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Following on from his episode-by-episode review ofThe League of Gentlemen Series 3,Dan Owen takes a look at the latest, second series about the failedTV and radio star, Alan Partridge.
It was five years ago thatThe First Serieswas broadcast and the end saw Alan sign a new BBC contract under dubiouscircumstances. Since then, there’s been enough time for things to unravel…
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Episode 1, ‘The Talented Mr Alan’
Finally, after a 5-year hiatus from our TV screens, Steve Coogan‘sgreatest creation – failed TV host Alan Partridge – returns to ourscreens for a new series of “I’m Alan Partridge” on BBC 2/BBC Choice.
This first episode shed some light on Alan’s activities over the pastfew years – he’s moved out of the Travel Tavern that was the inspiredsetting of the first series, had a nervous breakdown (that culminated inhim “driving to Dundee barefoot), is dating Sonja (a “33-year-old”Ukrainian played by Amelia Bulmore), has the third most prestigious sloton BBC Radio Norwich, and is currently living in a caravan (or “statichome”) while his new house is built.
But the thrust of the episode was with Alan’s unexpected meeting withhis old teacher, who he forces to let him give a lecture to a class ofteenagers about his rollercoaster career in television.
Steve Coogan continues to be simply wonderful as the ineffectualPartridge. Having played the character for over ten years everyexaggerated mannerism and naff catchphrase (“Back of the net!”) isperformed with an acute sense of comic timing. It’s a shame Coogan hasfailed to find much success outside of Partridge – as he quite clearlyremains a very gifted comic actor able to lift occasionally shakymaterial.
First impressions suggest this new series has lost none of its sparkle,although the new set-up may take while to settle into fully. The scriptis packed with one-liners and witty wordplay, although they do sometimesbegin to test ones patience.
Most of this opening episode is just a sequence of scenes with Partridgedisplaying his ability to aggravate entire rooms of associates andstrangers alike. While this is mostly funny, it does reveal the lack ofa cohesive storyline behind the episode and the lack of depth in much ofthe humour.
Still, as a first episode it should please fans worried such a prolongedabsence will have resulted in a turgid effort to live up to pastglories. Partridge has lost none of his monstrousness (in fact he seemsmuch more confident than in the previous series) because of his upturnin fortune.
I eagerly await the next episode. Let’s just hope the plot is moredimensional this time.
Episode 2, ‘The Colour Of Alan’
The new series of “I’m Alan Partridge” continues with ‘The Colour OfAlan’, in which Alan Partridge (Steve Coogan) attempts to boost sales ofhis autobiography “Bouncing Back” while trying to secure a conferencinggig with a gas fire company…
If there’s one thing that’s beginning to grate with this new series it’sthe very intrusive laugh track. To be fair, it’s not “canned laughter”,as the series is legitimately filmed before a live studio audience, buttoo often the tail-end of gags are lost amongst hysterical guffaws fromthe omnipresent viewers.
I’m not going to add to the great “canned laughter” argument (thisweek’s tabloids have that one sewn up!) but even I have to admit thisseries would be helped immeasurably by a banishment of the laugh-trackaltogether.
Anyway, there are yet more fine moments to be seen in this latestepisode, particularly a finale speech to some gas fire executives -given by Alan after a foot impalement! His battle to continue hisappointment through stomach-churning gag reflexes is a real highlight.
As usual the episode contains plenty of memorably banal dialogue,although the shows’ huge emphasis on Coogan’s performance is becomingquite a detriment to the flow of things.
The previous series also had a high Partridge-quotient, of course, butfor some reason this series seems to be over-relying on Coogan.Tellingly, some of the more genuine laughs in this episode come from theex-Army Michael character – not because of any particularly humorouswriting, but because he’s a welcome break from Partridge’s strangle-holdon proceedings.
Perhaps it’s the change in Alan’s temperament. In the last series he wasa lonely loser stuck in a Travel Tavern with memories of a oneglittering career; a comedic underdog. Now though, with Alan on the rise(sort of) his more enthusiastic manner doesn’t quite work as well.
The last time Alan was more upbeat was in the mid-90’s spoof chat show”Knowing Me, Knowing You”. But there his enthusiasm was tempered by theconstraints of his TV host role (don’t be rude to guests, appease theaudience, etc) – but within this “sitcom” structure his upbeat mannerand screen domination begins to test ones patience at times.
However, despite its continuing flaws (which could still be ironed outbefore most of the series is over, I hope!) ‘The Colour Of Alan’ stillshoehorns in a few semi-classic sequences; the makeshift table and theimpalement speech.
Beyond those gems however, I have to admit that the over-use oflocations, hectic pacing, flimsy plotting, occasionally weak material,and sad disregard of the supporting cast is beginning to frustrate me.For instance, Amelia Bulmore’s Sonja is tragically wasted, and Alan’sagent Lynne is a pale shadow of her former self; now solely a soundingboard for Alan’s deluded sniping.
Maybe they should have re-launched Alan Partridge with a more originalshow format? I still think Alan would be a fine UK answer to America’s”The Larry Sanders Show”.
So far this new series just pales when compared to its magnificentforbearer. I sincerely hope it improves, but they need calm things downand let the jokes come more naturally within a well-structuredstoryline.
Episode 3, ‘Bravealan’
The new series looks to have finally hit some kind of form with thethird episode ‘Bravealan’, where Alan meets a kindred spirit called Danat the local petrol station. From here his services are required at theannual Norwich Bravery Awards ceremony where he’s a guest presenter…
The studio audience laughter is less intrusive for this episode(hopefully in light of the backlash in the press), but what sets’Bravealan’ apart from the previous episodes is the semblance of aproper storyline.
However, it’s worrying that ‘Bravealan’ features yet another guestspeaking role for Alan – as this surely reinforces the criticism thatSeries 2 lacks variety, or a definable reason, for actually existing. Asfurther evidence to this denigration, the episode even results in a mildtweaking of the classic “number one fan” scenario Alan found himself inlast series.
Still, as always there are some great exchanges between Alan and all whoare unfortunate enough to know him – particularly at the Norwich BraveryAwards ceremony and after-show party, with Alan using a wheelchair-boundgirl as a means for self-publicity mingling.
Also a great find is Dan, a toothy character with similar attitudes andtastes to Partridge. He makes a fine addition to the episode, but it’s ashame he wasn’t given a more central role in proceedings. The idea ofAlan finding a soul mate was one that could have been pushed muchfurther than it was.
Overall, Episode 3 hovers around the mid-level in terms of quality,although the sudden darkening of Michael’s character is most welcome,and (at last) Amelia Bulmore’s Sonja actually gets more to do because ofher unhealthy love of practical jokes.
Episode 4, ‘Never Say Alan Again’
It’s a Bank Holiday weekend for Alan Partidge, who decides tocommemorate this occasion with a “Bondathon” marathon run of all theJames Bond films in one carefully scheduled sitting.
‘Never Say Alan Again’ is a fun episode that is far more successful atbalancing the other characters with Steve Coogan than past episodes havemanaged. Lynne has more to do, with Alan taking her visit her deadmother’s grave (“God rest her racist soul”), and acquainting Alan withher boyfriend – who takes an immediate dislike to Alan’s bullish wayswith her.
Elsewhere, Michael’s possible homosexuality rears its head after lastweek’s subtle hint – after befriending a ‘Yankophile’ truck driver(Look Around You‘s Peter Seranofowitz) much to the chagrin of patriotic Partridge.
‘Never Say Alan Again’ is a loose farce, with Alan fretting over thearrangements for his weekend, the stern eye of Lynne’s boyfriend, andthe loss of Michael’s friendship (in his eyes anyway). The episode packsthe usual verbal repartee of Alan, but with a distinctly Bond-themedslant; one scene basically just involves Alan explaining the entireopening sequence of a Roger Moore 007 film to a nonplussed caravan ofacquaintances.
Still, as with this entire series there’s still the nagging feeling thatthe writers are overselling Alan’s eccentricity. The subtle andsustained humour of the first series is often missing here – andreplaced with verbal diarrhoea to disguise the lack of plot.
Steve Coogan remains a strong comedy performer, but the supportingplayers often look sidelined and snubbed by the “one-man show” nature ofproceedings. The writing is still witty and irreverent, yet even thisepisode lacks a decent storytelling framework for it to work properly.It mostly resembles a series of Alan-led sketches linked by a loosetheme – in this instance James Bond.
Overall, ‘Never Say Alan Again’ was another entertaining slice of Alanthat die-hard fans should enjoy. You can always rely on Armando Ianucciand Peter Baynham to pen eminently quotable catchphrases and ludicrouslyhumorous dialogue… but it all still tends to fall fairly flat becauseof a faint wisp of desperation in everyone’s faces.
Episode 5, ‘I Know What Alan Did Last Summer’
The extremely inconsistent second series limps nearer to its end withanother uninspiring episode with no discernable plot or direction.
‘I Know What Alan Did Last Summer’ offers two new scenarios forPartridge to verbally dissect into farce and abusive embarrassment.First, Alan tries to avert the unwanted attention of two tax-inspectors,and then later tries to persuade Sonja that he really is best mates withU2’s Bono by taking her to a National Trust heritage property.
Each scenario is fairly weak, particularly the tax-inspectors scenario -which is effectively abandoned after one long scene. A major problemwith this series has been the complete absence of direction inproceedings.
The dialogue is still fairly sharp, yet irreparably blunted by how itfully dominates scenes. Plots don’t seem to build into anything andthere is no sense of structure to the storytelling – with loose,superfluous, nonsensical elements just thrown into the mix. At one stageAlan visits the Choristers Country Club and tries to mix with somestuffy businessmen – with marginal comedic outcome, zero characterinteraction, and no relevance to the thrust of the story (if thrust canbe applied to this limp narrative).
Writers Steve Coogan, Peter Baynham and Armando Iannuci have simplyforgotten to tell stories. Each episode has so far been a succession ofsequences, wholly dominated by Partridge and increasingly difficult totake seriously.
The quiet, subtle, eccentric and engrossing comedy last series has beenpushed aside for abrasive rants and catchphrase-overload. The supportingcast continue to be snubbed by the writers, whose main concern seems tobe writing verbal diarrhoea for the show’s star attraction.
Alan Partidge is still a funny character, but almost six years ofuniversal praise for “I’m Alan Partridge” has resulted in him becoming aparody of himself. There are laughs to be had, certainly – with thismuch talent it would be impossible for there not to be! But most of thehits arrive merely because of the quantity of gags festooned over everysentence.
The opening Norwich Radio scenes stay true to the spirit of earlierPartridge offerings – being effective lampoons of local radio. But oncethe show moves into “Alan’s world” the show crumbles under the perceivedaudience’s desire for Alan to simply run the gauntlet of catchphrases,ridiculous spiel, oafish bullying and petty banter.
It’s sadly all just becoming a bit of a drag.
Episode 6, ‘Alan Wide Shut’ – guest reviewer DVDfever Dom.
The final episode and how did it fare? Some good moments, but they were stilla let-down when you put it all into context with the rest of the series. I agreewith Dan, whose Sky system is up the creek and missed the first screening ofthe episode for which there are no repeats on analogue, above that the seriesnever seemed to go anywhere. There was no arc to it, apart from thehouse-building, and the series didn’t actually have a reason to be there.
It starts off well in the studio with the topic, “What will people look likein a billion years time?”, to which an elderly woman, Mary, claims we’ll have“big hands and big sex organs”. “What would that look like?”muses Alan. Mary replied: “Look in a spoon… in the bathroom…” -which we know refers back to Michael’s similarly-located spoon from episode 3,and Alan hangs up immediately.
The time of reckoning has come for Alan’s book, “Bouncing Back”. All 14,000unsold copies are off to the recyclers to be pulped, in a slew of “Word porridge”as Alan calls it later on, and knocks anyone for suggesting the book wouldinstead be incinerated or destroyed. “It could become a Tressel table in anold-people’s home.”.
He’s also despondent about the fact that while no-one buys his book, there’sscores of copies sold of the new gangster biography “Bad Slags”, including thefact that he’s bought one too, obviously just so he can criticise it(!)
There was a funny radio interview in which Alan insults the other guest, aformer drug user, played by Julia Davis, but it again turns into anothersketch for Coogan to talk over everyone else as Partridge shouts insults,while bemused presenter Tessa McPherson (Rebecca Front) tries to restoreorder. As she reveals herself to be a producer as well, that’s the only whiffof an attempt we get to make us think that he could be on the up again. He alsoinvites her to Lynn’s baptism, stating “Lynn’s being submurged for her sins,literally”.
There’s a funny moment too when Alan washes his mouth out with Dettol beforekissing Sonia, leading Michael to say that he did better than that last night,he had full sex with a woman! He stated that he gave here a lift all the wayback to Cardiff and having sex, ending up giving out Alan’s phone number andthat’s only when Michael finds out the woman’s name.
Alan also finally moves into his house, but we only get to see a small room,the same small room we’ve seen being ‘built’ all along, but since Alan’s usedto small spaces all the furniture is crammed in – to save the BBC having tobuild a proper set no doubt – and Alan quips how “You can get lost in space”.
Finally, we get to the last big scene – Lynn’s baptism. Alan dominated theproceedings too much and this ending the end just seemed rather embarrassingmore than funny as it looked like a rushed ending.
It was a nice idea to include Marion & Geoff’s Rob Brydon in a cameo then,but once he’d become the butt of a retort from Alan once, there was no need todo it twice more, getting more agressive each time. That really grated.
Then comes his speech which, when he tries to impress Tessa, but it not onlyfails, it becomes embarrassing for us viewers to watch, once he’s got at leastone good gag out of the way, “Lynn’s Mum couldn’t be here today because…she’d dead. We didn’t see eye to eye. There was a lot of bad blood… which,coincidentally, was one of the complications she had at the end,”
After this it goes downhill and Coogan just rambles. It’s doubly depressingbecause you’re waiting for a killer ending to the series which never transpires.Perhaps if this scene had come in a different episode I could’ve felt more atease with it, but I was waiting for the final pay-off.
This episode also contains an anxiety flashback for Alan in which he’s infat-suit mode, stuffing his face with Toblerone. Since this has only appearedin the one episode, that also seemed like a rushed way of doing a ‘lapdance’flashback as occured throughout the last series, so it didn’t quite sit righthere.
For each programme in this series I watched them once more, but it’s weirdthat it can take a second screening to make you feel more ‘at home’ with anepisode and comfortable with it, than many other comedy series. Perhaps it’sbecause there was a hell of a lot expected of this and it just hasn’t deliveredby comparison to the last one.
Needless to say Messers Coogan, Baynham and Iannuuci had the last laugh…
Review copyright © Dan Owen, 2002.E-mail Dan Owen
Reviewer of movies, videogames and music since 1994. Aortic valve operation survivor from the same year. Running DVDfever.co.uk since 2000. Nobel Peace Prize winner 2021.