Count Arthur Strong

I know, realise and fully get why Count Arthur Strong is seen as a Marmite comedy, I know people that genuinely detest it, I get that, I have to admit that I am a huge fan of it, it's quirky, slapstick, zany and madcap, I love it. As a character he's pompous, idiotic and would drive anyone to drink, a huge round of applause for Steve Delaney, his delivery is incredibly slick, as is his timing.

Rory Kinnear shows just how versatile a performer he is, he's brilliant as Michael, the pair offer such different comic styles. Two brilliant series transmitted, and luckily a third is due soon.

Some of the funniest comedy moments I have seen in years, Linehan's involvement is obvious, The Ice Cream van, The local elections, and of course the false leg. I missed Katya, but her storyline in the first series was hilarious and truly moving.

I guess it's a show that could take a bit of time to get into, but I'm sure once you watch, you'll be hooked, I love it.

9/10.

I arrived late to this show, never having heard of Count Arthur Strong before the current TV series. Neither was I enticed by the trailers. But having seen episodes of the re-run on BBC 2, I am convinced that Arthur is the funniest TV comedy creation since Basil Fawlty. Having enjoyed the first 2 episodes I went out and bought the DVD only to discover that the remaining 4 episodes were even funnier than the ones I had previously viewed. Rory Kinnear gives excellent support as the bemused writer Michael. I hear this is booked for series 2. I can't wait! The delusional Arthur reminds me of some characters I used to know at a poetry writer's club, one of whom described herself as "a household name" despite the fact that no-one had ever heard of her. Maybe Arthur should start something similar as one of his rackets. It would give him excellent scope for his ham acting talents.Having read the reviews mentioning the Radio Show, I bought season 2 on audio CD and found it to be equally hilarious. Standouts were Arthur posing as a self motivation guru and his lecture on Creationism vs Darwinism with reference to the films of Charlton Heston. Totally hilarious. Whether on TV or radio comic genius is still comic genius

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.

This program works because it does exactly what it's supposed to, make you laugh. Modern day comedy seems to rely on smart arse comments, so I suppose Count Arthur Strong is considered old fashioned. But it's seriously the best thing I've watched on TV in a very long time. The lead character, Arthur is like an old Frank Spencer, always getting things wrong, misunderstanding people and being oblivious to all the chaos he causes. His despairing sidekick Michael is a really likable character. I must warn you though, this is the BBC so it is very left, there's interracial relationships and gay characters left right and centre, but that doesn't seem to ruin this.