09:00 Soap
09:30 Taxi
Soap. "Episode 33" Once again the best thing about this wonderful show is it's ability to be both heartfelt and funny within the same episode. Jodie goes round to collect his stuff from Denis' place. He's moving out because he's going to try and give things a go with Carol. There are some funny lines, yes, but it's mostly a sad scene. Jodie admits that he still loves Denis before he leaves. You seldom see such good storytelling where the characters are gay men.
Comedy-wise the episode delivers some inspired physical humour in it's final scene when Burt (drunk and heartbroken because he thinks Mary is cheating on him) calls round to Sally's place. Richard Mulligan (my favourite cast member) is such a talented man, and seeing him playing Burt drunk is a real treat. Best bit? Burt, having accidentally walked upon to Sally's coffee table tries to step down again. It takes him about 30 or 40 seconds and it's wonderfully funny.
Taxi. Episode 35. "Latka's Revolting" For once Latka is the main character in the story. He's a wonderful supporting character but, unlike Reverend Jim (who is also wacky but who can support an episode), he's not always a great lead. Fact is: Latka is genuinely weird and it's not easy to empathise with him. This episode has some funny moments, but it's not one of the best for that reason. Latka is about to head back to his home country to fight is a revolution there. On Taxi, when any of the characters have to do something tough you generally feel for them. Not the case here. And while Latka is funny, he's not funny enough to be in every scene. Best bit? Latka speaks with Elaine. "I know what you are going to say, Elaine. You're going to say: Latka, tomorrow you leave for the war and you may not make it back alive. So tonight, so that you will remember me, I will give you my body to use as you will." "No, Latka, that's not what I'm going to say." "Oh? (pause) Well, how about it?"
Highlight? Soap (Jodie)
Yet Another TV Review Podcast
Yet Another TV Review Book
Mon, Aug 25, 08 - Soap, Taxi
