Surgical Spirit

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.

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?

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.

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

Having watch 95% of British Comedy shows over the years, this has got to be one of my favourites. I can't believe "Simon Rodgers from Birmingham, United Kingdom", thinks it is rubbish, obviously no sense of humour in Birmingham. The casting of Nichola McAuliffe as Sheila Sabatini was brilliant and Duncan Preston as Jonathan Haslam was the perfect balance. I have seen every episode of this wonderful series numerous times. With a bit of luck it will be released on DVD in the not too distant future. Anyone who likes British Comedy should try and catch this show next time it is on. One of the best scripts revolves around an escaped lunatic, who manages to gain access to the theatres. The Inspector in charge (Halliwell) is having an argument with Sheila and says, "I don't think you caught my name, its Halliwell no Plod." Later in the show when the lunatic takes hostages, Sheila says, "Well Inspector Halliwell spelt P-L-O-D......". Other episodes worthy of mention are:- The where Sheila's mother dies The wedding day when everyone in theatre staff think they have won the lottery and Sheila must remind everyone that they decided not to participate in the syndicate of another department. The other department however was not informed of the decision, so they think the theatre staff are still members. In the end they only get about £40 each. Some of the staff were planning on buying islands and retiring etc. all the usual stuff only to find out they could ever buy a flight to anywhere. There are many more brilliant episodes in this wonderful series. Come on ITV release it on DVD asap.