Is it not the purpose of those of us who see a better future, a new world, a new hope, to speak truth to power? Today I am prepared to speak prophetically to oppose an injustice.
The BBC have decided they will not do another series of Count Arthur Strong on the TV.
For those who have not seen it, the Count is the funniest thing the BBC has produced in years. Brilliantly written, with characters as lovely as they are surreal.
The relationship between Arthur and Michael is as old as the hills - a straight riff on the Steptoe / Harold or Del Boy / Rodney theme. The older man's self-centredness constantly frustrating the younger one's attempts to find happiness. The relationship between Michael and Sinem is utterly baffling. What, we ask ourselves, does the geeky, shy, balding Michael possibly see in intelligent, dark-eyed, funny, outgoing Sinem? While Eggy, John, Birdy, Bulent are a fine bunch of supporting characters.
The Count himself is an ineffable force of nature. Incoherent, self-important, utterly unaware of the chaos he sows around him. The incident where the gang are in a car in a lion enclosure at the safari park - where the car is on fire - is one of my favourite moments on TV. You'll have to watch it. If the BBC ever repeat it.
So I repeat. This is an utter injustice. The Count is no more, while Mary Berry gets another bloody cooking show. A light has passed from our lives. It may never be lit again.
I may need to organise a soupover to get over this.
Suggest you invite Nadiya Hussein to cook the soup and the BBC to film it for her next cookery series.
ReplyDeleteAll they need to do is add some "adult" jokes, some edgy swearing, and a bit of left-wing ranting, and the BBC will welcome them back.
ReplyDeleteso so sad about this, BLOODY BBC!
ReplyDeleteBut the radio series was much funnier (isn't it always?)
ReplyDeletePete