First time I've seen a full episode....feels very "written". Hard to describe but it feels like they are reading off scripts in front of them. Not my cup of tea and a complete contrast to Curb (which I suppose it's based on) where the dialogue is the opposite.
If it's a complete contrast, what makes you think it's based on it? 
I do wonder sometimes whether I'm just laughing at Jack Dee's miserable face, but I like Lead Balloon and thought last night's episode was really good.
Triffic episode. Lots of good stuff. Glad they dropped the recurring storyline of the last series where Sam & Ben con him out of money everytime. More Magda wasn't quite as good as I thought it would be. Mel being the one to screw up was a nice twist. Drunk Mel is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo sexy.
The only character I'm not really struck on is his workmate. I've watched 2 series and 1 episode and I can't even remember his name. He's so smug, I just want to brick his face in.
He is a bit smug, but I think it's a good foil to Dee's misery.
Quote: Ben @ November 14 2008, 8:24 AM GMTHe is a bit smug, but I think it's a good foil to Dee's misery.
Nah, he's too smug. He should be normal, perhaps even chirpy, to show up Dee's misery but he's so far past that, he's irritating.
Bumholes! Somehow forgot about this last night. Is it to be repeated this week or is my only answer iplayer?
No, I cannot see it scheduled for a repeat.
I used the magic of Sky+ to record it. Will watch it tomorrow morning. I'm so surprised I like Lead Balloon, I thought I would hate it because of the similar setup to Curb, but Jack Dee is really great.
The best scene I've seen from it is when he tells someone in a locker room that he has cancer, very funny indeed.
Quote: Pete @ November 14 2008, 12:55 AM GMTFirst time I've seen a full episode....feels very "written". Hard to describe but it feels like they are reading off scripts in front of them. Not my cup of tea and a complete contrast to Curb (which I suppose it's based on) where the dialogue is the opposite.
I take it you're not Pete Sinclair?
Quote: Rick Skelton @ November 14 2008, 8:23 AM GMTThe only character I'm not really struck on is his workmate. I've watched 2 series and 1 episode and I can't even remember his name.
Sort of agree. He never really does anything funny, and is a tad smug.
I find this show entertaining enough, yet decidedly average with occasional funny bits.
Quite amusing that they've sold the format of the show (back) to the USA.
Michael: Father retired, bit of a loose end, always had a passion for film memorabilia. Turns out Colin's got a shop selling that kind of thing. Father was looking for an opening.
Marty: Enter Colin.
Michael: Precisely.
Quote: zooo @ November 14 2008, 12:56 AM GMTIf it's a complete contrast, what makes you think it's based on it?
I think the Curb and Lead Balloon connections are fairly well established. And if I write a play based on Romeo and Juliet and have the actors played by children it would be an aspect that contrasted with the original, it would still be "based on" though.
Quote: Pete @ November 14 2008, 12:55 AM GMTFirst time I've seen a full episode....feels very "written". Hard to describe but it feels like they are reading off scripts in front of them. Not my cup of tea and a complete contrast to Curb (which I suppose it's based on) where the dialogue is the opposite.
I love it but I can't get into Curb. I just can't relate to it - mainly because it's American.
My only real caveat about Lead Balloon is that it never surprises me. I think the great sitcoms have the ability to really pull the rug out from under you. Fawlty Towers could. The Office Could. Anything by David Renwick can. But with Lead Balloon I always know pretty much what's going to happen.
That's no bad thing when the shows as well-written and well-acted as LB, I just wish it would take a few risks. That said, we've only had one episode of series three, so it may well step up a gear and take some unexpected turns. Hope so since it has the potential to be great.
