Saxondale

We all know him. The mildly intellectual ex-hippy who twists himself into knots with cliché upon tongue-in-cheek rock reference upon flipped round adage...

Yes it is set pieces. Eery episode has the secretary scene, the neighbour scene. and so forth.

but its really funny. steve coogan is an actor as well as a comedian, inhabiting the role with tics and grimaces.

Morenna Banks (rarely on screen at mo) has her chance to shine every week and Rasmus Hardikeris a brilliant newt-faced straight man.

worth a watch, especially mid-week when there's sod all else on TV!

I recently watched both seasons of Saxondale and remember thinking after completing series one that it was surprising that it got a second outing. I wasn't overly impressed with that first season at all, finding Steve Coogan's depiction of the central character too overdone, while his fake hair and beard offputtingly silly. So I was very pleasantly surprised to discover that the second season was so good. Not just better by comparison but actually very funny and better written. It was immediately improved by Coogan dispatching with the wig and going for a more natural look. It made him look a lot younger than in the first season which maybe doesn't make sense but was much preferable.

The set-up centres on an ageing 70's ex-roadie called Tommy Saxondale who still believes he is still fighting the system but who in reality is now a subcontracting pest exterminator. The character is more sympathetic than is typical of Coogan. He's a little more self-aware and intentionally humorous than the likes of Alan Partridge, although he does still share many of the facets of that character such as an arrogance and self-importance. Like Coogan creations in general Tommy Saxondale is a well observed character with lots of specific traits that make him seem quite believable and not too cartoonish. There are some good side characters to enjoy too. Some of the best of those are there essentially to antagonise Saxondale, such as Vicky the woman who gives him his work details played very well by Morwenna Banks; she consistently gets the upper hand on him, outwitting him mercilessly in a hilariously passive aggressive manner. I also enjoyed his neighbour who cringingly tries to talk to him on his level before bringing up some minor complaint.

All-in-all, this has to be considered a success. It definitely improved in various ways by season two and I would even daresay it had legs for a third season also. It certainly has to be considered one of Coogan's best creations outside of Partridge.

It amazes me that this flawless and innovative comedy seems to be all but forgotten and never mentioned when Steve Coogan's work is reviewed.

As I force myself to sit through increasing turgid and unsatisfactory incarcerations of Alan Partridge (he's even touring as him now!!) I can't help but wonder why this stone cold classic is not better known.

Coogan created a character of incredible comedic depth and constructed hilarious scenarios week after week.

For a long time after it's second and final series I hoped he would return to the character but alas he never did.

I suppose it is a case of the great classic UK comedies quitting whilst at their peak after series 2 (The Office, Fawlty Towers, I'm Alan Partridge, Dinner Ladies, Extras, Phoenix Nights etc)

I still really wish Mr Coogan would revisit Tommy Saxondale using his co-writer Neil MacLennon but I guess it's never going to happen now.

Saxondale is right up there with the best of British comedies. Steve Coogan has created a fantastically original, well played, scripted comedy on a par with his other great Alan Partridge. All the characters are brilliant, even the small parts like angry man at the anger management sessions I thought were great. His expressions sheer class. Needless to say Tommy Saxondale's character is especially funny. His little nuances, expressions, and all round persona highly entertaining.

The second series I preferred to the first as it introduced even more interesting characters like angry man, annoying neighbour. The musical score is also top notch.

I'm disappointing that it ended in just 2 series, I think it could have gone on longer for maybe 3 to 4 series. The talent to create more episodes is there. 10 out of 10 for sheer comedic entertaining.

Having been one that has enjoyed the brilliance of Steve Coogan's comedy in it's various visages; before i watched Saxondale I wondered if Steve could keep up his spotless record. Once again Steve failed to disappoint me. Saxondale is not about a bitter man but a man who shook the pillars of heaven as a youth but like many of us has been slowed down by the cruel joke known as 'age'. Unlike most of his comedy this one has a tender side that shows itself at unpredictable times throughout the series. Steve really hits the trigger on this one and i don't doubt there are many like me who know where Saxondale is coming from and where he is heading. This series reveals Steve Coogan for the comedy and indeed, acting genius that he is. I look forward to series two.