Imagine the BBC making a sitcom about selling dope twenty years ago… unthinkable! But times have changed for the better, and with them we have Graham Duff’s ‘Ideal’, one of the funniest and most original sitcoms to appear on the Beeb in ages.
Ideal is one of those things that cannot truly be appreciated until you’ve seen it. Admittedly, the notion of a comedy series that takes place entirely inside one small flat (and occasionally the stairwell), and consists mainly of people buying weed, might not sound too appealing. The genius of ‘Ideal’ is that it has taken this basic concept and through clever writing, brilliantly vivid and well crafted characters, and the inimitable charisma of Johnny Vegas (if what Vegas does can be described as ‘charismatic’) made it into a quirky and original comedy series.
Moz (Vegas) is a small-time dealer who supplies weed to a strange array of colourful people, from the pathetic to the dangerous to the plain weird. Between them the provide an almost constant stream of visitors to Moz’s untidy Manchester flat. A PC (and Moz’s best friend), a nutter in a permanently attached cartoon mouse mask, school kids with musical pretensions and a lost Japanese backpacker are among the weird and wonderful cast of the show. The writer, Graham Duff, also plays a supporting role as Brian, a very camp individual who turns up with a different boyfriend in every episode. In terms of character development ‘Ideal’ scores highly, and the strange variety of people who turn up never seem forced or contrived, just amusing and often surreal. At the centre of it, Johnny Vegas is at his best and plays the role flawlessly.
The various plots and subplots of the story develop throughout the eight episode series, contributing to its addictive quality and making watching the DVD a rewarding experience. Ideal contains sex, lies, and plenty of dope as it winds through its various interconnected plots and its compelling mix of hilarious, dark and surreal moments. Best watched with something nice to smoke!
The DVD is of high quality and is nicely presented as a 2-disk set. The first disk contains episodes 1 to 6, the second disk the remaining 2 episodes and the special features. The out-takes and deleted scenes are amusing, but the imaginatively put together ‘making of’ is the highlight here. Overall, it seems as if the makers have made a real effort with the DVD, which definitely seems like my money’s worth.
I can't think of many negative things to say about 'Ideal'. Obviously it may not be to everyone's taste, but if you're looking for something new and different then it is definately worth a look!
‘Ideal’, which is, at the time of writing, into its third series, will obviously appeal to those who love their spliff. But it would be a mistake to dismiss it as just a stoner comedy; it is, in my opinion, one of the most imaginative sitcoms to emerge from the BBC in years. Pretty cool theme tune, too!
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Very good review, I can't say I like this programme though Johnny Vegas' voice is so annoying! But to make these reviews you are writing worthwhile try checking out other members' reviews in hope they rate back. -Andrew-
Moz has been dealing drugs for over twenty years from his small bedsit in Manchester which ... more
he shares with his girlfriend Nicki. But despite his chosen profession Moz is a man of principles - he deals only in the best quality marijuana and nothing els...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Moz is a small time hash dealer sharing a squalid Manchester flat with his girlfriend ... more
Nicki. Despite never going out and smoking more than he sells, Moz sees himself as an entrepreneur and a valuable community service. He might only deal to his mates -...
![Ideal - Series 1 [DVD]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78501861.jpg "Ideal - Series 1 [DVD]")
May 3rd, 2007
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