Pheonix Nights Series One
I never liked it to start off with. Tucked away on Channel Four, so late it was almost interfering with Breakfast TV, I reached the conclusion, wrongly, that this would be another disastrous Comedy Lab series, free from direction and, strangely comed
I never liked it to start off with. Tucked away on Channel Four, so late it was almost interfering with Breakfast TV, I reached the conclusion, wrongly, that this would be another disastrous Comedy Lab series, free from direction and, strangely comedy. But as time has gone on I've mellowed and to be honest this is one of the best series I have ever seen come out of Britain. Well written, fantastically funny and affectionate, this series is about Brian Potter and his Pheonix Club, a rubbish Northern club of the variety, er, variety.
Developed from a faction (documentary satire genre) the Pheonix Nights has become a classic of modern comedy, and if you like laughing without visiting a dentist, then this is the disk for you. Phil Kay himself is Brian Potter, battling enormous odds and a staff of misfits to rule supreme in his area as The Best Club. There are hilarious moments with the Fire Inspector Keith Lard, the auditionees at the end of each episode, a western night, a waterbed and alternative comedy. Every second of this series is crafted; there's no audience track to spoil anything. It is simply a journey through a series of disasters and situations.
What makes this special though, and really good value, is the extras. There are comprehensive out takes from each episode, a documentary commentary, deleted scenes, One man and his horse And the Armchair Super Store (A.S.S.). Again, all these are hilarious.
I cannot recommend this series enough. There is nothing really offensive in here, and those who would find it offensive perhaps have not spent enough time outside the house. There's swearing, though it's not that often, no sex or violence (if you discount the bouncer bashing dwarves) but there is some cursory line dancing.
I would rate this overall as a bargain. As a comedy item in it's own right it's excellent. As a comedy series in the history of British TV, there's not many better. Brilliant.
This page has been read:
3239
times