So Gavin and Stacey won a BAFTA or two. I've never seen it. When everyone starts banging on about how funny a comedy is, I immediately go off the idea.
I have a bit of a problem with comedy. I worry that it's going to let me down, so I don't watch it. On the rare occasions I do watch a new comedy from the start, I don't always stick with it. A lot of comedy is aimed squarely at students/the after pub crowd, and that's not me at all.
Some things can surprise you though: The Office, Not Going Out, The Mighty Boosh to name but three. I caught these and stuck with them, as I actually liked them. This works better for me. Then, if you like it, you can go back and watch it through boxed sets or repeats. Sometimes things are better than you'd hope.
I've never seen an episode of Peep Show, Father Ted, My Family, Pulling or Coupling though.
I don't have the same problem with American comedy. Like with their dramas, we only see the best here - no Yes Dear or According To Jim to cloud our judgment. Chances are, it's going to funny. Predictably, Seinfeld is my favourite comedy of all time. Followed by Ellen.
Perhaps because in recent years there has been some truly dire British comedies (The Thin Blue Line, High Stakes, Honey For Tea, etc x 1000), expectations became low and the knives were out for anything new. Thankfully there seems to have been a bit of a renaissance and comedy is back.
So Gavin and Stacey is a big hit and perhaps if I watched it I'd like it. But I can't bring myself to do this. But perhaps that's it for the show now, as James Corden (suddenly a sex symbol, but seems a bit of an arse) and Ruth Jones have hinted there will be no more. Leave them wanting is all everyone seems to do now with a hit comedy. Are thy terrified of the backlash or worried about running out of steam, or do they want to do a Fawlty Towers and pass into legend.
I don't know. If it comes around again in repeat form, which is highly likely I might give it a go. I just hope it lives up to the hype.
