Talking Bottom

Great to finally hear some human beings who want to talk Bottom. Paul Angela and Mat are all huge fans of the show and very interesting to hear their take on every episode, they are even revuing the live show’s, so sit back and enjoy the insight about Bottom.highly reccomened

…although I do get quite frustrated at a specific aspect. Part of this pod is three friends sharing experiences of one of the greatest comedies ever made…but another part is a critique and exploration of certain aspects of the characters and situations. This latter part can sometimes be spot on and there has been a lot of good research done, but at other times seemingly come up a bit short. A Google search would answer most of the unanswered questions. Also, if there is a critique, there’s not much thought spent on the ‘why’ before just moving on. If you’re not going to discuss points raised, don’t raise them because as a listener, I’m just sat there wanting to explain the answer. A basic example is Apocalypse when it’s questioned incredulously why the heart surgeon looks in Richie’s eyes to diagnose him. Well, because this is reasonable if someone is in A&E ranting and causing a scene and saying they’re dying (but clearly not). He’d be checking for blood pressure and jaundice and providing assurance but to ultimately provide assurance and be then patient to leave (and he does…’here, have a quid!’.). But the main point is that despite at times it being completely understood that there are absurdist and surrealist elements to the script from the hosts, a minute later (generally Matt) asking ‘why?’ To certain script decisions? The answer is generally just because…because it’s the manner in which they express themselves through language in a script completely in line with all their other decisions. The aspects which appear disconnected or lacking continuity, actually seem (to me) totally in line with the entire spirit of organised chaos and disparity of the characters’ lives. Also, I dont think Rik and Ade felt poring over the minutiae of the script was as necessary as making the gags work. They loved sensationalism and slapstick as much as theatre. Also, it is interesting to hear the principles of a current zeitgeist being transposed on the past, e.g. host worrying that ‘Girly World’ might be a suggestion Richie is bordering on paedophilic. Rick and Ade frequently use the word Girly in all their comedies in a variety of situations and is used as either an insult (to a man) or a term of objectification. I‘ll be honest, I will happily hoover up anything Bottom related after all these years in a Bottom wilderness and this is a pretty good effort really.

Sue Carpenter!!

Great podcast, a real nostalgia trip!