Surgical Spirit

Seldom do you see a TV show prepared not to dumb down the comedy, and keep it so very cutting as is found in Surgical Spirit.

I was hooked from the very first episode when the show first aired in 1989 and I find the humour as fresh today as ever.

The characters are rich and the casting places very talented artists in roles where they can make the most of a carefully constructed script, that delivers some of the most memorable lines I've ever heard.

It has the guts to tackle such fundamental questions like the nature of the dying process, with intelligence, sensitivity and great humour, without trivialising or dodging the realities.

Surgical Spirit clearly won't be to everyone's taste, but it has a huge amount to offer anyone who likes their wit sharp, their delivery punchy and their comedy not at all watered down.

Surgical Spirit is one of those long forgotten British sitcoms that existed on a Friday night during the 80's and 90's. It has classical music for its theme music and score, and its about a surgeon. Like the American comedy Frasier it has an air of classicism about it. Its all very posh and that seems to be its main appeal. Because the central character isn't very likable. She is an aggressive gobby woman who only seems to have a primary setting, which is sarcasm. Although it does seem to veer into total aggression at some points. Its unlikely she would be working in the NHS as long as it has a functional HR department. There is a long running "will they wont they" workplace romance theme with one of her male colleagues. The other source of narrative tensions coming from her relationship with her son and what seems like her only friend in the building. This show is mainly for posh people who think only classical music should exist and women who enjoy watching other women verbally abuse men without consequences. Sure some of it is funny in a farcical kind of way however its the sort of jokes you can see coming a mile off. Its unlikely this show would have mass appeal today, simply because the main character is so caustic. Would a working class woman get away behaving like this? Or is being rude at work only acceptable for the chattering classes?

I remember this series when it first aired on TV, and I'm pretty sure that NZ TV did not buy all of them. Recently I was lucky enough to obtain the complete boxed set of all eight series and I've been laughing out loud ever since.

The characters are well drawn, the dialogue is pithy and well written - no dreadful downton dialogue here - and the stories/episodes are believable and entertaining. There is consistency and humour in each episode, really I can't praise it too highly. The characters are believable and it's a really top class funny comedy series. You can't say that about many. This ten line rule is ridiculous and just opens the site to too much wordy and meaningless babble.

I had completely forgotten about Surgical Spirit, bought the box set and binge watched it, it's a terrific show, great humour, cutting wit, wonderful characters, and some awesome performances. A few moments of slapstick fun, but apart from a few episodes it doesn't get silly. My favourite episodes are Wanderlust and Sammy Eldridge, both are brilliant.

The casting was perfect, Nicola McAuliffe is dazzling as Sheila Sabatini, she's caustic, cutting, but compassionate and great at her job, Duncan Preston is the perfect balance to her, great also, he's mild mannered and genuine. Everyone is great, Marji Campi often makes it as nosy unit manager Joyce, her scenes with Sister are a scream.

Series four is my favourite, but there never comes a point where it dips in quality, although the show is littered with classic episodes. It's a shame it ended.

I would definitely recommend it. 9/10

I have fond memories of this comedy series, with the ferociously funny one-liners of chief surgeon Sheila Sabatini keeping everyone on their toes. She could make me laugh out loud, which is rare indeed for me when watching so-called comedies (especially US sitcoms). Nichola McAuliffe portrayed wonderfully the acid-tongued Sheila, a woman of intelligence, skill and just the right touch of arrogance. She was part of an ensemble cast who all appeared to be enjoying themselves immensely. The focus was on a few staff of the hospital, the patients being almost an afterthought. Surgical Spirit was cleverly-written & well-acted, a pleasant half hour of light relief. If it's repeated on your local station, give it a go, you might enjoy it.