jsg
Tuesday 26th March 2019 12:54pm
503 posts
Quote: Basil Rathbon @ 26th March 2019, 11:52 AM
The very nature of a "One Show" style show is that it's effectively a series of sketches and like any sketch show, some work better than others.
Yeah, I think the format is really good for it. A lot of the surreal VT's and cutaways are balanced out by the great, naturalist acting by the supporting cast. Susannah Fielding in particular is doing a brilliant job.
The ladyboy joke felt a bit caustic even though the point was it's a reference. Otherwise though I like all the references to other bits of Partridge, and Simon still trying to banter but Alan not really joining in because they're on a big show now is great. The group singing 'This Time with Alan Partridge' is also a small but delightfully meta joke, a bit like the joke from the very beginning of the series about Mid Morning Matters being a radio show in their world but a TV show in ours. Also reminded me of how in the intro the receptionist is now smiling at Alan instead of just looking fed up at him, in trying hard to replace John.
The #MeToo / sexism parts made me laugh a lot, and I liked when he said he turned over to Woman's Hour by mistake but then thought it was 'actually quite good', the little digs at other parts of TV and the BBC have been a joy. How he still kept talking like nothing had happened with his hand over his mouth was quite good, although overall I wasn't sure on the lips thing. It wasn't as bad as it could've been but it still wasn't good. The swearing segment was a highlight as you say, and the Ruth segments are always a nice addition too.