Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
hilarious, 6 Jan 2006
Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong really have created (along with David Mitchell and Robert Webb) a work of comic genius. It's no coincidence that the unique asset of hearing the protagonists’ thoughts is the funniest thing about the show, along with two caricatures as the leading roles.
Jeremy certainly makes progress with his character, and his relationship with the unorthodox and confused Christian Nancy ( played brilliantly by the stunning Rachel Blanchard) is fantastic, and their constant intent on breaking taboos is not only amusing in itself, but also the reaction it ignites from Mark who is a complete conformist! There is also the realisation that he is simply not talented at music, and his idiotic friend Super Hans rejects him many times.
Mark affably spies on Sophie, and woos a self-conscious and shy student (a female Mark basically), and the last thought of the episode where he unsuccessfully tries to "make the move" is so well-delivered it's simply genius. Mark seems a lot more likeable due to his friendship with the fascist (that makes him look better), and his eventual defeat of the unpleasant Jeff.
But, crucially, both are still unsuccessful in all that they strive for, and Peep Show is well known for being a "loser comedy" with awkward situations, ridiculous statements, and unworkable relationships. It can be compared to the office in this light, but what better an influence?
The extras are a lot better than the last DVD: three commentaries, along with behind the scenes films that give an insight into how difficult it can be to film the programme.
The hard work has paid off though, and in a world of unfortunate catchphrases (Catherine Tate, Little Britain), it is fantastic to have this comedy to inspire and delight, and in Armstrong, Bain, Webb, and Mitchell, the world of comedy is safe for now.
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Witty, brilliantly-scripted, great characters...kicks arse!, 26 Mar 2006
By A Customer
I have only seen the first four episodes of this series on DVD (I saw them in one sitting last night in fact), and I have seen series 3 but not the first series; however, I can say without fear of overreaching that this is the best thing since sliced bread - even if you take into account different types e.g. wholemeal, crusty, baguettes etc.The novel feature about this comedy is that we have access to the thoughts of the two leading protagonists and such thoughts tend to be in conflict with what they actually verbalise. Aside from this novel feature,
the comedy works because it very well scripted. It's actually a very clever idea: two late 20s/early 30 yr olds living together, diametrically opposed personalities - so that most in this age bracket can relate to at least one or the other - and ostensibly different characters except that their Machiavellian motivations and thoughts are revealed to us and we appreciate that the core of their being is essentially that of any human - self-serving and cynical.
Yes, this comedy series brings unbridled cynicism of the human condition to the fore and delivers witticisms in a manner unseen on these isles since the good old fashioned Shakespearean 'aside'. I think this series is arguably better than the third. The discovery that Mark's new friend is a Nazi; Jez and Mark's desperate attempts to impress their new prospective girlfriends by sharing a hippy-love spin-the-bottle induced snog; Mark's stalking of a Dartmouth Uni student bird and subsequent failure to pull her. All the characters are strong and very well performed and not just the two central characters. Sophie is a very believeable and well acted part, for example, Super Hans is a fine creation, too. Ultimately, it's comforting to know that great British comedy does exist, after years in the doldrums. I was always a big fan of 'niche' comedy shows like "The Mary Whitehouse Experience" and "A Bit of Fry and Laurie" from the more 'surrealist' comedy era, and also the more well known "Blackadder". A new era of comedic 'realism' has swept the nation, from "The Day Today" and Alan Partridge, to "The Office" and now "Peep Show". I suspect that "Peep Show" will fail to get the recognition it deserves but as a testament to its cult support it has had three series released at least. May there be many more.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Five stars aren't enough, 11 Jan 2006
I agree with one of the other reviewers - five stars aren't enough for this brilliant comedy. I missed the first two series when they were shown (like most people, I suspect) and catching up with them on DVD has given me six hours of unadulterated pleasure. The characters make you cringe with embarrassment in a way that recalls the best moments of 'The Office' and some of the one-liners made me laugh more than anything I've seen for a long time. This series is definitely on a par with 'Father Ted' and 'The Office' and stands head and shoulders above programmes like 'Little Britain'.
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