Count Arthur Strong

Steve Delaney has played Arthur Strong since the 1980s and like Steve Coogan is rapidly approaching the actual age of the character he is well known for.

Arthur Strong is a retired comedian and actor who has grand delusions, clumsiness and is easily confused.

He comes into contact with Michael who is researching a book about his late father who was an entertainer and comic partner to Arthur Strong. Whilst encountering Arthur, Michael also comes into contact with his circle of misfit friends.

This TV adaptation is based on the radio series and after a dicey first episode it seems to have settled down. The character of Arthur Strong has been softened for the television although he can still grate and irritate.

Some of the plots are inspired by the radio series and some of the slapstick looks to be tailor made for the TV version.

The Michael character as played by Rory Kinnear is our entry to this strange world of Arthur Strong, although by the final episode of the first series we realise we know little about Michael.

It seems that he actually lives in York and we do not know whether he is even married or not.

What works is the buffoonery between Michael and Arthur and this was demonstrated in the second episode with the Jack the Ripper tour

It is not perfect and it has been labelled as Marmite as some viewers have just found it unfunny.

However there is enough there to entertain and make you laugh.

I'm really not sure why i like this programme as much as i do... but it is one of the funniest things i've seen in a long time. i only gave it a go because Graham Linehan was involved in the writing.

It is good clean comedy with the typically bizarre moments you would expect from a piece of Linehan writing... as the show progresses you see Michael slowly but surely becoming one of the crazy collective.

The character that is Count Arthur Strong was an amazing idea and is brilliantly acted in this show.

The confusion is pure quality.

If you have never even heard of the radio show (like me) just give this show a try and you may well be glad you did.

This is one example when you should not go after the user scores (7.3, really?). First I thought that this show could not be any good according to some reviews, then I thought that Graham Linehan, you know the "IT Crowd man", can't fail so big. And I was right. I mean the second thought. This show is really good. I'm not the type who laughs aloud if front of the TV, or in the cinema, but sometimes I was wiping my tears watching the Count (or IT Crowd for that matter). I can't wait to see the 3rd season. After a while you just cannot not like the characters, especially Count Arthur Strong (Steve Delaney). In the beginning it felt stupid and overplayed, but after you get the hang of is, it's just amazing. Rory Kinnear and all the supporting actors are also great. This is sitcom as it should be. And a lesson to Hollywood, that you can do a Frank Drebin/Pink panther/Mr. Magoo-type of ridiculous entertainment well. I've decided not caring what anyone says, I'm going to watch anything Mr. Linehan created/creates/will be creating from now on. That means that I'm a fan of him (or something).

Count Arthur Strong is one of the best sitcoms to show on British TV in donkey's years. Goodness knows what the first reviewer of this superbly written and laugh out loud programme was watching, but comparing it to Miranda is like comparing the Likely Lads to Cheers. Count Arthur Strong is an ageing 'jack of all trades' entertainer, with a slightly deluded view of his place in the world (think Arthur Lowe in Potter). His crackpot ideas and the fact that he is so out of touch with modern times and technology make for some great comedy. Graham Linehan (Father Ted) has always had a rather surreal way of writing and developing a storyline, with many back references and 'out of the blue' lines. That might make the characters a little harder to get to know, but the effort is well worth while. With this, and the return of Citizen Khan, the BBC is back on the right track..

I've heard the radio version. If you are into wacky humour this one is for you!