Mon ami le fantôme

Dear sirs,

I may be biased because I absolutely love Reeves and Mortimer (absolute geniuses, and I challenge anyone to contradict me!). This series is thoroughly enjoyable, and am delighted that it will soon be given a second run, and I'm always in stitches by the cameo appearances of Charlie Higson, Hitchcock-style, although not quite as hidden.

I'm not declaring it a perfect series, totally void of all annoyances (because, granted, Bob does look quite uncomfortable, and is evidently itching to start making an idiot of himself), however, it is very well written, even though I'm far too young to even know about the original series. The acting, I'm sure, will be improved upon in the second run, as this was their first proper go at something that needs, well, to be blunt, concentration, but it's all done with good humour and what I believe to be the pinnacle of great digital effects (or at least the pinnacle they could claim on their budget).

If you've never witnessed the first series, make some effort to watch the second, and if you don't have one smile in the entire episode, by all means, prove me wrong.

I think this update of an old favourite is surprisingly good!

Reeves and Mortimer handle their roles well - this isn't 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (Deceased)'.

The second series has been assured, polished and confident. There's been plenty of genuinely inspired laughs. First series are always shakey as the various ingredients take time to gel. Second time around I think the cast and crew have got it just right...

And the amiably insane Tom Baker plays Tom Baker as brilliantly as he always does!

I've only seen three episodes of *Randall and Hopkirk, Deceased* on BBCAmerica, but so far I ***love*** it. This is a VERY funny show, yet the humor (unlike most comedies, these days) comes from the situation--not at the expense of the characters. These characters are LIKABLE--Jeff Randall is sweet, and lovable, and very much someone you'd like to see happy and successful. But Jeff has a problem--he's an INCOMPETENT detective, who's partner is now dead, and haunts him as a ghost. As ghoulish as the concept sounds, it's actually a very funny series--one sympathises a lot with Jeff.

Marty, Jeff's now dead partner brings a great deal of energy to his part--he's a ghost who needs training wheels, since he hasn't quite got the hang of things yet. Tom Baker plays, Wyrvnn (and I know that's probably spelled wrong)--a spirit who is trying to teach Marty the ropes of being a ghost.

Then there's Jeannie--Marty's fiancée (Marty died on their wedding day). Jeff's falling in love with her; but neither wants to betray Marty's memory.

Jeannie cannot see Marty--only Jeff can. Jeannie has also maneuvered her way into Jeff's business, becoming his new detective-partner. (Jeannie is, at least, much more competent at detective work than either Jeff or Marty).

Anyway--great series, lots of fun. Extremely funny, but with sympathetic characters. Definitely a winner! Oh, and it *is* a re-make of a late 60s/early 70s series--but I've never seen that version, so I can't comment on it.

Stories are good, effects are great, I love the slightly over saturated colours (or is that just my old TV?) and great soundtrack all make this series feel totally unique. With Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer in the main roles you'd expect lots of humour and to the credit of everyone involved this isn't so evident as you might expect. There is humour but it's much lower key as to what you'd normally expect from these two. I've just got the DVD and will be watching it alot.

Don't watch this if you're expecting to see the 60's version of Randall and Hopkirk, with prettier effects. Randall and Hopkirk 2000 (as I shall call it), is nothing of the kind. It is the same TV series in name alone and that's the way it should be.

Gone are the seedy back-street meetings of a TV series that seemed to be almost embarrassed to feature this fantasy element - which only arose because creator Dennis Spooner wanted to write a series about a ghost. The original Randall and Hopkirk was almost apologetic about the fact that one if its main characters was dead.

Thankfully Randall and Hopkirk 2000 revels in it. The plots are a little predictable, but if you want heavy detective drama go watch Cracker. Writer Charlie Higson did what they daren't in the 60's. He had fun.

The only real flaws are Reeves and Mortimer. Whoever told Vic and Bob that they can act should be shot through the lungs. That said, there has been a very clear improvement in the quality of their acting as the series has progressed.

And don't even get me started on Tom Baker. The man is a genius!

Roll on series two!