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Amazon.co.uk Review
Whoever argued that the sitcom is dead hadn’t been talking to Jack Dee. Starring Dee as stand-up comedian Rick Spleen, Lead Balloon is one of the funniest shows of its ilk to come along in some time, and this second series finds it on top form.
Series two of Lead Balloon finds Spleen continuing to delude himself into thinking his popularity is soaring, when in fact his star is still ticking along much lower down the fame ladder, and showing little sign of improving. Faced with his own paranoia, a collection of friends whose use varies, and the antics of his family, Spleen’s life is rarely dull. Plus the moment where he meets the children’s entertainer is surely one of the funniest things seen on television in recent times.
Clearly crafted around the characteristics of its star performer, Lead Balloon is a strong lesson in how to put a good situation comedy together. The writing is excellent, buffed and polished to a very high standard. And then the case of performers really do make the most of what they’re given. The result is a superb collection of eight episodes, that leave you genuinely thirsting for the third series of the show. Has Jack Dee, then, single-handedly dragged the sitcom back to life? Maybe, maybe not. But he has made an excellent one himself… --Jon Foster
DVD Description
Jack Dee returns as world-weary stand-up Rick Spleen in all 8 episodes from the second series of this critically acclaimed comedy. Rick Spleen is back - and as he will tell you, he's on the way up, his career is going from strength to strength and he's never been so popular. In other words, he's still the same old self-deluded liar, making a reasonable living as a C-list celebrity, appearing on low-rent chat shows, performing stand-up at second-rate business bashes and generally hoping for the big break. Luckily, when he's not handing out awards at the Furniture Manufacturers' Conference or being featured as the face of Bar Lizard Peanuts, there's plenty to preoccupy Rick - from the points on his driving licence to the shadowy hitman he is convinced is on his tail. On the domestic front, Rick struggles to cope with a bedridden Mel, their daughter Sam and her boyfriend Ben constantly cadging money, and a resignation from the ever morose housekeeper Magda. He gets no help from his quick-talking American writing partner Marty or the local café owner Michael, whose grasp on reality seems to be getting ever looser. All this and a run-in with a children's entertainer famous for his giant inflatable spanner... "Clever, classy and expertly crafted"--Daily Mail "One of the funniest homegrown sitcoms of recent years"--Daily Express "Beautifully timed, morose comedy"--Sunday Times "A just about flawless half hour of delightfully miserablist comedy"--Daily Telegraph
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Lead Balloon in name only,
By quercus_rubur (UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Lead Balloon - Series 2 [DVD] (DVD)
I love this show. It's funny, smart, cleverly written and contrary to the title doesn't go down like a lead balloon. Jack Dee is supported by a cast who compliment his almost humourless character. So humourless it's funnier than most of those comedy shows who deliberately go for the laughs. Many series fall short of the first wave, but this one doesn't. Can't wait for series 3!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Real Class,
By
This review is from: Lead Balloon - Series 2 [DVD] (DVD)
I love this show and series 2 was of a really high standard, combining some really awkward situations (e.g. the Dinner Party in 'Hero') with great understated performances (particularly Ben and Sam) and wonderful caricatures (neighbour Clive and cafe owner Michael). Marty and Mel provide the perfect foils to Rick Spleen's neurotic view of life; bringing out and highlighting the worst in him. And then of course there is Magda, one of the best comedy creations in recent times. Every episode gels brilliantly with each scene linked together by the catchy feelgood jazz tune and then of course the excellent Mr Weller comes on as the titles roll.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Upliftingly funny,
By
This review is from: Lead Balloon - Series 2 [DVD] (DVD)
Taking off from a superb series one, series two really gets into the stride of Dee's acerbic sarcastic humour. There are eight episodes in this season and are all cringingly funny, especially the dinner party misunderstanding which Rick has to extricate himself from. The other characters are also given more scope and blossom as a result and Rick's partner Mel acts as an excellent foil to his more bizarre lies and schemes. Overall I'd recommend this series to anyone who appreciates laid back dry wit and don't be put off by the continual comparison to 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' - a series which is totally different in my opinion.
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