Ideal

This show is extremely unique, because it's a drama/soap opera. I would never really label it as a comedy. Watch it though, the plot is incredibly intriguing, but just isn't as funny as anything else on telly.

I started watching it from Series One, Episode One, because it was one the then-new BBC3 and looked a bit 'naughty'. The first series is obviously made on a low budget and doesn't have great production values, but from the first scene with Jenny I knew I was hooked. It was difficult to work out exactly what it was, because although it was funny, well acted and with witty dialogue, it could also take dark turns - at times very dark.

Series Two arrived with a brighter look that made me feel as if I'd just had cataracts removed. The characters were now getting more roundly drawn and the in-jokes were already starting to flourish. Never has there been a sit-com (seems funny to call it that, but that's undoubtedly what it is) which could hold together such a surreal and adventurous plot with so many brilliant characters. Some of the story lines are as truly ingenious as they are outrageous. Few taboos go unbroken and some seriously bad taste is made incredibly funny. It is a credit to the cast how they manage to flit from high comedy to horror and tragedy in the blink of an eye. Somebody said it wasn't funny: there is an episode in Series Two which is the funniest thing I've ever seen on television in my entire life; you'll have to guess which one I'm talking about.

I bought Series One to Four as a DVD box set but missed some of the later ones due to an erratic DVD recorder (remember those?). I seem to remember one of the later series being not quite up to the same standard as the rest, but I don't think I'm giving too much away if I say it was possibly due to the shock of seeing a suddenly-slimline Johnny Vegas, who it has to be said is superb throughout. The entire cast (and you can play, 'Where the hell have I seen him/her before?) wanted another series but it was not to be. Perhaps somebody in the higher echelons of the BBC was getting worried about the popularity of such a wicked programme, but perhaps it's actually for the best for it to end on a high (no pun intended). It seems criminal that it has never been repeated, but with the appointment of the new government puppet of a Director General, the chances of that are slimmer than ever before. It seems that the only way of seeing it now is to buy a complete box set of all sever series for £25. Quite honestly, it will be the best £25 you'll ever spend.

"Ideal" is an very original series with great black humor and great dialog. Johnny Vegas rocks as Moz, the hash- and weed-pusher whose apartment is being used as a kind of local pub(without alcohol)by his customers. The whole show is without exception being filmed inside of Moz'flat and his friends/customers varies from heavy criminals to extreme feminine homosexuals. The cast is almost the same in the 1 & 2 season, except his necrophiliac(!) neighbor Judith who moves in for 2 season and some others only appearing for a episode. Even if Moz all the time pushes mild drugs you don't have to be a dope-head to enjoy "Ideal" (...but it helps...). As Moz himself says it: "You don't get addicted to cannabis. I should know who smoke it every day!". "Ideal" was first made for 16 episodes, each 25-30 minutes over 2 seasons + a Christsmas-special. Highly recommended! Now a third season has been sent on TV and is soon on DVD.

I have to admit that I first watched this as there was very little else on - it was late and everything else was a repeat. I also have to admit that 5 minutes into the first episode I thought I probably would not watch it again. Fortunately, I did. The story-line/plot is a bit patchy and the same themes do recur again and again, but generally speaking it is a very witty and actually insightful comedy. I actually live near to where this show is 'set' and can vouch that in many respects this show is very true to life! No doubt, it is not to everybody's tastes and some of the acting is far beyond over the top, but that simply adds to the charm. 3 out of 4 stars

Very witty sitcom that may take a couple of episodes to get hooked - but well worth the effort.

Johnny Vegas finally gets a role suited to his quick wits (and he is finally sober enough to deliver them well). He plays the hapless stoner, Moz, who is generally a decent guy but with some quite dodgy mates/customers. Constantly stoned, Moz just wants a simple work-free life but his mellow is constantly interrupted by his customers and high-strung girlfriend.

There are a few 'red herring' story-lines that lead the viewer astray, but there is also a central backbone story that drifts along at its own pace - but enough for the audience to want to see what happens.

Full of subtle humour and wit, ideal is perfect for anyone with patients and a love of clever comedy.