British Comedy Guide

Dud on arrival

The Vicar Of Dibley. Image shows from L to R: David Horton (Gary Waldhorn), Geraldine Grainger (Dawn French). Copyright: Tiger Aspect Productions

Virtually all sitcoms have the odd dud episode. It is in the nature of the beast - you will suffer the occasional misfire.

Ironically, it's often the episodes that you spend the most time on which never quite work.

Perhaps this is the product of constant re-writing. Perhaps it's the psychological consequence of spending so much time on one script.

Eventually, the whole thing gets very eggy and confused.

Often, when a script really isn't working, it can be easier to start again than continue ploughing on with it, trying to force it into shape.

Indeed, one of the most...

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