Daniel Peak is a funny writer and the performances were solid enough, including the daughter, so all told a significant upgrade on Life of Riley, which hopefully can now be put out of our misery. On that basis I am prepared to forgive all the cut aways, the lazy man's answer to show don't tell.
Watching the repeat now... hmmm.
Actually, that wasn't that bad. The kids were a lot of fun.
Quote: Timbo @ June 13 2011, 11:10 PM BSTDaniel Peak is a funny writer and the performances were solid enough, including the daughter, so all told a significant upgrade on Life of Riley, which hopefully can now be put out of our misery. On that basis I am prepared to forgive all the cut aways, the lazy man's answer to show don't tell.
Do you mean cut aways - or inserts? Reaction shots or filmed inserts showing something recounted.
I am using it in the latter sense.
How in God's name did the writer of 'Big Top' get another brand new BBC sitcom writing gig so soon afterwards? Really makes you wonder...
By being closer to an 'additional material' provider than a creator, and having plenty of other successful credits to his name, despite the flop of that one show.
Quote: johnny smith @ June 15 2011, 9:16 PM BSTHow in God's name did the writer of 'Big Top' get another brand new BBC sitcom writing gig so soon afterwards? Really makes you wonder...
It's a sick sad world isn't it
Having heard that this was 'not bad' I checked it out on iPlayer - didn't get much past the 3-minute mark, I'm afraid...utterly awful - and I like Will Mellor, for the record!
Yes, this is basically a British version of "Grounded for Life" isn't it, complete with the twin boys and dopey brother.
Unfortunately, on the evidence to date this is nowhere near as funny as the original.
Quote: David2006 @ June 16 2011, 8:03 PM BSTYes, this is basically a British version of "Grounded for Life" isn't it, complete with the twin boys and dopey brother.
Unfortunately, on the evidence to date this is nowhere near as funny as the original.
Never heard of Grounded For Life. I guess it must be one of those third rate American comedies.
I watched it and there were some funny bits but the sit is hardly original and could fit in with about a dozen different coms over the years.
Quote: Timbo @ June 13 2011, 11:10 PM BSTDaniel Peak is a funny writer
Peak is a workmanlike writer. He gets the job done, provides a few laughs, but is never going to write a great sitcom. There's no spark of genius there.
Not the best thing in the world by any stretch but I did find myself laughing a lot at episode 2. Characters could certainly do with being a bit deeper and there was something I couldn't quite put my finger on, but this article kind of hit it on the head: every line is trying to be a joke, so there is no pause for breath.
Dan
Probably the best attempt this country has seen at an American style quickfire studio sitcom. Disposable, but proficient; something I can tune into and be sure of being amused. A cut above what usually passes for family comedy these days.
Shooting the guy in the face made me laugh.
Thought the first epsiode was poor, didn't bother with the second. Caught last night's by accident and thought it was much better, rather amusing and good performances by all.
