It is only recently that David Mitchell and Robert Webb have been thrust into the mainstream so this first series of Peep Show may have passed a lot of people by.
Unlike nearly all comedies, Peep Show is filmed mainly from the two characters' points of view. The audience then hears the character's inner thoughts as voiceovers. Peep Show tells the story of two very different characters, Mark (the 50 year old Conservative trapped in the body of a 30 year old) and Jeremy (the young musician who thinks he will make it big). The series sometimes touches on 'taboo' subjects. For example, Mark in one episode sleeps with a school girl (aged 16 or 17) which is probably why the DVD has an 18 certificate.
Basically, throughout the entire series, Mark is fighting for the affections of his work colleague Sophie. Similarly, Jeremy is desperately trying to get the attention of their next door neighbour, Toni. Most of the comedy arises from Mark's cringe-worthy attempts to 'pull' Sophie. Both characters are very psychologically flawed and as such in one episode Mark and Jeremy team up to prank call Sophie and attack Toni's lover and Jeremy's friend, Super Hans, with pepper spray.
The DVD also contains some very funny bonus material including Mark's video CV which is just great and Jeremy's application to go on Big Brother.
Some people may find some of the subjects quite offensive and too near the knuckle. For example, Toni giving Jeremy a hand job when he tells her he has a serious, terminal illness. If you are deeply offended by this (which many people will be) then stay well clear. Also, I know some people who dislike the show purely because of the unusual way it is shot. However, I find that one soon gets used to this.
Needless to say it really is an intelligent dark comedy which fans of other dark comedies will love. So, if you don't mind being shocked and enjoy Mitchell and Webb's other work then I definitely recommend this.
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(+) Because of the new series the box set isn't complete, which means it will be cheaper! (-) It isnt the complete box set so you'll have to buy the new dvds seperatly or wait for the new set!
Production Year: 2003 - Comedy - Director: John Crowley - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Colin Farrell, Shirley Henderson, Cillian Murphy, Colm Meaney, Rory Keenan, Laurence Kinlan
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Advantages: Great British Comedy, "Super Hans"!, Disadvantages: Series only 6 episodes, best to purchase the Box Set involving the three released series
Mar 22nd, 2007
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