Jamesey1967
Thursday 26th November 2015 7:59pm
Elgin
12 posts
Dare I say something a tad controversial about the sublime Fawlty Towers? I largely agree that it is, in its structure, almost perfect, and the script is beyond measure. Now here's the but. I think some of the peripheral acting is a bit weak. I don't mean the regulars like the Major and Miss Tibbs and her sister (name forgotten). I mean the weekly guests. Not all of them. Bernard Cribbins is expectedly brilliant. MRS RICHARDS, again priceless. But what about the Irish labourers? Or the wedding party? I guess the problem is that the set up demanded new faces every week, it being a hotel. This necessitated pitching some pretty average comic actors (not saying they weren't good in other genres) alongside the genius of John Cleese. A tough gig.
As for my favourite, Fawlty Towers is up there, but I would probably plump for Rising Damp. A bit dated now I realise in some of its humour. But the anxieties and disappointments of middle-aged Rigsby and his forlorn pursuit of the twig-like Miss Jones still do it for me. That and Red Dwarf obviously. And Blackadder, it goes without. As for radio, probably Hancock. Goons too.