Quote: Griff @ June 9 2008, 7:16 PM BSTWhat zooo said. I wasn't 100% sure about the third series of LOG or Partridge, but the second series of each was dynamite.
I actually missed the laugh-track in the 3rd series of LOG. It was reassuring to hear others laughing at all the dark stuff happening on screen.
"Chef!"...
Quote: Aaron @ June 9 2008, 7:33 PM BSTTime Gentlemen Please.
First series - no Emma Pierson
Second series - Emma Pierson
I'd say on that evidence that the second series was superior 
The Mighty Boosh - First series was great, and I loved the framing device of Vince and Howard addressing the camera. After Series 1, despite the odd classic episode, it did tend to disappear up itself.
Look Around You - A punchy first series followed up by a flabby somewhat directionless second series, only redeemed by a corking series finale.
The Office - Technically the second series is better and shows writers and actors growing in confidence, but I love the first series more because in it David Brent is unassailable. And, despite his many flaws, I love him. In the second series a zsense of doom hangs over him and you just know he's going to end up sacked.
Also, I'm not quite sure why people have a problem with series 2 and 3 of Black Books. They seemed exactly the same in tone and quality as the first series. Yes, Graham Linehan had thrown a hissy fit and walked off, but it didn't really affect quality.
Extras - second series had too many unfunny celeb cameos and too much of Stephen Merchant's agent - a funny turn but only in moderation. The Christmas special was good though.
With a few honourable exceptions such as Fawlty Towers, Porridge and WHT The Likely Lads most sitcoms have not known when to quit. (Or tragically, as in the case of Shelley or Brittas, the original writers knew when to quit but the production companies didn't.)
Quote: Timbo @ June 11 2008, 10:23 AM BSTWith a few honourable exceptions such as Fawlty Towers, Porridge and WHT The Likely Lads most sitcoms have not known when to quit.
I'll add Yes Minister/Prime Minister and Blackadder to the list. I also believe last regular Vicar of Dibley series were the strongest ever (apart from the specials).
Thin Blue Line... Open All Hours... The Young Ones. I'm sure there are more.
My Family was good on series 1 but the quality didn't start to slip until after Nick left in series 4/5. I think Only Fools and Horses got better after series 1, peaked at series 3, went downhill until series 6 when they brought back some of the original spark and then went downhill from then on. On the Buses did the same, peaked at series 3 and then by series 7 it had gone downhill due to cast members leaving.
Quote: chipolata @ June 11 2008, 9:46 AM BSTThe Office - Technically the second series is better and shows writers and actors growing in confidence, but I love the first series more because in it David Brent is unassailable. And, despite his many flaws, I love him. In the second series a zsense of doom hangs over him and you just know he's going to end up sacked.
Yeah I know what you mean. I love the second series too, but at times I almost find it too cringeworthy, it's like my toes are permanently curled up.
Please Sir peaked in series 1.
Quote: Jack Massey @ June 12 2008, 12:18 PM BSTPlease Sir peaked in series 1.
What?!?! It hadn't even found it's feet. It was too long at 40 mins per episode and the writers were just starting to explore the themes. Series 3 was it's peak for sure.
Monkey Dust never bettered it's first series. Nor did Little Britain. And The Book Group had a brilliant first series, but seemed to fizzle in it's second run.
I second Little Britain. Probably the biggest fall in quality between series 1 and series 2 onwards I have ever seen.
Quote: chipolata @ June 11 2008, 9:46 AM BSTAlso, I'm not quite sure why people have a problem with series 2 and 3 of Black Books. They seemed exactly the same in tone and quality as the first series. Yes, Graham Linehan had thrown a hissy fit and walked off, but it didn't really affect quality.
I agree. I once got into a big argument with someone over this. I really can't see the dip in quality between any of the series. The characters and scripts remained brilliant throughout its run in my opinion. 
Quote: monkeybeard @ June 12 2008, 3:18 PM BSTI agree. I once got into a big argument with someone over this. I really can't see the dip in quality between any of the series. The characters and scripts remained brilliant throughout its run in my opinion.
I think the people who believe this are big Graham Linehan fans. They should be forced to watch Paris until their eyes bleed.
My Name is Earl.
Season 1 I loved and bought the DVD so I could watch them all again. Season 2 and 3 there seems to be to many "filler" episodes which don't folow Earl as he attempts to make up for his past mistakes. Such as "Our Cops is On" "Our Other Cops is On" and the one where they all make up a story. Would eb nice as DVD extras but not as part of the series.
EDIT: Just realised this is in the British sitcoms section so Earl doesn't really count. Sorry 
Quote: monkeybeard @ June 12 2008, 3:18 PM BSTI agree. I once got into a big argument with someone over this. I really can't see the dip in quality between any of the series. The characters and scripts remained brilliant throughout its run in my opinion.
I think that there is a dip in quality, but it's not as drastic or pronounced as some seem to be making out.