I wrote a while back about the great Rich Hall documentary The Dirty South which was the best thing I’d seen on television in some time. I have a similar urge once more having watched the fourth episode of Steve Coogan‘s The Trip on BBC2. I thought the first show in the series was tremendous but it has got better and better as the weeks have gone on. Last nights Gentlemen We Sleep scene had be guffawing at some volume and can be seen here along with other clips from the show. It’s not surprising that this is such an accomplished piece of work due not only Coogan but Rob Brydon and Michael Winterbottom being on board. Its mixture of out and out laughs, nuance and pathos is spot on. It really is appointment television for me every week along with Mad Men and depending on the BBC4 listings, selected music documentaries. I was a big fan of Saxondale and hoped Coogan could maintain such high standards, he has and more with this one.
Image – BBC
This had the potential to be pretentious as fuck but it’s genius comedy.
Brilliant, top quality must see TV! Coogan and Brydon are a joy. Talented, amusing and jaw achingly funny. I loved Saxondale and thought it the one of the best (and largely unappreciated) comedies on TV for years. Coogan is a gem and oft I fear under valued. Gentlemen to bed.
Wonderful, funny, sad. with food and scenery, Coogan and Brydon both brilliant. Don’t want it to end!