Lead Balloon
- TV sitcom
- BBC Two / BBC Four
- 2006 - 2011
- 27 episodes (4 series)
Sitcom starring Jack Dee as Rick Spleen, a grumpy misanthropic stand-up comedian whose life is plagued by let downs and embarrassment. Also features Raquel Cassidy, Sean Power, Antonia Campbell-Hughes, Rasmus Hardiker, Tony Gardner and Anna Crilly
Streaming rank this week: 3,141
Episode menu
Series 3, Episode 6 - Mistake
Further details
Rick complains at being disturbed by Magda's cleaning activities and by Ben and Sam, who are making samosas to sell at a free festival.
When Marty takes a shine to Mel's assistant Izzy, it's turning into a disaster for Rick - until he overhears Mel talking about a lucrative presenting job that one of her clients is up for. He decides that the job should be his.
Broadcast details
- Date
- Thursday 18th December 2008
- Time
- 10pm
- Channel
- BBC Two
- Length
- 30 minutes
Cast & crew
| Jack Dee | Rick Spleen |
| Raquel Cassidy | Mel |
| Sean Power | Marty |
| Antonia Campbell-Hughes | Sam |
| Rasmus Hardiker | Ben |
| Tony Gardner | Michael |
| Anna Crilly | Magda |
| Eleanor Matsuura | Izzy |
| Jack Dee | Writer |
| Pete Sinclair | Writer |
Video
Jack Dee introduces 'Mistake'
Rick's neighbour Clive comes around for another moan... this time about the increased traffic coming to the Spleen's house. Jack Dee introduces the clip.
Featuring: Jack Dee (Rick Spleen) & John Biggins (Clive Gray).
Press
One of the many pleasures of Lead Balloon is the strength and diversity of the ensemble cast. Although the series revolves around the childish egotism of Rick (Jack Dee), everyone else - including the children - behave like grown-ups dealing with a fractious child. His wife reasons with Rick. His writing partner mocks him. Magda suffers him. His daughter and her boyfriend exploit or ignore him. Rick's behaviour, on its own, would be ridiculous and self-defeating. Surrounded by the eccentric sanity of a superb supporting cast, it is funny and vulnerable and endearing.
David Chater, The Times, 18th December 2008