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The off-beat comedy that is always on the pulse is back. Peep Show, incredibly in its seventh series, is now Channel 4’s longest running sitcom and a mainstay in the structure of modern British comedy. The question is, has Peep Show managed to retain its high standard of quirky observational comedy seven series in?
The answer is that Peep Show is the one of the most revered comedy programmes in Channel 4’s history for good reason and the vital signs for this monument of modern comedy are as strong as ever. The beauty of Peep Show is that, although obvious exaggerations are injected, it has always felt organic and obviously has a healthy supply of original, but real, comedy. The script benefits exponentially from the free role that writers Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong give to both David Mitchell and Robert Webb in parts that have really become their own over the programme’s history. These two hugely talented comedians have, in my mind taken, on the illustrious mantel of British comedy stalwarts Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie and are carrying it strongly into the exciting unknown of the comedy future. Although both Mitchell and Webb have possibly suffered a little from being typecast this is more a testament to the glove-like fit of these characters than a deficiency in either’s potential.
Although Mitchell and Webb are increasingly pursuing different comedy avenues, the Peep Show faithful should not be alarmed as the duo are back on sparkling form, and largely unchanged in terms of character. Mark is still socially awkward, desperate to conform against the will of his inner self, while Jeremy remains the shameless lude-mongerer whose twisted logic always results in hilarity when he selfishly grabs for what is not rightfully his. Peep Show could be accused of a little stagnancy - though plot has moved on characters have on the whole remained static. Personally, I have no problem with this and I doubt that fellow fans of this cult hit will either. If it ain’t broke, right? The inner monologues and Super Hans’s beautifully unusual and often drug-fuelled insights are still among the highlights and these elements are still working well in the new series.
On the negative side, Dobbie’s back! I do hate her, but possibly more serious is the issue with overall plotline of the programme, which has over the years become inevitably a little convoluted. Sophie’s transition from Mark’s idol of affection to his child bearer being a prime example of this, an unfortunate effect of a show with deserved longevity.
However, having said that, I am very happy to say that Peep Show is back...and it’s good. I personally continue to thoroughly enjoy Peep Show and it remains hilarious, with gems that produced genuine guffaws occurring throughout the first two episodes of the new series.
The seventh series of Peep Show continues next Friday at 10pm on BBC1.
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