Quote: Matthew Stott @ December 13 2010, 9:43 AM GMTI think the second episode got less than a million.
Don't introduce facts! 
Frankie Boyle's Tramadol Nights Page 17
It is a nasty habit.
Quote: Veronica Vestibule @ December 13 2010, 9:43 AM GMTAt their peak, Morecambe and Wise were arguably 'the best'.
But they weren't 'cutting edge', surely?
It's not an argument anyone can win. Like I say it is subjective. At one stage Benny Hill was cutting edge because he invents new stuff for the medium. At one stage M&W probably were cutting edge. IF they are doing something new that advances the art or the form I guess is the measure - so in that sense they were the best - not necessarily when they were at their peak in terms of audiences. They spanned the theatrical tradition into the televisual.
Quote: sootyj @ December 12 2010, 8:49 PM GMTAnd so what if George Micheal likes a wank in his car? So what?
It's sniggering homophobia of the lowest order.
Sorry, what? I know you take a 'unique' view on certain things sooty, but are you a complete mental?
Strangely enough I'm with Aaron on this one. How was the GM sketch even vaguely homophobic? It made jokes about him wanking and taking drugs, but I don't think either of those things are exclusive to homosexuality.
Anyway, just caught up with the second episode. What a boring pile of outdated pooppoop. I won't be bothering next week. I think Frankie Boyle may have completely lost it.
Quote: Nat Wicks @ December 13 2010, 11:40 AM GMTI won't be bothering next week. I think Frankie Boyle may have completely lost it.
The only thing he's lost is you as a viewer but I'll be dragging in my next-door-neighbour to watch the next episode thereby replacing you in the viewing figures.
Thus, you are thwarted!
No, sorry I meant his ability to write a genuinely funny gag which doesn't rely on a shock word for the punchline. His priorities have changed to his detriment.
He tires so hard to shock it is embarrassing; a grown man for ever stuck in short trousers.
I think the controversy is giving this show an edge it really doesn't deserve.
Quote: Timbo @ December 13 2010, 11:54 AM GMTHe tires so hard to shock it is embarrassing; a grown man for ever stuck in short trousers.
Agreed.
Quote: Nat Wicks @ December 13 2010, 11:52 AM GMTI meant his ability to write a genuinely funny gag which doesn't rely on a shock word for the punchline.
I think these are genuinely funny - and not a shock word in sight:
"Women, if you don't want to have wrinkles, put on weight! Put on a couple of stone, that'll take up the slack. Why be a raisin, when you could be a grape?"
"Did you see Lady Gaga, turning up at the MTV awards in a dress made from meat? If Susan Boyle had done that, all she would have got would have been a tranquilizer dart to the neck and a lifetime ban from the deli counter at Lidl."
Ah I will give you the first one.
Quote: Nat Wicks @ December 13 2010, 12:13 PM GMTAh I will give you the first one.
Thank you.
I rest my case.
On your foot.
Okay maybe inability was the wrong word. I do think that his focus has definitely switched though, and you get a lot more 'shock for shock sake' rather than genuinely funny jokes.
Quote: Tim Walker @ December 12 2010, 8:58 PM GMTRather think you've misunderstood the point I was making, Godot. (Not for the first time either...) Stop being so angry all the time, you big loveable fluffy kitten of a man, you.
Yeah, like there are loads of strategic and important points that you've made over the years that I've misunderstood... A writer who can't get his point across is like a whore with no fanny.
Quote: chipolata @ December 12 2010, 9:12 PM GMTThis is nothing compared to his Doctor Who rants.
You c**t. I'm beginning to feel like Peter Cook after he saved David Frost from drowning. My 'Doctor Who rants' are solid gold mini structuralist essays. It's not my fault you're all milky tea with half a gcse between you.
Quote: Timbo @ December 13 2010, 11:54 AM GMTHe tires so hard to shock it is embarrassing; a grown man for ever stuck in short trousers.
He doesn't try hard at all. It's clear he has an ear for a rich phrase and doesn't struggle in any way to put together jokes in his chosen style of comedy.
What's somewhat pathetic is people pretending he isn't a very accomplished comedian. No-one says you have to like him, but you can't knock either his talent or his insouciance.
Just look at his 'haunted pussy' joke or his 'queer eye' one on Mock the Week. Other pro comics on the show were collapsing at these. Some of his material about the RC Church and the Pope on Tramadol Nights effortlessly blends humour, satire and shock.
He is an angry comedian with a well developed agenda which you would be well aware of if you had followed his material or read his book. There's even a clue in title of this show, which is an allusion to J.G. Ballard's Cocaine Nights that most people seem to have missed.
Quote: Godot Taxis @ December 13 2010, 1:06 PM GMTThere's even a clue in title of this show, which is an allusion to J.G. Ballard's Cocaine Nights that most people seem to have missed.
Ahhh, I thought a title like that must be a pun/reference to something. Didn't have the slightest clue what though.