Bits and Bobs (Vol. 18): That’s Ricky-diculous!

Leah Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 06:32 PM EST

Just so you know... someone has very kindly been downloading the full episodes of Spooks with Richard Armitage on YouTube!!! I've been watching each week on my computer. Richard is doing a great job, as usual. I love it!!

kristen Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 12:50 PM EST

Things I Love:

- tea and electric kettles
- Sainsburys
- charity shops (oxfam, cancer research, etc)
- availability of fair trade items
- their ability to make fun of themselves
- BBC News
- public transportation
- Little Britain
- Vicar of Dibley
- Dawn French
- Accents

Things I Do Not Love:
- getting accosted on the street by charities
- rain. lots and lots of rain.
- lack of central heating
- Russell Brand
- lack of decent television in the daytime
- Coronation Street and Neighbours.
- the royal family and how much money they freaking waste on things
- lack of decent burritos

Rodney Solomon Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 12:02 PM EST

Should have said GRENADA not Grenata. Sorry.

Rodney Solomon Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 12:01 PM EST

My cousins in Grenata enjoys Monty Python..they might be geeks, but they are not white :-)

Yes, U2 are from Ireland..but I THINK "The Edge" is really Welsh. Can anyone confirm.

British stuff I like
-Lover Rock (romantic UK reggea)
-Tim Westwood (DJ)
-Aston Villa (football/soccer club)
-Spooks
-Hustle
-curry (Sorry, the best curry dishes are served in Birmingham)

Things I don't like:
-Jellied eels
-Grime (crappy UK rap by 15 year olds that think 50 Cent is cool)

Jonas Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 11:51 AM EST

I am sorry to disapoint you "claudenorth" but Monty Python are quite poppular in many countries around the world (especially my home land of Sweden). If you do not like it, that is fine with me...

Natalie Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 11:05 AM EST

I'm British and so I feel a desperate need to apologise for "Little Britain", Gordon Ramsay, Russell Brand, et al! God! I'm so embarrassed! I consider them all to be abhorrent and just thinking about them makes me cringe. Never watched most of the other programmes listed and cannot recommend most of those I have watched. Forget the comedy and ghastly reality shows, so called; just check out the drama, news and the great sweeping documentaries, such as "The Blue Planet" and "Timewatch". They'll knock your socks off! My greatest love on TV? Ever? Richard Armitage, of course! Ooooooooh! Yum! (Wibble) :)

Lulu Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 10:26 AM EST

My favorites are Spaced, Monty Python, Red Dwarf, and French and Saunders. And my husband is British, so he's in the favorites field as well :)

Kirsten Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 05:43 AM EST

Brit things I love:
- Doctor Who & Torchwood
- Radiohead
- Colin Firth!!
- Life on Mars (John Simm and Philip Glenister 4eva)
- Ricky Gervais & The Office
- Ed Westwick
- Black Books
- The Cure
- Ian McEwan
- Henry Cavill
- Coupling

Brit things I just don’t get:
- Red Dwarf
- Guinness
- Coldplay
- Their food
- How they can survive such awful weather
- Russell Brand
- As Time Goes Bloody By

Jennifer Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 01:43 AM EST

I loved Rowan Atkinson in Black Adder but I just don't get Mr. Bean at all. It isn't funny to me. I also don't get the popularity of these nauseatingly precious British romantic comedy movies: Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually, Notting Hill, and Bridget Jones Diary. But then again I don't like their American counterparts either such as You've Got Mail, 27 Dresses, My Best Friends Wedding, etc, etc.. Why do so many filmmakers on both side of the pond think 'romantic comedy' means cutesy and contrived. Blech!

shakespeare Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 01:25 AM EST

Aubry you a sack of no talent! The british have the best humor, dry humor is the funniest! America is more about vulgar humor which can only go so far before it gets repuslive! & if you dig The Holy Grail or Life of Brian as a tad bit funny, I would be scared to figure out what you do find hilarious!

Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 12:25 AM EST

Steve Carrell does not MAKE the Office. Ricky did!

Lauren Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 12:03 AM EST

I will cop to being a straight up Brit lover. I DVR practically everything on BBC America. I love the original Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares (Is this over for good? Are there every going to be any new episodes?) as opposed to the FOX version where all they do is show you how disgustingly dirty people's kitchens are. Yuck! I love watching Top Gear, and I shutter to think about the train wreck that will be the American version (I heard Adam Carolla is hosting? Hmmmm...). I love the original Office (Can anyone say "Free Love Freeway?"). I am hooked on Skins. I think it's better then any junk the CW airs (*cough*Gossip Girl*cough*). The actors and actresses are the ages they're portraying, and it's so in your face and gritty. Lots of sex, lots of drugs, lots of whatever rock n roll is these days. There's this music program on Ovation TV called "Later... with Jools Holland." That showcases bands each week. It's pretty diverse.
Oh yes, and two words: Hugh Laurie.

claudenorth Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 11:48 PM EST

I absolutely loathe Monty Python, and I loathe Monty Python fans even more, because as soon as you say you don't like MP, they reply snottily, "Oh, well you just don't understand British humor." As if MP represents the full range of British humor. I am convinced that the only non-Brits who like MP are geeky white people who believe that liking MP makes them superior to the rest of us "ugly Americans." In that sense, MP fans are quite similar to the Comic Book Guy character on The Simpsons. For the record, I love AbFab, French & Saunders, As Time Goes By, the original Bedazzled, and Peter Sellers, among others. But MP does nothing for me -- never has, never will. (And, honestly, I think John Cleese would do anything if you met his asking price...)

pai Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 11:39 PM EST

Wooooo Jamie Oliver!

Diana Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 10:46 PM EST

What I Love
*COLIN FIRTH
*Hugh Grant
*Harry Potter and everything about it
*Coupling
*the accents (le sigh)
What I don't understand
*As Time Goes By
*MONTY PYTHON

matthew c Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 10:28 PM EST

I have to say i have never been able to get into "As Time Goes By"---it is just soooooooo boring. But my ultimate British thing i don't get is "Monty Python" i'm sorry i just find it utterly boring and totally unoriginal.

To Heather Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 10:24 PM EST

Heather, Eddie Izzard does not do his standup in drag as part of an act. He is a transvestite, for real, and genuinely feels more comfortable wearing women's clothing. I'm surprised you don't know this after seeing his routines! Anyway, on his most recent tour, he dressed in men's clothing, calling himself an "off-duty transvestite."

Sandrine Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 10:22 PM EST

I love most British TV, though I imagine mostly the good stuff gets sent over here. One show that totally leaves me cold, though, is "As Time Goes By." It's a sitcom starring Judi Dench, of all people, and it's the least funny thing I've ever seen. A couple who dated in their youth reunite during their senior years and have to deal with their complicated lives -- it's a decent premise. But the situations they get into are so lame and so unfunny; even the studio audience sort of half-heartedly chuckles at best. And yet this series airs on PBS all the time. What gives? I don't get it.

Alan Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 09:45 PM EST

Dragon's Den is not bad. They do a Canadian version up here on CBC. It's really just like that reality show American Inventor, except instead of judges just giving opinions, the judges invest money. I love British TV!! So funny, and so influential and so original. American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, The Office, it's all British influenced.

trepithet Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 09:07 PM EST

nick, if you were addressing me, I know that U2 are from Ireland. It may be incorrect but I still sometimes forget and use British as an umbrella term for all things English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh.

Julie Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 08:47 PM EST

I consider myself an Anglophile and there are so many British TV shows, movies and people I love (The Office, Extras, Fry & Laurie, Rowan Atkinson, Dawn French, Simon Pegg, The Full Monty, Love Actually, etc. are just the beginning of the list), but I just don't get Eddie Izzard. I've tried to watch him so many times but I just lose interest almost immediately.

nick Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 08:26 PM EST

**u2 are from ireland, btw.**
i love british humour! ab fab, are you being served, the young ones, python and faulty towers, it's all good. who i don't get at all is that guy who hosted the mtv music awards. he's just an idiot.

E Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 08:13 PM EST

I love so much about British pop culture: Russell Brand, Oasis, Chris Moyles, Daniel Craig, Girls Aloud, etc., but not all: Catherine Tate-her show is just not funny, and X-Factor is a ridiculous trainwreck!

Leah Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 07:55 PM EST

I'm quite the Anglophile as well, but the one thing I don't get is anything involving Gordon Ramsey. I usually like angry yelling Brits...not so much with him and his kitchen antics.

That said I think you need to give Graham Norton another chance! Watch the episode featuring David Tennant and Jo Brandt. That was my first episode (as a Who fan, obviously I watched it) and I still watch Graham to this day. I guffaw during that show...and guffaw is a word I don't use lightly.

Tom Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 07:37 PM EST

As a Brit myself i agree with everyone about little britain, although its not that i don't get it, rather its just not funny! First series was quite good because it was something different but after that it became repetitive.

@ Heather - if you ever go to a British pantomime you'll see that cross dressing is a peculiar British quirk. I think it must be our suppressed emotional needs (stiff upper lip and all that) getting out!

You should check out Bill Bailey, his stand up's pretty good. Or Ross Noble. I'd suggest Peter Kay but i think that humour might be too british for many!

ks Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 07:17 PM EST

OMG!!!! forgot about Dragon's Den, what a sad show.....

ks Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 07:16 PM EST

Love BBC!! When is Hustle coming back???? I don't like all the American re-makes of the British shows, we obviously have no imagination. I agree with others who say that the Brits can keep their reality shows we have enough of that crap.

Catherine Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 07:12 PM EST

The reality shows are the worst. Not that any reality show is of special merit, but... Dragon's Den? Really? I also dislike the documentaries about weirdos such as "My Fake Baby" and "Virgin Memories."

Jonas Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 07:11 PM EST

Yeah, reality TV need to go. Wake up BBC America !!! :-)

I really like both Little Britain, and Gervais. I figured there should be someone who is pro-Little Britain, here :-)

I have only seen one episode of the Mighty Boosh, but I really did not get it at all. If BBC America does some reruns, I'll give it another shot.

Cindy Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 07:11 PM EST

Love Torchwood, Dr. Who, Wire in the Blood, Secret Life of a Call Girl and for campyness Ab Fab and Bad Girls

Bruce L. Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 06:13 PM EST

I have never laughed at any British comedy. Not Monty Python, not their Steve Carell-deficient version of "The Office," not Little Britain... None of it. It's just not funny.

Heather Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 06:12 PM EST

I don't understand why Eddie Izzard chooses to do his stand up routine in drag. To me, it has no typical 'drag show' components (ie phallic jokes), and quite honestly, he's ugly as a woman (as opposed to RuPaul who imo is a beautiful woman). Can anyone explain why he chooses to be a woman during his stand up routine?

Briar Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 06:09 PM EST

well first of all I HEART BRITTISH TV! my fav shows are Ab Fab, As time goes by, vicar of dibley,are you being served? Keeping up apearances (although my sis thinks it is ridiculus), and my family.
Although i dont usually mind rowen atkinson, ive never really understood mr bean. ive never got to watch a whole episode of little brittian but what i have seen kinda frightened me. and i have always found last of the summer wine to be rather borring, as well as only fools and horses. but i will give most british shows a chance.

Leonela Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 06:04 PM EST

I love Doctor Who, Torchwood, Life on Mars, Secret Diary of a Call Girl. I love British telly. I also love Ricky Gervais' podcast with Steve Merchant and Karl Pilkinton.

Brian E Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 05:52 PM EST

Oh and I ADORE Torchwood. Don't really care for Dr. Who though oddly enough.

Brian E Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 05:50 PM EST

I say this in a whispered hush:

I don't get Monty Python. Any of it. I've chuckled a few times at the old show and movies but never have I ever really wanted or needed to see any of it again or quote it. At all.

That said I LOVE The Office, Extras, Big Brother (US one is crap), The Apprentice (again US one is crap), and Peep Show.

Kernovo Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 05:34 PM EST

I don't really understand the appeal of Little Britain (It really is the same jokes over and over again)I can't stand Ricky Gervais at all (very overrated). That said I love British comedies, The Mighty Boosh is the best of them all (although The IT Crowd comes a close second). Also Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, Spaced, Monty Python,Father Ted, Torchwood, and Old (sometimes new) Doctor Who (you have to grow up watching this one to really get it).

Fi Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 05:18 PM EST

To Jade UK: I'm from the US and I don't get Seinfeld either.

rebecca Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 05:16 PM EST

I really wasn't much of a fan of the British Office. It was misanthropic. DON'T KILL ME.

Ash Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 04:53 PM EST

Have to agree that British food is generally rubbish, but I love many Brit bands (COOL Brittania - Oasis and Blur were both fantastic, no matter the rivalry), yes, even Coldplay. As for TV, I've always loved Monty Python, Keeping Up Appearances, Office, Chef, AbFab, Dr Who, Torchwood (great show!), Fawlty Towers... Men can't understand why Colin Firth is so darn handsome to us all, and I admit I find Simon Pegg very funny. I don't always get all the Ricky love, but I like the guy. And the Royals are a constant source of comedy/drama/rubbish. I'll even admit to secretly still enjoying my Spice Girls CDs under extreme torture! Stuff I just don't get: Anything to do with Russell Brand, Little Britain (lots of us don't get it, apparently), Tom Jones, the WAGS fascination, and finally this summer's crop of ridiculous things being labelled 'hats.' A feather glued to sequins on the back of a stale chip attached to a hairclip is not a bloody hat!

Alan of Montreal Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 04:25 PM EST

the brits produce the best music.

trepithet Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 04:19 PM EST

I've never found Coldplay, U2, or Oasis very appealing, even though I love plenty of other British bands.

I've only seen the Meaning of Life and Life of Brian, but so far I've found that Monty Python doesn't live up to its reputation.

I love British tv though- the Mighty Boosh, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Spaced, Black Books, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, Blackadder, etc. Also, P.G. Wodehouse is my favorite author, and I don't think it gets more quintessentially British than that.

saucybetty Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 04:14 PM EST

I can't stand Steve Coogan and I honestly don't get how anyone could think he's funny. He's so full of himself.

aps Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 04:07 PM EST

never been able to get into graham norton, or little britain, or some others.
always loved monty python though and Mr. Bean.
never enjoyed russell brand or are you being served.
never really got doctor who. always just though it was okay, at best.
i get skins. but i can't figure out if i'm a fan of it or not. I'm inbetween somehow. I think it's kinda interesting, but then...maybe not. and yet, i've somehow seen a fair number of the episodes.not a must see by any stretch though.
coldplay- never got why they are SO big. there music is generally okay. and i think they should be considered a good band.but, i don't get where they are the best band of the generation.

Michael Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 03:46 PM EST

I'll join the (anti-)Little Britain bandwagon. I also don't think Russell Brand translates whatsoever (his VMA monologue was just bad).

I'm going to include Flight of the Conchords too. Yes I realize they're from New Zealand and don't really qualify for this list, but they're a cult-hit import with a distinct sense of humor that I never really jived with. All their jokes seem derivative of better British shows, the characters are freaking annoying, and something about the theme song deeply depresses me.

April Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 03:45 PM EST

The secret with Monty python is to leave your brain behind when you watch it. It is just silliness for silliness sake.

Little Britain largely isn't funny after the first series apart from Tom Baker's voice over as they stopped trying to be funny and tried to shock too much.

Jade, UK Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 03:40 PM EST

2cents - I think you mean My Family with Zoe Wannamaker, Robert Lindsay and Kris Marshall. That was funny and it's still running.

Jade UK Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 03:30 PM EST

Skins is based around young British culture so it's not likely the US would get that...I'm surprised they show it there.
Did Father Ted ever make it there? That was brilliant in the 90's.
I hate Coldplay...what I don't get is how they've made it big in the US.
Don't forget...there's some US things us Brits don't get either. Seinfeld for example.

2cents Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 03:22 PM EST

Love Vicar, Keeping up Appearances.
Love british mysteries.
Thought Ricky Gervais was funny at Emmys.

Wife loves "Last days of Summer Wine" -(or something like that...) I don't get it. Also May-December - about a young/old couple. Don't get that one.

There was something called "My Hero". That was funny. And there was another one, with one of the teachers from Harry Potter as the mother -with a husband and family - that was good, I just don't remember the name of it.

And I never got Monty Python - though I loved Faulty Towers.

Em Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 03:21 PM EST

Love love love
Hustle
Colin Firth (and I've never seen that version of P&P!)
Wallace and Gromit

Like
Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Don't get (at all!)
AbFab
Are you being served

Crystal Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 03:18 PM EST

I was at the warm-up shows here in L.A. for the HBO special and I laughed my ass off.

Granted, I have not ever seen his stand-up so I don't know if it was "old" material but it was funny as hell. I look forward to seeing what he ended up using for the big show.

angel Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 03:13 PM EST

I adore Doctor Who and anything related. Also, all the Masterpiece Theater stuff (especially the Austen ones) and State of Play, Life on Mars, etc.

But Benny Hill? Amazingly unfunny.

Lisa Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 03:12 PM EST

Orville...I'm with you on not understanding Red Dwarf, but I do like old Doctor Who. I'm into Torchwood as well, though I don't generally tell people that- it's a little embarrassing. Moving on...
I don't understand the love affair with Colin Firth either, or AbFab.

Meredith Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 03:09 PM EST

I'll be happy if we never, never, ever import another British reality show. We've got enough crap of our own!

orville Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 03:08 PM EST

I too am a lover of most things British (I have ancestry from Cornwall, so you'd be appalled by many of the "traditional" things I eat). But I've never been able to understand the fascination with bands like Oasis and Coldplay, or some of the horrible Euro-disco stuff. I've never understood marmite, Orangina, haggis, warm beer, cold toast, or kippers being culinary hits. And I'll have to admit that I never "got" old Doctor Who (I like the new ones), Thunderbirds, or Red Dwarf.

But lately, I have an unholy obsession with Torchwood. Must be all the gorgeous..... Welsh accents.

Em Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 03:07 PM EST

I'll chime in with the rest of the peole who aren't into Little Britain. I love so many British shows I probably couldn't list them all off the top of my head, but that's one I just don't like. This may draw criticism, but I'm also not a fan of The Office (that goes for the US version too). And I agree with Deb- Matthew Goode was the best part of The Last Enemy!

Meg Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 03:06 PM EST

I don't understand Colin Firth. He is just an average actor, in my opinion, with average looks. Yet women go gaga over him because he played Mr. Darcy eons ago. Can't they just get over him? Also, Monty Python--I just don't get it. I don't get any of it...killer rabbit, invisible horses?

Louise Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 02:48 PM EST

First I have a recommendation: Last night I (luckily) caught the first episode of Lost in Austen with Jemima Rooper (from Hex and Kinky Boots). Great fun! I don't know if it's arrived yet in the States, but I recommend you search it out.

What I definitely don't get is Coldplay. Their music does nothign for me and I especially don't understand their matching outfits and I really don't understand when I comment on their matching outfits people don't realize they're wearing matching outfits. I think they're like asparagus pee -- some of us can smell 'em and some of you can't.

Ha Ha Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 02:45 PM EST

Ricky Gervais was a genius in The Office but outside of that...meh.

Katie Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 01:32 PM EST

I also am typically a big fan of things British, especially when it comes to television and music, but I have to say, Little Britain is one show I just don't get. I mean there are some funny jokes or gags here and there but I don't see what all the fuss is about. There are way funnier British shows that don't repeat themselves nearly as much.

kruss Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 01:27 PM EST

Love Monty Python, Vicar, Life on Mars, Fawlty Towers, AbFab, but I must admit I have NEVER understood the appeal of Benny Hill. I saw a few episodes when I was a kid and I'm not sure what creeped me out more -Benny himself or the fact that my dad thought it was hilarious.

Kristen Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 12:33 PM EST

Ditto everyone's comments about Little Britain. I love so many other shows but just not getting Little Britain or Skins. And when can we stop with the reality tv both here and the imports?? The BBC and ITV have so many shows to offer why is BBC America filling most of their programming with reality tv? I know it's cheaper but please...

Coyote Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 12:27 PM EST

Have always loved Monty P.

James Marsters got me into Torchwood season 2, which I really enjoyed.

Brit food generally blows, but I do love a good Yorkshire pudding!

Zet Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 12:23 PM EST

I'm a closet anglophile since my mom is a born and bred Irish woman. When we'd visit in the summers, I'd hear stories of the black and tans coming to take over the farm that made my skin crawl. My original boogiemen. But there's something about British wit and the foriegness/sameness of them that fascinates. That said, I don't understand the monarchy, but I watch every PBS special about them. What is it about the queen and her family?

Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 12:21 PM EST

BBC has been a fixture in my house for years. I LOVE Doctor Who. The one I don't get is Are You Being Served. My mom watches that show non-stop, and I just don't understand what she finds so funny about it.

Liz Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 12:16 PM EST

I'm with those not enamored of Little Britain - just didn't do it for me. I saw the Ricky Gervais HBO special at the recent NYC screening and I laughed so hard it hurt. I had not seen any of it previously, so don't know about that bit, but his riff about the AIDS postcard was freaking hysterical.

Amelia Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 11:07 AM EST

Last Enemy was slow and, yet, disturbing. I stuck it out because I will watch absolutely anything that Robert Carlyle is in. (Although can he please be a good guy for once? Thought he was going that way in Last Enemy but no!).

I don't understand the reality shows like X Factor and the others that have been translated to our shores. Hate them here and hate them from there.

Karen Ehlers Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 11:03 AM EST

As years go by, I find myself drawn more and more to the BBC.

I love Torchwood, Primeval, Stacey & Gavin, Graham Norton Show and Top Gear. Who didn't love Absolutely Fabulous? And The Vicar of Dibley? Just brilliant.

I have tried "Skins" but couldn't latch on.

Love, love, love Ricky Gervais and am looking forward to his special. Thought he was great in "Ghostown" as well.

John Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 10:58 AM EST

Love British humor (humour?). People always tell me I have a very dry, Brit-style sense of humor. In fact, my wife and I are moving there next month. Love Mr. Bean, Fawlty Towers, many other things BUT...Spaced. I just could not get Spaced. Love Simon Pegg--Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, etc. But something about Spaced failed to click with me.

Andrea Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 10:57 AM EST

Well, my boyfriend is a Brit so he's exposed me to pretty much all the culture has to offer, both good and bad. I do enjoy Dr. Who but it's not can't miss TV for me, same applies to the original Life on Mars. I also love Gordon Ramsay's "The F Word" but I never saw the allure of Jamie Oliver. And I really don't like Little Britain, despite the bf's best attempts to win me over. I just find it crass and unfunny.

denny Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 10:29 AM EST

I love most everything British... just ask my cousins who live in Liverpool and London. I talk with them constantly about Brit pop culture and how it totally blows American stuff out of the water.
But, I haven't been able to latch on to Little Britain more than a little bit. The first episode I watched was mildly funny, and it just went downhill after that. It just seemed like the same bad jokes and characterizations over and over again.
I'm also mildly surprised that I don't love Doctor Who as much as Torchwood. Usually, I can't stand spinoffs, but Torchwood is AWESOME! I like Doctor Who, but I don't get all the fuss over it, especially all the "WHO will be the next DOCTOR?" stuff.

Michelle Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 09:59 AM EST

Please tell me the Colin Firth thing was a joke, cause seriously. No knocking my favorite Brit besides Hugh Laurie!

I still don't get Monty Python. I've tried. Several times. I just don't get it. I'm still working on Doctor Who as well. My sister loves it and she and I usually agree on things like that, so maybe I'll come around.

Deb Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 09:51 AM EST

My sci-fi tolerance is limited in general. I've tried but just can't latch on to Dr. Who, Torchwood or Primeval.

Babs, I agree. I stuck through all five episodes of The Last Enemy hoping it would pick up. It was disappointing. Matthew Goode was the best part.

Babs Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 09:28 AM EST

Most British humor delights me, but I tried but could not stand "Little Britain". Blergh. And was anyone else bored to tears with "The Last Enemy" on Masterpiece last month?

Alex Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 09:13 AM EST

Oh where do I start? Defs don’t get the love affair with the royals, Oasis, warm beer, Coldplay (actually that’s an American affectation – the Brits are growing sick of ‘em, finally!), haggis and basically any local ‘cuisine’ that requires mushy peas.

Stuff like Monty Python, Doctor Who, Premiership football (soccer), Merchant & Ivory dramas and silly humour from Ricky Gervais, Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross I have come to love and appreciate because they’re so unashamedly British and loony in their charm.

But Aubry - wherefore the Colin Firth apathy? Please tell me you were joking.