PBS Tonight Vicious

[Gothampc]

I do understand where Roscoe's dislike comes from. I think Derek Jacobi walking around with a limp wrist is too over the top. At least they didn't make Jacobi a hairdresser.

I think if they found the tone of more like a Noel Coward play it would be better.

[Gothampc]

Please write your Congressperson today and ask them to ban the making of an American version of this. What we don't need are David Hyde Pierce and Nathan Lane doing the American counterparts. As of late, American remakes of UK shows don't fare so well.

For every Shameless, we have Kathryn Hahn and Kristen Johnston trying to do Ab Fab.

[HorseTears]

I’m not sure I’d be quite as… vicious as Roscoe. McKellen certainly does have a way with a withering, pithy line. But, I am a touch surprised at how well this show is being received on here. Were this show starring two relatively unknown actors, I doubt it would have made it past its first season. I take no issue with campy, bitchy gay humor nor with over-the-top stereotypical representations in broad comedies – your La Cage, Birdcage, Beverly Leslie on Will & Grace, Mickey on The Comeback or Mr. Humphries on Are you Being Served are all marvelous creations. But as broad as those portrayals were, and as many one-liners as some of them had, they were always grounded in character. On Vicious I just feel like I’m watching McKellen and Jacobie deliver an endless stream of one-liners, not have conversations with each other. At the end of the day, these are supporting/recurring characters who have somehow been made lead roles. The show’s a single course meal of nothing but whipped cream. My mother's going to love it.

[fflagg]

Loved every minute of it! Would rather watch this than the overrated "Orange Is the New Black" or "Looking".

if you are a fan of Ms. De La Tour, check her out in the Brit miniseries "Flickers" from the 1970s with the late Bob Hoskins.

[brdway411]

loved it. Funny

[FindingNamo]

I do not get the antipathy. I watched episode 1 again for the first time in a year and laughed just as hard. I mean, the open curtain scene. You'd think we'd ever seen a sitcom with two old queens before. But we haven't. The apology at the end was hilarious.

It's so funny, I had ALL THESE PROBLEMS with the horrible characters who had no reason to be friends on the odious Will & Grace and some people in this thread told me back then to relax because, dude, it's only a sitcom. The difference in this one is everything makes logical sense in the world of *this* sitcom.

[henrikegerman]

I loved it. If you are going to make a sitcom about two bitchy flamboyantly stereotypical gay men - and why not!? There are sitcoms about all sorts of people - then you have to make it funny. And they did just that. It's hilarious.

[FindingNamo]

And you get two great out of the closet old actors. Like, how often has THAT happened?

[Reginald Tresilian]

I hated everything about this--until I watched it.

I completely understand every objection to it, and yet . . . I enjoyed the first two episodes immensely. I can't defend it, and again, I completely understand why someone might not like it. I think the Brits have a way of making hoary jokes and ostensibly unlikeable characters seem fresh and funny. Or, at least, good company for half an hour.

[EricMontreal22]

"The show’s a single course meal of nothing but whipped cream. My mother's going to love it. "


Absolutely. It's one note, and old-hat. Of course the fact that two, somewhat recently out-of-the-closet actors star in it plays a big role in how it's perceived--but why not? I still find it surprising that it's written by an American (not that I have anything against Americans...)

[HorseTears]

It's funny that you mention my comment, Eric. Mother HorseTears texted me this morning:

MHT: Have you seen Vicious? V funny show!
HT: The Ian McKellen sitcom? Yeah. Not my thing.
MHT: But they're gay

[EricMontreal22]

LOL! You must love it then! I want to take your mother out for drinks.

[Addison D.]

"MHT: But they're gay"

Oh God--it's so funny and endearing and understandable when it's someone ELSE's family...

[Mister Matt]

I enjoyed the first few episodes, but by the end of the first season, it really started getting monotonous for me. Some really nice moments, but it started feeling a bit tedious.

[Gothampc]

I've watched the entire first season and I think that Frances de la Tour and Marcia Warren are the best parts of the show. Unfortunately in sitcoms supporting players can just show up, rip off a few lines and look good. The characters of Jacobi and McKellen tend to be very predictable. I think in Season 1 the bar episode is about the best because it gets them out of the house.

Unfortunately the writers are taking the "Keeping Up Appearances" model and using a formula script. Scene opens with Jacobi talking to mother, McKellen comes down the staircase and makes a withering comment. One or both poke the dog with a stick. De la Tour enters and makes the customary "man hungry" joke. The young guy looks lost and makes a few "fish out of water" comments. Laugh, laugh, laugh, end of show.

[Mr Roxy]

Gave up after episode 1

Premise was good but execution was not there.

[EricMontreal22]

I do agree that by the end of series one it got tired--they'll have to find a way to shake things up for series two.

[Someone in a Tree2]

"Gave up after episode 1. Premise was good but execution was not there."

Same with me, except for the part about the premise being good.

[Addison D.]

I'm not watching 'Vicious', but the Amazon recommendation algorithm suggested I watch 'Last Tango in Halifax'--Derek Jacobi and the wonderful Anne Reid as a widow and widower reunited 50 years after having known (and secretly loved) one another as kids.

Like a much, MUCH better-written version of 'As Time Goes By', it's a wonderfully-balanced blend of drama and comedy. Both the central characters and many of the supporting roles are pitch-perfect, and the writing and camera-work are top-notch.

As an antidote to snark and bitchiness, I can'r recommend it highly enough.

[Reginald Tresilian]

I watched the first episode earlier today. It's good; she's exceptional.

[Addison D.]

Isn't she? What a pro--she packs so much into the slightest gesture.

I love watching her...

[Reginald Tresilian]

Oh yes. It's what I think of as the "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Less Of" school of acting.