Wednesday, 27 December 2017

Alan Partidge: The low lights

Tonight on BBC2 there is an new documentary exploring the career of the famed broadcaster from Norwich. Here are 3 of the famed moments that have made Alan's name.

Changing Rooms

Alan follows a Female Australian Showjumper into the changing rooms after an event. Conducts the interview there and then with only a slight pause when she takes of her bra to put on an new one.

More than meets the eye.

On his chat show Alan interviews an agony Aunt. Throughout Alan flirts with her until she reveals she was born a man. Alan then orders her off the set which she does but not before sticking her tongue down his thoart.

Don't play with those.

Alan interviews a writer who has just brought Bryon's duelling pistols just to annoy Micheal Winner. Things take a deadly turn when Alan accidentally shoots dead the writer with on of the pistols. Alan is last seen helping the Police with their enquires.

Tuesday, 26 December 2017

Xmas Day TV rout

BBC1 dominated the Xmas Day TV ratings. Mrs Brown's Boys was the most watched programme of the night with nearly 7 million viewers. Elsewhere Peter Calpadi last episode as the Doctor in Doctor Who was watched by around 5 and half million viewers. Meanwhile ITV had a very bad night. Emmerdale which currently holds the title of the UK's second soap was watched by under 4 million viewers while historical drama Victoria fared even worse with 2.72 million viewers. So Game, Set and Match to BBC1.

Sunday, 24 December 2017

Unlikely Xmas viewing

For the last 2 years BBC1 have at Christmas shown an new adaptation of an Agatha Christie novel, in 2016 it was And There Were None and the following year Witness for the Prosecution. This year there was supposed to be another Ordeal by Innocence but following allegations concerning one of it's stars it was dropped from the Xmas schedules. In it's place is The Miniaturist based on an novel by Jessie Burton. Set 17th Century Holland it is a tale in which a miniature predicts the events of the home it is located in. The novel won an number of prizes but may prove to be too niche for a mainstream Xmas audience.

Friday, 22 December 2017

3 memorable Xmas specials

Xmas is upon us so here are 3 Christmas specials that left a mark.

Blackadder's Christmas Carol

Dickens classic is giving a makeover by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton. A caring Blackadder is shown how his ancestors behave and gets some ideas.

Only Fools and Horses - Dates

Del Boy goes out on a date and finds the love of his life. Meanwhile Rodney goes out one of his own only to find himself in the middle of a high speed chase.

Yes Minister - Party Games

The Prime Minister resigns leading to all out back stabbing. The last man standing turns out to be the unlikely figure of Jim Hacker but only after being pushed into the role by Sir Humphrey.

Thursday, 21 December 2017

The Jedi backlash

The fallout of the fan backlash over new Star Wars The Last Jedi continues. Sales of toy figures for this film are massively down for those for the last film The Force Awakens at the same point of release. There are videos on Youtube decrying the film for it's treatment of classic characters like Luke Skywalker. Weather Disney take on those views as director Rhian Johnson has announced plans for a separate trilogy. The fans will be watching The House of Mouse's next move.

Wednesday, 20 December 2017

TV ratings 20-12-2017

A special featuring U2 at the famed Abbey Road Studio could only garner just over 1 million on BBC. While on ITV The Royal Variety Performance was seen by just over 4 million though this was one the lowest figure the event has ever posted.

Tuesday, 19 December 2017

TV Review: The League of Gentlemen

Monday 10pm BBC2

Starring Mark Gattis, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith

After a gap of 15 years (excluding a 2005 film version) the village of Royston Vasey and it's inhabitants make a return to the TV screen. And in it's first few minutes it maintains it reputation to be both shocking and hilarious in the same moment. A regular character is swallowed by a photo booth while another the World's worst vet Dr.(Gatiss) Chinnery blows out the insides of a Hedgehog over a Mother and her Daughter. Elsewhere there is plot revolving around the town getting redrawn in a boundaries exercise which lead to some characters plotting to vent their fury. The League of Gentlemen is a show that plays by it's own rules so will never gain a mainstream audience, one way to describe is to think of an episode of Last of the Summer Wine as directed by David Lynch. If you are in a mood for dark laughs then these 3 new episodes will be right up your street.