NJ: Osbourne's Animation

Hello again. I think this one suffered from the fact that it was maybe old news, being budget related and nothing to do with pasties... I'd quite like to know if people think I get the concept over clearly enough or whether it ends up being a bit confused. Any comments greatly appreciated! Thanks.

JAMES: Ah, another morning at Aardvark Animations. I can't wait to start on that new cartoon about an owl that lives in a drainpipe.

GEORGE: (LEWIS' CREEPY GEORGE OSBORNE IMPRESSION FROM EP 5) Hello James.

JAMES: (STARTLED) You frightened the life out of me. (BEAT) Hang on, aren't you-

GEORGE: George Osborne, yes.

JAMES: I thought it was unusually cold in here.

GEORGE: Did you enjoy the Budget, James?

JAMES: Yes Mr. Osborne, your tax-break for the animation industry was most welcome.

GEORGE: Quid pro quo, James, quid pro quo. (SHARP INTAKE OF BREATH A LA HANNIBAL LECTER).

JAMES:What do you mean?

GEORGE:I know why all my cabinet colleagues are more popular than me, James.

JAMES: I'm sorry I don't follow.

GEORGE: They all have animated characters based on them. They're in cartoons and shows watched by millions around the world. I want you to create a character for me.

JAMES:Are you suggesting that government ministers use cartoon characters that resemble them to subconsiously influence the public?

GEORGE: Exactly.

JAMES: I don't believe you.

GEORGE: Pick any member of the cabinet.

JAMES:Alright - Vince Cable. Which character does he use?

GEORGE:Mr. Burns from The Simpsons. The Business Secretary played by a billionaire tycoon - well I never.

JAMES: What about Michael Gove?

GEORGEob. The Education Secretary played by a kindly puppet that teaches kids how to spell - would you Adam and Eve it.

JAMESanny Alexander?

GEORGE:Beaker from The Muppets.

JAMES: William Hague?

GEORGE: Elmer Fudd.

JAMES:Nonsense.

GEORGE:Foreign Secretary dealing with other nations symbolised by a bald man threatening a 'wabbit' with a gun.

JAMES:Alright, Nick Clegg?
GEORGE: Spongebob Squarepants.

JAMES:Now you really are taking the piss.

GEORGE:A confused yellow square that seemingly lives in a different world? More than just a coincidence don't you think?

JAMES: I'm sorry, this is complete fantasy. I'm going to have to ask you to leave.

GEORGE:But I want a character to promote fiscal austerity to the nation.

JAMES:I can't help you, now go.

GEORGE: Fine.

FX: DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

FXIALS A TELEPHONE NUMBER

JAMES: Hello? Mr Hague? Osborne knows. (PAUSE WHILST HE HEARS RESPONSE). Ok, I'll... deal with it. (LAUGHS MANICALLY)

They have always avoided running jokes between episodes I think, so you can lose the 'owl in a pipe' reference.

I like this. Too many examples I would say so you can cut that down but liked the ending and excellent use of the George Osborne impression.

Dan

Thanks Dan - much obliged. Perhaps next series they'll make more of the Osborne impression - it's by far Lewis' best political send up imho!