The Elegant Gentleman's Guide to Knife Fighting

I looked forward to this - "a random and ridiculous ride into weirdness" and recommended by brother-in-law.

Sorry guys, it was not that funny. I got each 'joke' in the first 10 seconds but after that each sketch just dragged on and felt contrived. The endings were just left hanging - no punchline, just sudden endings. The "weirdness" was not there either. Each sketch starts off normal then veers into off-centredness but definitely not weird or unexpected. The acting was good as was the staging.

There are Gilliam-type Monty-Python cartoons - short and a bit funny. Also not suitable for kids.

Seriously, the writers should do a total rethink. Try to do better dialogue, nuances of language, whatever.

Finally, edgy comedy that goes beyond what's safe and expected. I haven't seen anything this brilliantly funny since Python or 70's SNL. I found myself say, 'oh no they didn't' or 'oh no they aren't', only to respond 'oh yes they did'. The Prius skit, the terrorists in first class, yes those were unforgettable, but the British naming of the islands had me gasping for air and wiping tears from my eyes. So simple, yet so beautifully composed and performed. I purchased the series so I can watch it whenever I want or need to. So many shows labeled 'comedy' are just not funny at all. Treat yourself tonight to your next guilty pleasure.

I think this has promise - as with all sketch shows some things worked better than others, but on the whole there were some strong ideas and it was better acted than most sketch shows. I'm giving them credit for trying out some different styles and longer formats, especially seeing as they have a strong cast. I actually liked the tense awfulness of some of the longer set-ups. It also has some nice short links to break things up, and overall could be a really solid show given the people involved. There has only been one episode after all! I guess if you think all sketch shows should stick to some pre-ordained snappy time formula this may not be for you, but I think it is worth sticking with as it's trying to do something a bit different and has an interesting, talented and unorthodox cast/directors for a comedy show. If anything, I hope people watch it so that things that are a little off-centre but generally nicely made actually keep getting a chance!Otherwise we might just be left with a string of pale full frontal imitations and attempts to create catch-cry characters for merchandising rewards...

Television needs a chance to find it's rhythm and creating a sketch comedy show in Australia - especially on a network like ABC where the average viewing age is 40+, creating something that is daring is going to be met with even more criticism. I feel that EGGKF gets better with each episode. By episode two, there was the introduction of darker, more subversive characters - like the children's TV clown with the squeaky voice - that were indicative of where this show could go if given time to grow. In a country that is 1/20 the size of the US, if a large part of the population doesn't tune into something, it's considered a failure and thus, so few television shows have the chance to respond to their audience and mature. The expectation that season 1 episode 1 will be a masterwork is ridiculous.

Where to start? Ever since I played my eyes on the iconic show "The Elegant Gentlemen's Guide to Knife Fighting". I truly understood the meaning of life. This is my favorite show, and no number of words will describe the love I have for it. With it's dark but bittersweet humor and its relatable characters, I knew I would be one good ride. The relatable characters, dark humor, and one good story, this is the peak of television. My favorite episode, Kid in Cockpit, deliberately summarizes this show as a whole. Kid In Cockpit not only has great writing, lovable characters, and great comedy, but a Great and Relatable storyline that will keep you wanting more, and quite frankly, you do get more, you get exactly what you wanted with this show. Great Comedy, Great cast of Characters, And an Iconic Story. This is worth the watch.