BCG Daily Thursday 20th February 2014

Outnumbered, episode four, BBC One, review

To be fair, Outnumbered (BBC One) has never made breakneck plotting or surprise twists a selling-point, and it's perhaps unfair to expect it to morph into Breaking Bad in its final series. It's become cosy, comfortable viewing - My Family with improv - and there's nothing wrong with that.

In defence of Mrs Brown's Boys

Forget the fact it's universally loathed by snobbish critics, Mrs Brown's Boys makes me laugh. Get over it.

Review: Inside No. 9: Tom & Gerri, BBC Two

After two distinctive episodes which had plenty of laughs alongside the shivers, the third instalment of Inside No. 9, "Tom & Gerri", tiptoes into taut psychological thriller territory, with very few giggles indeed, but an end that may haunt you for days.

Radio Times review

What is it with comedians and getting married this week? Milton Jones "launched" his own wedding business in yesterday's show, and now Jason Cook offers advice on the things one really ought not to include in a best-man's speech - what the bride is like in bed being a prime example.

When he was writing this series, Cook posted a request on his website asking fans to send him examples of what they have done in stressful situations, so while his "advice" is funny, it stems from real mishaps.

Mark Thomas: My mum's given up on me growing out of it

Comedian and activist Mark Thomas is back to doing what he does best - agitating for change.

Interview: Festival Of The Spoken Nerd

Made up of Helen Arney, Matt Parker and Steve Mould, Festival Of The Spoken Nerd is in town for the Brighton Science Festival.

TV review: Inside No. 9 - Tom and Gerri

The best of the series so far, Tom and Gerri is a multifaceted, poignant tale that packs a weighty amount of value into its short turn, leaving a trail of cleverly-strewn breadcrumbs for those keen to take it again through newly enlightened eyes.

Inside No. 9, 1.3 - 'Tom & Gerri' review

It's funny and creative TV that's justly attracted some fantastic guest stars (even happy to appear in fairly minor roles), each episode made with obvious care, skill, and attention. There's always going to be room for improvement, but for the most part I can't fault Tom & Gerri in any meaningful way.

Review - Arthur Smith Sings Leonard Cohen

Slapstick and melancholic reflection is an unusual combo - but it makes for great comedy in the experienced hands of Arthur Smith at Soho Theatre.

Chris Morris: the comeback starts here

After a rare stage appearance at Stewart Lee's recent stand-up gig, the Brass Eye comedian is returning to TV. Now, more than ever, we need a satirist with his fearlessness.

Jim Davidson: 'I really want Stephen Fry to like me'

Jim Davidson has been called racist, sexist, an offensive comedy relic, and much worse. But does the surprise winner of Celebrity Big Brother have a cuddly side?

The Lee Evans lookalike who runs a pet shop

One is Lee Evans, the legendary stand-up comedian who has performed in front of millions. The other is John Barlow, who runs a pet shop in Clifton.

How does Nathan Penlington's quest end? You decide

To stand up on stage and perform a one-man show is an act of bravery. To stand up on stage and perform a one-man show that has 1,566 possible versions and five possible endings, and then to hand the controls of that show over to an audience is an act of madness.

Catriona Knox review

At her best, Catriona Knox comes across as a posher Catherine Tate with added hints of deranged League of Gentlemen darkness.

Channel 4's Babylon: not much cop

So much seemed right about this show, but it failed to deliver a grin.