Clive James

There are several ex-spies in Partners (BBC2), an otherwise nothing comedy series which might just keep your attention if you respond to the challenge of trying to figure out which of the frantically gabbling leading players used to be the grim-visaged head of MI6 or the virtually inaudible agent for DI5.

By sharp contrast, The Kenny Everett Video Show (Thames) knows exactly what it is up to image-wise. Tightly controlled by a producer who must have the patience and reflexes to pick up spilled mercury with his bare hands, Kenny has been giving the land of the media one lesson after another in how to keep link material short, sour and funny.

Some of the acting was nearly as unsubtle as some of the writing but the thing worked.

The first in LWT's new series of Alan Bennett plays, Me! I'm Afraid of Virginia Woolf, was one word too long in its tide but otherwise perfectly judged.

One has been kept from previous series of Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em (BBC1) by its awful title, but it is time to say what everybody else is saying - that the show is a must. Largely due to Michael Crawford's pertinacity in setting up his stunts and special effects, the slapstick is almost invariably funny.

As always, nobody was quicker at climbing into high heels than Dick Emery, star of The Dick Emery Christmas Show (BBC1), an extravaganza which left you wondering whether it wasn't time to abolish Christmas entirely.

The Best of Benny Hill (Thames) showed no more signs than usual of being significantly different from the worst. The trailer was all I could stand.

From Stanley Baxter we expect something more adventurous, but The Best of Stanley Baxter (LWT) unintentionally reinforced the impression that he is happiest as a female impersonator. Nor does he seem particularly concerned about which female he impersonates, as long as the costume gives him a chance to show off his legs.

The Two Ronnies (BBC1) tried hard. Apart from the regular Piggy Malone number - which never works, but gives the boys a chance to grope a scantily clad damsel - the show was reasonably diverting, and for a wonder it was not until the last item that the stars appeared in female attire.

Penelope Keith was the guest. Eddie Braben's script invited her to mistake Ernie for Kermit the Frog. Angie Rippon danced through. Every component of the show was triple-tested. The sense of adventure was consequently lacking. Eric was twice as funny busking with Dickie Davies on ITV's World of Sport on Christmas Eve.