Next Monday (8th July) Count Arthur Strong!!!!

[NicholasTeakozy]

Transferring from Radio4. I cannot wait. :o

[Davros]

Me too. I hope I remember. I know there are a lot if CAS haters on Mumsnet but I LOVE him. Been to see him 3 or 4 times, brilliant! I wonder if Malcolm, Geoffrey, Sally etc will be in it?

[MaryAnnSingleton]

I like him too

[pum]

I went to see one of the programmes recorded in Jan. It was brilliant. Some of the old characters have gone, but there are great new ones. For me, he is uniquely funny. Breath of fresh air.

[MaryAnnSingleton]

he is just so irritable and awful- fab !

[NicholasTeakozy]

I don't get to hear it that often, but if I'm in the car and it comes on I'll happily sit there till the end of the show. There isn't anybody around quite like him, he's a fabulous character.

[Davros]

So, what did everyone think of the TV show?

[TheMoonOnAStick]

Excellent I think he's just wonderful and always have.

I have a special fondeness for the radio version though. Probably because it doesn't need to be so literally funny and can be slightly more subtle. But I love radio anyway for that reason.

Best though was I watched it on iPlayer catch up last night. Ds happened to be in the room and was in stitches. A new Count Arthur fan then; I was delighted. Not many people I know seem to understand...

[pum]

I absolutely loved it. I agree some of the jokes were slightly laboured on TV - I didn't like the aquarium breaking bit, or the prolonged nose blowing - BUT there were real jems in there. The signs on the front door - brilliant. I laughed at the false leg .. 'don't put her down!", and also when Katya asked Michael to rub her foot. His face when he saw her long painted toe nails!

I adore Count Arthur. I've listened to so many of the radio series over the years, and seen a couple of live shows, I almost feel I know him (if that doesn't sound ridiculous). When people dismiss the character, I feel they haven't bothered to listen properly and get to know him. He's a gentle soul really, and this came through in Episode 1.

I am looking forward to seeing how his relationship develops with Michael.

I liked Bulent, and John, but wasn't sure about Eggy ...

I watched again with my children last night which was great. Not many comedy shows are suitable, so that was a treat.

Can't wait for Episode 2.

[TheMoonOnAStick]

We also liked the banging the pan lid in the toilet.

I just want need him to say the classic 'Mind yer 'ead.....on that light fitting'.

I suspect the relationships withiin the show need time to mature and develop before the true comedy can begin. Thank god at last for some decent comedy on tv though.

[NicholasTeakozy]

I loved it. Especially the scene in the cafe. And banging the pan lid. And the false leg. I think a major part of CAS is how he delivers the lines, not in the content per se. It's something I think he shares with Stewart Lee; reading his scripts for his stage shows is a chore, but watching and listening to them is a different matter.

Arthur looks just the way I imagined him to! :o Roll on the next episode.

[TheMoonOnAStick]

Aah Stewart Lee - another favourite. I used to love Lee and Herring (hence the name)

[Davros]

DD loves CAS, she's 10 now, and I have converted a few of her friends, I trap them in the car and put it on. One in particular, who I give CDs to, has parents who HATE it. They are American and I think they think he's real! They like David Sedaris though.
I was ready for "mind your head [clunk] on that light fitting". The two teas has been done on the radio but its good.
I've got a plastic sausage from Wilf Taylor's Quality Meats that is signed by CAS, I got it at a live show. I see from his website that, as well as the usual t-shirts and mugs they are selling CAS masks and badges!

[NicholasTeakozy]

I've just read there's a second series been commissioned. :o

[NicholasTeakozy]

Just watched episode 2 and I cannot remember the last time I laughed so much and so hard at any tv show. All hail Steve Delaney and Graham Linehan.

[Davros]

Just watched episide 2 on iplayer. It was really good, loved the last scene in the cafe! Definitely better than episode 1 but that's often the way with new sitcoms.

[pum]

What did everyone think of Episode 3 on Monday? Possible 'spoiler' coming up so look away now if concerned ....

When I saw this one filmed in January, they played us a pre-recorded piece at the beginning where Arthur comes into the cafe and tries to pay Bulent with 50p he's found and subsequently cut out of the road surface (still with several millimetres of Tarmac attached). It was a funny scene. I won't elaborate too much as I hope it will be used in another episode, but they played it to us as if it would be part of Ep 3, so I was expecting it.

Lots to like on Monday. The ending with the book signing was priceless. Still not convinced Eggy adds anything. There's very little dialogue between him and Arthur. I'd rather Arthur make conversation with one of the builders in flourescent jackets.

Anyway, that's my two penneth. What did you all think?

[NicholasTeakozy]

Pocket breakfast. Offering advice to a fictional character. The jubilation at the end.

There were four or five proper belly laughs. It keeps getting better and better as the series goes on and the characters develop. This could be another classic.