PBS Tonight Vicious

[Mr Roxy]

On PBS tonight @ 10:30 is a new British series called Vicious

It is a comedy about 2 aging gay men who have lived together for many years who are getting on each other's nerves

Stars Ian Mc Cellan and Derek Jacobi

[FindingNamo]

There was a thread about this when it premiered a year ago and was available online. I was one of the very few who enjoyed the first episode. IIRC, actual gay Brits hated it.

[DAME]

The reviews at the time were brutal.

[FindingNamo]

And I laughed all through the pilot.

[DAME]

I am planning on watching it tonight.

[Hulmeman]

In a recent interview, Sir Ian said he would "play down" for the new series which is currently being planned. The supporting cast make this worth watching though.

[EricMontreal22]

A lot of it feels like Staircase, played as a comedy. Frances de la Tour is the standout, IMHO--but it's nice to see Iwan Rheon play such a nice and cute straight guy after Game of Thrones. I think it's a fun show--but definitely old school in regards to both how it handles sexuality and the whole sitcom format.

[FindingNamo]

Yeah, I think the land that gave us wobbly faux-documentary self-aware sitcoms just COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY ANYONE would do a 3-camera studio audience show in this century.

[Jay Lerner-Z]

I like it well enough too, though I'm a little surprised it's gotten a second season. Look out for a fun Judi Dench cameo in episode six, if you get that far.

[Mr Roxy]

Like The Leftovers, gave up early on. Painfully unfunny.

[FindingNamo]

^^^ These truncated viewings of single episodes will have no impact on Roxy speaking of the entire series.

Of course he was uncomfortable watching old gay guys.

[Jane2]

From the first two well written lines I knew I'd love this show. Hysterical!

[EricMontreal22]

I found it surprising that it's written by an American (who apparently was on his boyfriend's reality show?) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Janetti

[FindingNamo]

...an American … who apparently was on his boyfriend's reality show…

I'm afraid you're going to have to be more specific than that...

[Jay Lerner-Z]

It's a Brad, Brad World is an American reality documentary television series on Bravo. The series follows Brad Goreski as he breaks away from his career as the assistant of Rachel Zoe and establishes his solo career. Goreski is shown working with celebrity clients along with attempting to share his talents to other designers.

Cast
Brad Goreski:
Gary Janetti: Goreski's long-term boyfriend
Lindsay Myers: Goreski's assistant and close friend

(from Wikipedia)

[FindingNamo]

How great it must be to be the assistant of somebody's assistant.

[songanddanceman2]

It was hated here in the UK, I was shocked it got a second season. I adore the cast but this is a terrible show.

[HorseTears]

Watched the pilot on PBS.com. Were these older American actors, this show would be airing on TVLand.

It is occasionally funny, but it's about as subtle as a tractor trailer. McKellen and Jacobi don't seem to realize they're on a tv set - they're playing to the last row.

[Jane2]

I laughed out loud all throughout.

[EricMontreal22]

"It is occasionally funny, but it's about as subtle as a tractor trailer. McKellen and Jacobi don't seem to realize they're on a tv set - they're playing to the last row. "

I actually find that part of its appeal. But you are spot on about TVLand...

[Roscoe]

Home sick from work, watched the first episode because Derek Jacobi.

Plain and simple -- the show is filth. Not even trash, not even just bad. Filth. I've never been so embarrassed for a cast of actors in my life, until I realized that they must have read that excremental script and signed on knowing what they were in for. Only Frances de la Tour emerged with a shred of dignity, and only barely a shred.

Vile garbage, amateurish and appalling in damn near every second. Shame on them all, especially PBS for importing it.

[Gothampc]

Some funny lines. If they can keep it fresh, it could have a life. But bitchy can remain funny for only so long.

I understand what you mean by playing to the last row, but is it any different than what Jennifer and Joanna do on Ab Fab?

Poor Frances de la Tour, always playing the frustrated woman who can't get the man, either because they are too young or gay. But her bit about Zac Efron was hilarious.

Cheers to Marcia Warren who I love in The Cafe.

[EricMontreal22]

Roscoe--I don't quite get the extreme hate. It is very old school gay-bitchy humour, but.. I will say that from watching season one completely, it gets old pretty quickly, but there are always a number of guest cameos and jokes to make it work (at least for me.)

Gotham, completely agreed about Frances--was does she always get cast in these roles? She should be leading a sitcom--but I loved her bit about Zac Ephron.

[Roscoe]

Eric, I have to say I don't get the generosity folks are extending to this piece of excrement. I'm fine with old school gay bitchy humor, but such badly written old-school bitchy humor, good God. If that script made it into second draft I will personally blow Dick Cheney.

[Gothampc]

"Gotham, completely agreed about Frances--was does she always get cast in these roles?"

She's the UK's version of Nancy Kulp. Stuck in a stereotype and think she finally just settles back and collects a paycheck for it. I wonder how she would do in a revival of The Killing of Sister George. I wonder if that show could even play today or is it too dated?

[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.