So Called Comedy

[clara55]

As a fan of the old comedys such as porridge and are you being served i thought id give the 'tribute' programs a go, awful casting, even worse acting. i think they are an insult to the originals

[Mamyalynne]

Others agree...


http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Media-and-TV/Question1510306.html

[clara55]

Thanks Mamyalynne i missed that thread !!

[Mamyalynne]

No problem.

[hc4361]

The new Porridge was written by the original writers and I thought they did a good job

[mikey4444]

hc....yes, me too !

[hc4361]

I very much appreciated the little touches, mikey, such as Nigel struggling to get on to the top bunk, just like his granddad, and the two finger salute in the closing shots.

I liked some of the other characters, too. I really think it could hold a new series.

[Hopkirk]

I came across the Porridge one last night, and my hackles rose, but by the end I grudgingly admitted it was well done.

[jambutty]

I thought AYBS was well done too. I liked it.

[EcclesCake]

There was a lot more skilful subtlety in Porridge with many nods to the original, Mr McKay was particularly well recreated.

[hc4361]

The originals are well loved because they are familiar - we know the characters and what to expect in every episode.

I'm sure when the first episodes were aired not everyone fell in love with them - indeed Ronnie wasn't keen on Porridge and wanted to make another comedy series they piloted instead. That's why only 21 episodes were made, he refused to make any more. He did Going Straight as a spin off but it wasn't popular and was dropped after the first series.