I want someone to hug Tucker. 
He needs a cuddle.
The Thick Of It - Series 3 Page 21
Very good episode again. Agreed, loved the bit with Terri and Malcolm. Was also nice to see Ben return (Justin Edwards). Thought the plot never quite really took off in this one and the melodrama was a little forced. However, this is only in comparison with a couple of exceptionally good episodes previously in the series.
Quote: Aaron @ November 29 2009, 12:00 AM GMTGreat to see Malcolm slipping further and further from sanity, and the 'opening up' to Terri towards the end of the episode was perfect.
How true! Lifting the veneer, albeit thick, was unexpected and inspired.
I think Saturday's episode was the best since the Langham era.
Thought the 'Nicola does a rubbish speech' resolution to the story was a little weak, but very funny once again - Ben Swain much funnier than he was in the specials I thought (did anyone else spot Justin Edwards in the audience of Comedy Celebrity Mastermind last week?) - liked how Malcolm genuinely opened up for the first time, rather than just showing his weakness through desperate ranting.
Actually, think I'll watch it again now on the iPlayer - managed to chuckle through horrible sickness and headache last night . . .
Oh well, I'm the only one who found this episode to be disappointing then. It seemed like the same again, only less funny. The plot development regarding Tucker's decline was interesting, but not funny. The hangover thing at the start wasn't developed, the lack-of-food in the office yielded no laughs, there were some good lines but fewer than there have been in the past. What's funny about Terri wearing trainers? Where's the comedy in Glen's ambitions being crushed?
I thought this was an excellent episode. Possibly the best of the series so far (certainly from a character point-of-view).
Really enjoyed it.
Incidentally, Richard Bacon on being in The Thick Of It: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/comedy/2009/11/richard-bacon-in-the-thick-of-it.shtml
Dan
Quote: Nogget @ November 30 2009, 9:14 AM GMTWhat's funny about Terri wearing trainers?
Because Terri wearing trainers is funny 
I like it when she says "you should be wearing my trainers" during Nicola's sprint to the presentation room 
. . .
After a run of sublime episodes, I thought this was merely good. Although the scene between Malcolm Tucker and Terri was great ("I USED TO BE THE PHAROAH!").
I didn't mind it starting at 10:40 as it allowed me to sneak an episode of 24 before it started.
Disappointed by the Red Button stuff again, though. I'd rather see deleted scenes than the cast and some anonymous politicians droning on.
Quote: chipolata @ November 30 2009, 10:11 AM GMTAfter a run of sublime episodes, I thought this was merely good. Although the scene between Malcolm Tucker and Terri was great ("I USED TO BE THE PHAROAH!").
When Terri was asked what he said to her and she replied "something about ancient Egypt" (to paraphrase). I like the pathos that he opens up to her and she didn't even understand what he was on about.
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ November 30 2009, 10:16 AM GMTWhen Terri was asked what he said to her and she replied "something about ancient Egypt" (to paraphrase). I like the pathos that he opens up to her and she didn't even understand what he was on about.
That was nice. It'll be interesting to see how the rest of the series plays out as Malcolm Tucker is now effectively a lame duck.
Quote: Griff @ November 30 2009, 10:42 AM GMTIt's going to be a tough call between The Thick Of It, Peep Show and The Inbetweeners for my BCG Comedy Awards vote this year.
It's been a great year for the British sitcom. I can envisage watching all those shows in twenty or thirty years time.
(24 is moumentally silly, but it still gives me a rush. That said, I hope they make Day 8 the last season).
Quote: chipolata @ November 30 2009, 10:21 AM GMTMalcolm Tucker is now effectively a lame duck.
Dare you to tell him that
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ November 30 2009, 10:16 AM GMTWhen Terri was asked what he said to her and she replied "something about ancient Egypt" (to paraphrase). I like the pathos that he opens up to her and she didn't even understand what he was on about.
I took it to be her using discretion, for once, and not letting on to the others.
Quote: Aaron @ November 30 2009, 4:02 PM GMTI took it to be her using discretion, for once, and not letting on to the others.
I did think that, but she seems a bit stupid for tact like that (the actress even said so in the red button interview)