Count Arthur Strong

I've come to this late, and not heard of the radio series.

For the first minute I thought this looks dated and this Count Arthur Strong actor is overacting a bit. Then I realised I was watching hilarious comedy gold.

I've just watched the 4th episode. Maybe they've gone a bit heavy-handed on the tragedy - I think it works but I think it just lingers a bit too long, like on Eggy's face during his sorry tale, and in the taxi ride back from the hospital.

Perhaps this is a slight editing problem, where just a 5 or 10 second cut would have got the balance right. The problem is that the tragedy is very real and sad, which is an achievement in itself that we care so much about the characters so quickly, but it's just a bit too real and sad, for 10 seconds too long :)

I think people must be drawing parallels between The Count and John Shuttleworth, another hilarious older-than-the-actor Yorkshire buffoon in his own internally logical world.

This is the loudest and longest I've laughed watching anything since Curb Your Enthusiasm, it's a work of absolute genius in both Steve Delaney's masterful performance and the Father Ted-like farcical comedy plotting. As soon as I've seen the last 2 episodes I'll be straight onto the radio shows :)

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).

In the time of reboots of shows people forget they were sick of this is an original idea and completely original character and plot. It's not mean spirited It's not sex filled or innuendo laden it's well written and genuinely funny, though it pokes fun at age its the same way a family does. The star, who is much younger than the character he portrays is brilliant. This show would have almost no chance in the US mainly because it would morph into an angry old man who hates everyone and everything the anger would only stop when uncomfortable old people sex. This is nearly the perfect sitcom or should I say the closest to perfect a sitcom can get.

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.

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..