theanthillmob.com - tv comedies


So here you have it, the TV comedies that have helped shape my outlook on life ....... not much hope for me then. I have attached an entire episode of each comedy to the images below. These are of course my favourite episodes, but in fairness these comedies contain so many hilarious moments, that choosing just one episode was actually quite difficult. As for my favourite comedy ....... I think the background gives it away! Enjoy!!

	*Red Dwarf* a space sitcom, observes the goings on aboard Red Dwarf, a damaged mining spaceship. David Lister is the only survivor after a explosion on-board and he must spend the rest of his life traveling with a hologram of his least favourite crew mate, Arnold Rimmer (a failed 'officer' who likes to enforce pointless rules). The only other animated objects he has for company are a hyper-evolved vain cat, Kryten (an android with no feelings) and the ship's sarcastic computer.

Series 6 - Episode 4 - Gunmen Of The Apocalypse When a simulant ship puts a virus in Red Dwarf's computers, Kryten decides to contract the virus himself to find a cure. As the rest of the crew watch his dreams, his mind seems to have been turned the virus into some sort of Western film. Kryten is the sheriff in a town, but is told to leave by his enemies. Lister, Cat and Rimmer decide to use the Artificial Reality machine to go into Kryten's dreams and help him. Of course, they do have to remind him of why he's there when they get there! Quote: When Kryten appears to be losing the battle against the virus, the crew wonder what they can do to help. Cat - "Isn't there some way we can get in there and help him? Somehow turn ourselves into tiny electronic people and get into his dream? Isn't there some sort of gizmo lying around someplace that can do that? And if not (punches hand) why not?!" Rimmer - "Look, I think we've all got something we can bring to this discussion. But I think from now on the thing you should bring is silence."


	Black Adder has four series which focus on different eras in the Blackadder family dynasty. In the first series it's Edmund Blackadder we follow, a thoroughly mean, rude, cunning, scheming, slimey prince who has no morals. He is accompanied by a filthy servant called Baldrick and Percy, a dim-witted friend. The latter series see decedents of the same characters in the Elizabethan, Regency and the World War One eras of British History.

Series 4 - Episode 4 - Private Plane Inspired by the cushy life that Lord Flashheart seems to enjoy, the boys join the Royal Flying Corps. Unfortunately, it turns out that their nickname - the Twenty Minuters - derives from the amount of time they can expect to live, rather than the amount of work they have to do in a day. Blackadder and Baldrick are shot down over enemy territory and are taken captive by the dreaded Red Baron. Things look more cheerful when the Baron reveals that his idea of punishing his enemies is to exile them to a German convent school where they will teach the young girls home economics. Blackadder is looking forward to his punishment, but unfortunately George and Flashheart rescue him in the nick of time. Quote: When Flashheart smashes his way into prison in an attempt to free Blackadder and Baldrick. *Flashheart* - 'If word gets out that I'm missing, 500 girls will kill themselves and I wouldn't want them on my conscience - not when they ought to be on my face!"


	*The Office* filmed in the style of a 'fly-on-the-wall documentary' records the working day of manager David Brent and his staff. Brent is the manager from hell, he is tactless, talentless, egotistical, prejudiced, cowardly and conniving yet somehow thinks everyone loves him. At the end of series two he is turfed out of his job and becomes a travelling salesman; he returns to the paper merchants for the Christmas party however.

Series 1 - Episode 5 - New Girl David interviews for a new secretary and choses blonde Karen. His efforts to impress end spectacularly badly when he accidentally headbutts her. Meanwhile Donna’s late arrival at work inevitably sparks the rumour that she is sleeping with a colleague. A drooling Gareth fails to find out more when giving Donna Health and Safety training. However he does succeed in scaling new heights of patronisation by teaching her how to correctly position a mug on a PC and lift a box. Meanwhile Tim has handed in his notice and is considering studying Pyschology at university. At Chasers David pulls until he charmingly informs his squeeze that she has onion breath. Gareth, also having a run of luck in attracting a member of the opposite sex, gets more than he bargains for when her husband wants to join in. And Donna finally reveals her new boyfriend is. *Quote:* Rowan, David, Gareth and Tim discussing ultimate fantasies. Rowan - "Gareth, quick trust exercise, ultimate fantasy?" *Gareth* - "Hmm?" David - "We’re just doing the ultimate fantasy, we’re all doing it" *Gareth* - "Two lesbians probably, sisters. I’m just watching" *Rowan* - "OK. Erm. Tim? Do you have one?" Tim - "I’d never thought I’d say this, but can I hear more from Gareth please?"


	*Bottom* follows the exploits of Richie Richard and Eddie Hitler a pair of misfits barely surviving unemployment in a Hammersmith hovel. With glorious comic gusto they spend their life in frustration, minus female company or money, in facile schemes to entertain or better themselves, their best intentions always proving the catalyst for hilariously OTT cartoon-style violence. The humour benefits from being rude, crude and surreal, and though happily bereft of subtlety or sense the situations and set-pieces are always superbly constructed, delivered and directed.

*Series 2 - Episode 1 - Digger* Richie and Eddie try out a dating agency only to find out Eddie's perfect partner in Sarah Ferguson. Richie pretends to be aristocracy and is paired with a Moldavian gold digger. Eddie dresses up as a butler, and has to use his head to mash the potatoes. Meanwhile Richie sells a kidney to raise cash to buy caviar and worries about whether he's got time to grow a beard. *Quote:* Eddie is serving dinner to Richie's date. Eddie - "Pork?" Richie - "Eddie! How dare you. She is my fiancé" Eddie - "I was only asking her if she wanted a portion"


....... and if this isn't enough for you then I suggest you visit the comedy section on the BBC's website. Here you will find pages dedicated to The Office, Black Adder and Red Dwarf ....... and many more besides.