 7:18 AM GMT
This seems to be one of those series which combines the worst of British sitcom (bad writing, low budgets etc) with the worst of American sitcoms (gags instead of humour growing out of situations, impossibly artificial set-ups etc).
Going back to the subject of the laughter...
Quote: Pete @ November 18 2008, 1:12 PM GMTThere was NO WAY the laughs were from the live show filming. When we left (just after they started the bar scene) The place was half empty and, trust me, no one was laughing much!
You're right Pete. The audience recordings resulted in such a poor / non-existent laugh track (I don't blame you, sounded a long and boring evening from what you say!) that they had to re-record the laugh track at screenings.
One thing to bear in mind when hearing a laugh track - it's much easier to laugh in a crowd, especially after you've been given a few beers and been pumped up by a stand-up... which would explain how they've managed to get people to laugh at this pile of, ahem.
On Thursday 20th November 2008 GMT at 2:39 PM GMT, swerytd said:
Well, I thought it was alright, to be honest. Hearing what people here said previously, I was expecting it to be awful (really awful) and I didn't think it was.
I understand Pete's experience though as if something irks you in a filming or it goes too long (I had a bad experience with Home Again which meant I never watched it on telly afterwards, not even the one we watched recorded) you're never going to like the show.
As a half-hour sitcom it kept me entertained and I actually want to watch the next one.
Dan
On Thursday 20th November 2008 GMT at 3:59 PM GMT, Pete said:
I was desperate for this to be good! I was quite prepared for it to have been saved post production.....but seeing Pryce say "tell me about it" 30 secs in was like a slap in the face!
On Monday 24th November 2008 GMT at 8:12 PM GMT, john lucas 101 said:
Finally caught episode one of this. I think its main crime was just....being boring. Hopefully it'll pick up, but I don't know if I can be arsed.
J. Pryce never seems to be good when he's doing comedy. Doesn't seem to be able to play it straight enough. And Mark Gatiss shows his limititions as an actor, I think. Hopeless mugging.
On Monday 24th November 2008 GMT at 8:14 PM GMT, chipolata said:
To me, Gaitiss and his character are the best thing in this. The real fault lies with the script.
On Monday 24th November 2008 GMT at 8:35 PM GMT, Aaron said:
I'm getting the distinct impression that I should have heard of Jonathan Pryce before this.
On Monday 24th November 2008 GMT at 8:38 PM GMT, Nil Putters said:
*shakes head*
Watch Terry Gilliam's Brazil.
On Monday 24th November 2008 GMT at 8:40 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Nil Putters @ November 24 2008, 3:38 PM GMT*shakes head*
Watch Terry Gilliam's Brazil.
I love Michael Palin in that. So sinister.
On Monday 24th November 2008 GMT at 8:44 PM GMT, Nil Putters said:
Brilliant. *cracks out Brazil avatar*
On Monday 24th November 2008 GMT at 8:47 PM GMT, Aaron said:
I think that Blueyonder and O2 must have had some kind of dispute Nil. I'm still yet to see a single one of your avatars, or images you post! How very, very odd. :/
Not that you care of course, but just an observation.
On Monday 24th November 2008 GMT at 8:50 PM GMT, Pete said:
Quote: Nil Putters @ November 24 2008, 3:38 PM GMT*shakes head*
Watch Terry Gilliam's Brazil.
Then watch Glen Garry Glen Ross.....bit part for John but Pacino, Lemon, Spacey, Baldwin, etc, etc. It's like an Aron Sorkin show on steroids.
On Monday 24th November 2008 GMT at 9:07 PM GMT, Nil Putters said:
Quote: Aaron @ November 24 2008, 3:47 PM GMTI think that Blueyonder and O2 must have had some kind of dispute Nil. I'm still yet to see a single one of your avatars, or images you post! How very, very odd. :/
Not that you care of course, but just an observation.
Any good?
On Monday 24th November 2008 GMT at 9:44 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Clone is shit.
On Monday 24th November 2008 GMT at 9:48 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ November 24 2008, 4:44 PM GMTClone is shit.
DVD quote right there.
On Monday 24th November 2008 GMT at 10:02 PM GMT, Godot Taxis said:
Quote: sootyj @ November 18 2008, 1:08 PM GMTWell they stuck a laugh track on some Partridge shows when they were reshown on cable.
Sorry, Sooty, but there was a laughter track on the original transmission of Partridge. It was actually filmed in a studio - the travel lodge is a set, believe it or not. Also, it was broadcast long before they let comedy out without a laughter track.
Quote: Matthew Stott @ November 24 2008, 4:48 PM GMTDVD quote right there.
Didn't I get the 'How Not to Live your life' one as well?
"Dan Clark can't write or act comedy. Or even f**k by the looks of it." Found with Google!
Quote: john lucas 101 @ November 24 2008, 3:12 PM GMTDoesn't seem to be able to play it straight enough. And Mark Gatiss shows his limititions as an actor, I think. Hopeless mugging.
I like Gatiss but I have to agree - he's not a good actor. And you're right he's totally over-exposed. He seems to be able to get whatever he wants - whether he can do it or not.
Quote: Pete @ November 18 2008, 1:12 PM GMT
Pryce should have borrowed a few lines from his old mate Pacino when Chase showed him that cack...."You're f**king shit. Where did you learn your trade, you stupid f**king c**t, you idiot? Who ever told you that you could work with men? Oh, I'm gonna have your job, shithead." would have sufficed.
That would've been funny. The sad thing is Chase got a lot more than six thousand dollars and a set of steak knives.
On Monday 24th November 2008 GMT at 10:53 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Nil Putters @ November 24 2008, 4:07 PM GMT
Any good?
All working fine now, yes. Go Photobucket! \o/
On Tuesday 25th November 2008 GMT at 2:33 AM GMT, Pete said:
Lasted 7.32 mins of ep 2 then had to give up. Still shite.
I think one the problems is the jug eared retard they have playing the clone.....I like my morons in sitcoms to have another aspect to them. Joey in Friends was dumb but also the good looking/wealthy one.....this moron looks like a moron and is a moron. Spoiled a couple of the early jokes for me that I would have laughed at from an actor that didnt look like he should be aborted.
For anyone that saw it...I bailed after the "copying the man in the bar" scene.....did anyone realise that scene made ZERO sense?!
On Tuesday 25th November 2008 GMT at 2:36 AM GMT, sootyj said:
Looks like he should have been aborted?
My word that's a harsh insult.
I may have to remember that for future usage.
On Tuesday 25th November 2008 GMT at 3:37 AM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Lasted the first few scenes.
(Said smugly) "Just because I'm a clone, doesn't mean I have to look like everyone else"
Audience screeches in fits at this apparent 'joke'.
Maybe it got better, but I didn't stay to find out.
On Tuesday 25th November 2008 GMT at 5:27 AM GMT, wonderboy85 said:
"an actor that didnt look like he should be aborted."
Pete, that's a really really low thing to say. People read these boards, and even if they should be prepared to take everthing with a pinch of salt, i think that's a touch below the line.
I agree insomuch as that I feel the guy is seriously miscast. He's playing it a lot like (and I'm showing my years, here - or rather lack of) - the alien in CITV's Mike & Angelo (?!). It was basically a very naff show in which an alien secretly lived in a boy's house. If he's going to be so unaware and goofy, it seems like it needs to be tempered with something a bit more interesting than just mickey-mouse-like-chirpiness.
On Tuesday 25th November 2008 GMT at 5:34 AM GMT, zooo said:
Quote: wonderboy85 @ November 25 2008, 12:27 AM GMTCITV's Mike & Angelo
Excellent show.
On Tuesday 25th November 2008 GMT at 5:44 AM GMT, Gluben said:
Quote: Godot Taxis @ November 24 2008, 5:02 PM GMT
I like Gatiss but I have to agree - he's not a good actor. And you're right he's totally over-exposed. He seems to be able to get whatever he wants - whether he can do it or not.
Have to disagree. Pretty much everything I've seen him in, he's very good.
On Tuesday 25th November 2008 GMT at 7:50 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Haven't seen the 2nd episode as yet, but the 1st was, well... different. Probably an interesting experience for Adam Chase to work on a show with no real money available to hone it prior to broadcast. I hope the series develops and proves people wrong. Plus, Paul Doolan, who has written for the series, is a very nice chap who helped me, so good luck to him...
What slightly scares me (for the series) is that, in his early career, Jonathan Pryce starred as 'Gethan' in Terry Griffith's play, 'The Comedians', which was all about aspiring comedians and was dismally political, virtuous and unfunny.
He was part of a brilliant ensemble cast in 'Glengarry Glen Ross', however. An under-used actor in some respects.
On Tuesday 25th November 2008 GMT at 1:43 PM GMT, Pete said:
Quote: wonderboy85 @ November 25 2008, 12:27 AM GMT"an actor that didnt look like he should be aborted."
Pete, that's a really really low thing to say. People read these boards, and even if they should be prepared to take everthing with a pinch of salt, i think that's a touch below the line.
a) Are you serious?????
b) I'm no expert, but I doubt many people have had to abort a 30 year old thespian so I'm hoping the number of those offeneded is pretty low.
Edited by Aaron.
On Tuesday 25th November 2008 GMT at 1:49 PM GMT, sootyj said:
Quote: wonderboy85 @ November 25 2008, 12:27 AM GMT"an actor that didnt look like he should be aborted."
Pete, that's a really really low thing to say. People read these boards, and even if they should be prepared to take everthing with a pinch of salt, i think that's a touch below the line.
I agree insomuch as that I feel the guy is seriously miscast. He's playing it a lot like <and I'm showing my years, here - or rather lack of> - the alien in CITV's Mike & Angelo <?!>. It was basically a very naff show in which an alien secretly lived in a boy's house. If he's going to be so unaware and goofy, it seems like it needs to be tempered with something a bit more interesting than just mickey-mouse-like-chirpiness.
I liked Mike and Angelo.
And I'm sure if Pete had a TARDIS he wouldn't be aborting talentless comedy actors.
It's a great shocking, funny insult.
Let's not be getting all PC yo.
On Tuesday 25th November 2008 GMT at 2:04 PM GMT, Pete said:
Quote: sootyj @ November 25 2008, 8:49 AM GMTAnd I'm sure if Pete had a TARDIS he wouldn't be aborting talentless comedy actors.
Ahh....I see people's confusion. I didn't say he should have BEEN aborted....I said "should BE aborted".
I have nothing against cute little babies in bellies.......I want this jug eared monstrosity whacked as he arrives for filming!
On Tuesday 25th November 2008 GMT at 2:24 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: zooo @ November 25 2008, 12:34 AM GMTExcellent show.
Agreed.
On Tuesday 25th November 2008 GMT at 2:29 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: sootyj @ November 25 2008, 8:49 AM GMTI liked Mike and Angelo.
I used to love that show when I was but a child.
On Tuesday 25th November 2008 GMT at 3:55 PM GMT, sootyj said:
Quote: Pete @ November 25 2008, 9:04 AM GMTAhh....I see people's confusion. I didn't say he should have BEEN aborted....I said "should BE aborted".
I have nothing against cute little babies in bellies.......I want this jug eared monstrosity whacked as he arrives for filming!
You are Sara Palin and I claim my 5 pounds.
I also fnacy you rotten.
On Wednesday 26th November 2008 GMT at 11:45 PM GMT, ContainsNuts said:
Well that's it from me. There are so many things wrong with this show I could write a six-episode sitcom series about it. It just seems very rushed and not properly thought out. About two average jokes in it and more holes than a sieve. A lot of it seems contrived and no one seems to be very likeable apart from the girl who is a sub-character. A shame.
Oh and its very optimistic naming this thread 'Clone - Series 1'
On Monday 1st December 2008 GMT at 5:50 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Got around to watching episode 2 tonight. I thought it was a bit better. The show has a nice 'feeling' to it, and there are things which should be funny, but, well, they're just not. I'll watch any old crap, but I don't recall laughing once in the two episodes to date.
On Monday 1st December 2008 GMT at 2:07 PM GMT, ContainsNuts said:
The biggest laugh I've had related to this sitcom is on the front page of this website where is says 'The jury is still out on this sitcom'. It is certainly not here. The premise is good but the execution hasn't been. I'm not even sure if there is a 'nice' feel to it as its about a Prof trying to exploit the annoying Clone and landlady for his own good, whilst be chased by a murderous Colonel.
On Monday 1st December 2008 GMT at 3:21 PM GMT, chipolata said:
I was watching Jonathan Pryce in Ronin last night. Not a bad film, and proof how far Jonathan Pryce has fallen to have to star in trash like this.
On Tuesday 2nd December 2008 GMT at 2:10 AM GMT, Timbo said:
Caught the last ten minutes. Wow. I always try to look for the positives in new comedy; I almost succeeded in liking Lab Rats. But f**k me this was bad.
On Tuesday 2nd December 2008 GMT at 2:14 AM GMT, sootyj said:
I liked the twix as a poo joke, it was thematically consistent, in character and a good example of foreshadowing.
The rest was more full of stale shit, then a Gregg's shit filled shit pasty.
That had just been shit in.
On Tuesday 2nd December 2008 GMT at 2:15 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
Simon Bird what the hell are you doing?!
On Tuesday 2nd December 2008 GMT at 2:18 AM GMT, Timbo said:
Quote: sootyj @ December 1 2008, 9:14 PM GMTI liked the twix as a poo joke, it was thematically consistent, in character and a good example of foreshadowing.
Only catching the end I missed the foreshadowing, but it is an ancient joke and the filming of it was absolutely atrocious.
Or by thematically consistent, did you just mean the show was shit? Sorry I am a bit slow today. (Now if you had hinted that the show was shit...)
On Tuesday 2nd December 2008 GMT at 2:24 AM GMT, sootyj said:
I meant that the professor relies on his emergency twix to get him out of trouble.
So the fact he used it as a pretend poo was in character.
Thematically it matched the shows ideals of low key, human solutions to scary problems.
It was done in Caddyshack better.
On Tuesday 2nd December 2008 GMT at 2:26 AM GMT, Timbo said:
Quote: sootyj @ December 1 2008, 9:24 PM GMT
It was done in Caddyshack better.
That's what I was trying to think of! Thanks that has been bugging me.
On Tuesday 2nd December 2008 GMT at 2:46 AM GMT, Pete said:
I tuned in and was laughing within 3 or 4 mins.
Because I gave up by minute 2 and turned over!
Friends re-run....where Chandler locks Joey in his cupboard.
On Tuesday 2nd December 2008 GMT at 3:57 PM GMT, Afinkawan said:
The Twix/poo joke was terrible. Well not terrible, it was great when it was in Caddyshack but not when it's just stolen 28 years later.
The only reason left to watch Clone is the barmaid. I think I'm in love.
On Tuesday 2nd December 2008 GMT at 8:26 PM GMT, ContainsNuts said:
Was episode 3 similar to 1&2, so I know whether to bother watching it or not?
On Tuesday 2nd December 2008 GMT at 8:32 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Anybody know what the viewing figures are like for this? And whether it's likely to get a second series?
On Tuesday 2nd December 2008 GMT at 8:35 PM GMT, Pete said:
Quote: ContainsNuts @ December 2 2008, 3:26 PM GMTWas episode 3 similar to 1&2, so I know whether to bother watching it or not?
Yes.
Here's an example - man points to ugly man off screen and says "he was hit by the eczema stick" as an example of things you may think but shouldn't say.
Obviously, the line fails in every sense as it's not funny and not true as no one goes around laughing at people with eczema.....just very odd thing to pick on from a list of "personal aliments that we can laugh at". Bit like in the pilot where the scientist uses the implication that cancer has been cured but no one is allowed to know as a "joke"....again, of all the things that could be funny to have been cured but kept secret cancer isn't high on my giggle list. Ironically, the show feels like these jokes need to be kicked around a team of good writers to make sure they work.....ala what chase would do if he was given the budget for some i suppose?
On Tuesday 2nd December 2008 GMT at 8:37 PM GMT, sootyj said:
Hmm
We found the cure for the common cold, but it's secret.
That man was hit by the ugly stick, twice I think.
Not brilliant lines, but I reckon they're better and they took me about 5 seconds.
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 7:52 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
OK, this is just not funny. So why the hell's it on BBC Three?
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 9:03 AM GMT, Ned1984 said:
This is possibly one of the worst shows I have ever seen, and I've been forced to watch Desperate Housewives. I wish they would have put on another Two Pints repeat in its place, I'd probably have seen it 10 times before, but at least I would have laughed once or twice.
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 7:05 PM GMT, sootyj said:
How about a competition for how do we think the professor will next use his twix to save the day?
1 Poke it in someone's back and pretend it's a gun.
2 Throw it at something.
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 7:21 PM GMT, Pete said:
Quote: sootyj @ December 3 2008, 2:05 PM GMTHow about a competition for how do we think the professor will next use his twix to save the day?
Rape the barmaid with it while yelling "shut up or you get the Toblerone".....thus igniting a fire of criticism from The Mail and ensure it's pulled off air immediately.
Actually, I assume you meant save our day?
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 7:25 PM GMT, sootyj said:
Pete send that in, they may be so desperate they actually use it.
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 7:30 PM GMT, Pete said:
Thinking aloud....I wonder what Twix thought of their product being described as looking like faeces???
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 7:38 PM GMT, Lazzard said:
Re: sweets, I always thought (sung) "A finger of fudge is just enough, to give your kids a treat" strangely disturbing.
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 8:30 PM GMT, Timbo said:
My reaction at the time was that a Twix does not actually look much like a turd, but I did pass one this morning of very similar shape, length and indeed solidity (it actually wedged across the pan without sinking), so who knows, maybe that is what the writer passes every morning.
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 8:31 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Timbo @ December 3 2008, 3:30 PM GMTMy reaction at the time was that a Twix does not actually look much like a turd, but I did pass one this morning of very similar shape, length and indeed solidity (it actually wedged across the pan without sinking), so who knows, maybe that is what the writer passes every morning.
Thanks for sharing that.
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 9:22 PM GMT, bighead65 said:
If shit like this gets commissioned, we'll all be rich soon!
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 9:28 PM GMT, Pete said:
Only if you write shit like this!
On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 GMT at 9:34 PM GMT, bighead65 said:
That's where I'm going wrong. Going to have a rewrite and take all the jokes out that should work.
On Saturday 6th December 2008 GMT at 6:51 AM GMT, Tim Walker said:
Let's be fair. They are trying to write funny. They're trying to do something a bit different. It's not simple smut and crassness, so fair play. Those of us that would criticise and say we can do better (including me) should not become bitter about this show. It is a genuine attempt at good-natured humour. It IS trying to do something new. Even if it so far has not hit the spot, it doesn't lack ambition.
On Saturday 6th December 2008 GMT at 4:42 PM GMT, Pete said:
My 8 year old has ambition to be a pilot.....doesnt mean i should let him fly 300 people to Spain.
On Saturday 6th December 2008 GMT at 5:50 PM GMT, sootyj said:
Quote: Tim Walker @ December 6 2008, 1:51 AM GMTLet's be fair. They are trying to write funny. They're trying to do something a bit different. It's not simple smut and crassness, so fair play. Those of us that would criticise and say we can do better (including me) should not become bitter about this show. It is a genuine attempt at good-natured humour. It IS trying to do something new. Even if it so far has not hit the spot, it doesn't lack ambition.
Is it? A mixture of sickly sentimentality with random tasteless jokes, sitcom cliches and all the stuff they could sift out of Dr Who's dustbin.
It's about the most ungoodnatured thing I ever did see.
Which is a shame as it's not funny, it's unfunny in the same crushing empty way those American films about dogs that play sport are.
I don't claim I could write better. But then I'm not asking for a fat wedge of licence payers funds to make this.
On Tuesday 9th December 2008 GMT at 2:27 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Well that kept to the same standard as previously.
On Tuesday 9th December 2008 GMT at 2:44 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Is this a half Monty?
On Tuesday 9th December 2008 GMT at 2:56 AM GMT, Splodge said:
Christ that was bad. Are they taking the piss? Someone, sitting not so far away from me right now, said that all the people involved in the making of that should be named and shamed like paedophiles 
I don't feel quite as strong, but still, it was pretty poor.
On Wednesday 10th December 2008 GMT at 8:13 PM GMT, Cheesehoven said:
I'd like to say this show is going from strength to strength, but its really going from weakness to weakness. The episode last night was just plain offensive. Drugging and robbing a policeman is bad enough but trying to gain comedic value from Alzheimer's seems very poor taste, especially since it was so belaboured and unfunny. Another slightly backward character is rather unkindly named "shit for brains" and him being called this several times gained the biggest laughs of the episode. One wonders why the Daily Mail is not getting its knickers in a twist about this, which seems to me to be a bigger waste of licence payers' money than Jonathon Ross.
Also there seemed to be a lot of product placement in that last episode with Pringles and some commercial drink whose name I forget being mentioned. Whatever happened to the BBC not advertising things?
On Wednesday 10th December 2008 GMT at 8:36 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Cheesehoven @ December 10 2008, 3:13 PM GMTOne wonders why the Daily Mail is not getting its knickers in a twist about this
Because we're the only f**kers watching.
On Thursday 11th December 2008 GMT at 12:09 AM GMT, Pete said:
Quote: Cheesehoven @ December 10 2008, 3:13 PM GMTtrying to gain comedic value from Alzheimer's seems very poor taste, especially since it was so belaboured and unfunny.
Well I've only seen about half of what's gone out so far but I've noticed cancer, eczema and now altzeheimers. It's like an offensive episode of House!
Still...Chase was known for this. All those gags Chandler used to do about Parkinson's.
On Thursday 11th December 2008 GMT at 1:31 AM GMT, Ned1984 said:
Watching this programme makes me wish I had alzheimer's
On Thursday 11th December 2008 GMT at 1:32 AM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: Ned1984 @ December 10 2008, 8:31 PM GMTWatching this programme makes me wish I had alzheimer's
Or a remote.
On Thursday 11th December 2008 GMT at 1:34 AM GMT, Ned1984 said:
Quote: Matthew Stott @ December 10 2008, 8:32 PM GMTOr a remote.
But I'd like to forget what I'd already seen as well.
On Thursday 11th December 2008 GMT at 3:36 AM GMT, Cheesehoven said:
Quote: Ned1984 @ December 10 2008, 8:34 PM GMTBut I'd like to forget what I'd already seen as well.
On Friday 2nd January 2009 GMT at 7:47 AM GMT, Aaron said:
I just got around to watching the final two episodes. I haven't laughed, but God help me, they've got me stuck into the story now, and I want to see what happens next. A second series seems quite unlikely really, but I wouldn't object.
On Wednesday 7th January 2009 GMT at 7:55 PM GMT, swerytd said:
Anyone else here? At the end of the series? The final episode actually had quite a good few laughs in it and seemed much better (laughs-wise, not plot-wise) than the previous five. I wouldn't watch it again though. *Might* watch a second series, but wouldn't be too fussed if it passed me by.
Was this team-written with Adam Chase leading? Was that the point of it? I thought the BBC were trying more of that stuff a la America. (Well, at least till Jay Hunt came along with her big axe...)
Hello?
H E L L O-O-O ????
.
.
.
Dan
On Wednesday 7th January 2009 GMT at 8:02 PM GMT, Nil Putters said:
I kept forgettting to watch it. Not a great loss.
On Wednesday 7th January 2009 GMT at 8:19 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: swerytd @ January 7 2009, 2:55 PM GMTAnyone else here? At the end of the series? The final episode actually had quite a good few laughs in it and seemed much better (laughs-wise, not plot-wise) than the previous five. I wouldn't watch it again though. *Might* watch a second series, but wouldn't be too fussed if it passed me by.
Was this team-written with Adam Chase leading? Was that the point of it? I thought the BBC were trying more of that stuff a la America. (Well, at least till Jay Hunt came along with her big axe...)
I'm not really sure about laughs. Perhaps titters. But it was certainly the best of the series, and as I said, had hooked me into their story by the end.
On Tuesday 13th January 2009 GMT at 7:56 PM GMT, Deferenz said:
I still haven't seen Clone yet. I might get the DVD in a future severe play.com sale.
Def.
On Tuesday 13th January 2009 GMT at 8:03 PM GMT, chipolata said:
I'd give it a miss. Get Multiplicity instead. That's also shit, but less so.