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
31 Reviews
Excellent. Just Brilliant
capableofall15 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This was just excellent. There were tens of classic comedy moments, from Arthur's turn as Ripper tour guide, impersonating a doctor, reading his lines accidentally in a radio play, his "little" show, "I'm afraid!", his Ouija board, and of course, the Memory Man act.
Some people, naming no names, who listened to the radio show and liked it are always going to be prejudiced because they have expectations - I would if they made Cabin Pressure into a TV show and changed the actors. People who didn't like the radio show, are always going to be prejudiced, and just why the hell are you watching the TV show anyway? But - I have never seen heard the radio show and I don't want to, and I think it is some of television's finest comedy, in the ilk of Fawlty Towers and Graham Linehan's past work.
Some people may not understand British humour, they may not think there is room for old people in comedy. I'm fine with that. But why are you reviewing this? This is outside your area of comfort, I'm afraaaaiiiiddd.
P.S. One of these reviews is obviously written by a literary professor - Munchausian? And he also hates twitter, for some reason.
Some people, naming no names, who listened to the radio show and liked it are always going to be prejudiced because they have expectations - I would if they made Cabin Pressure into a TV show and changed the actors. People who didn't like the radio show, are always going to be prejudiced, and just why the hell are you watching the TV show anyway? But - I have never seen heard the radio show and I don't want to, and I think it is some of television's finest comedy, in the ilk of Fawlty Towers and Graham Linehan's past work.
Some people may not understand British humour, they may not think there is room for old people in comedy. I'm fine with that. But why are you reviewing this? This is outside your area of comfort, I'm afraaaaiiiiddd.
P.S. One of these reviews is obviously written by a literary professor - Munchausian? And he also hates twitter, for some reason.
Count Arthur Strange
aaroninacave19 November 2013
I'm really not sure why i like this programme as much as i do... but it is one of the funniest things i've seen in a long time. i only gave it a go because Graham Linehan was involved in the writing.
It is good clean comedy with the typically bizarre moments you would expect from a piece of Linehan writing... as the show progresses you see Michael slowly but surely becoming one of the crazy collective.
The character that is Count Arthur Strong was an amazing idea and is brilliantly acted in this show.
The confusion is pure quality.
If you have never even heard of the radio show (like me) just give this show a try and you may well be glad you did.
It is good clean comedy with the typically bizarre moments you would expect from a piece of Linehan writing... as the show progresses you see Michael slowly but surely becoming one of the crazy collective.
The character that is Count Arthur Strong was an amazing idea and is brilliantly acted in this show.
The confusion is pure quality.
If you have never even heard of the radio show (like me) just give this show a try and you may well be glad you did.
Don't believe the unhype! (If there is a word like that)
throbert6 December 2015
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).
Brilliant!
mike-499-2058715 October 2013
Count Arthur Strong is one of the best sitcoms to show on British TV in donkey's years. Goodness knows what the first reviewer of this superbly written and laugh out loud programme was watching, but comparing it to Miranda is like comparing the Likely Lads to Cheers. Count Arthur Strong is an ageing 'jack of all trades' entertainer, with a slightly deluded view of his place in the world (think Arthur Lowe in Potter). His crackpot ideas and the fact that he is so out of touch with modern times and technology make for some great comedy. Graham Linehan (Father Ted) has always had a rather surreal way of writing and developing a storyline, with many back references and 'out of the blue' lines. That might make the characters a little harder to get to know, but the effort is well worth while. With this, and the return of Citizen Khan, the BBC is back on the right track..
Excellent comedy
kingdaviduk19 October 2013
I only found this by accident, when episode 1 (and on a rerun) was shown after Dad's Army one Saturday night. I was hooked as it was so funny. I have just finished watching episode 6, and I really hope they do a second series. It has some very funny moments. Some of the characters are quite absurd really, but that adds to the fun of it. The only sensible people are Michael and Sinem (the waitress). So mostly it is the funny characters who make the laughs, especially Arthur, who thinks too much of himself. If you have not seen this, and you like some of the old British comedies like Fawlty Towers then you should see this.
Classic Comedy Gold
dan-84525 October 2013
I've come to this late, and not heard of the radio series.
For the first minute I thought this looks dated and this Count Arthur Strong actor is overacting a bit. Then I realised I was watching hilarious comedy gold.
I've just watched the 4th episode. Maybe they've gone a bit heavy-handed on the tragedy - I think it works but I think it just lingers a bit too long, like on Eggy's face during his sorry tale, and in the taxi ride back from the hospital.
Perhaps this is a slight editing problem, where just a 5 or 10 second cut would have got the balance right. The problem is that the tragedy is very real and sad, which is an achievement in itself that we care so much about the characters so quickly, but it's just a bit too real and sad, for 10 seconds too long :)
I think people must be drawing parallels between The Count and John Shuttleworth, another hilarious older-than-the-actor Yorkshire buffoon in his own internally logical world.
This is the loudest and longest I've laughed watching anything since Curb Your Enthusiasm, it's a work of absolute genius in both Steve Delaney's masterful performance and the Father Ted-like farcical comedy plotting. As soon as I've seen the last 2 episodes I'll be straight onto the radio shows :)
For the first minute I thought this looks dated and this Count Arthur Strong actor is overacting a bit. Then I realised I was watching hilarious comedy gold.
I've just watched the 4th episode. Maybe they've gone a bit heavy-handed on the tragedy - I think it works but I think it just lingers a bit too long, like on Eggy's face during his sorry tale, and in the taxi ride back from the hospital.
Perhaps this is a slight editing problem, where just a 5 or 10 second cut would have got the balance right. The problem is that the tragedy is very real and sad, which is an achievement in itself that we care so much about the characters so quickly, but it's just a bit too real and sad, for 10 seconds too long :)
I think people must be drawing parallels between The Count and John Shuttleworth, another hilarious older-than-the-actor Yorkshire buffoon in his own internally logical world.
This is the loudest and longest I've laughed watching anything since Curb Your Enthusiasm, it's a work of absolute genius in both Steve Delaney's masterful performance and the Father Ted-like farcical comedy plotting. As soon as I've seen the last 2 episodes I'll be straight onto the radio shows :)
Side splitting, I even bought a mug.
Sleepin_Dragon10 September 2016
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.
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.
The delusions of Count Arthur Strong
Prismark102 September 2013
Steve Delaney has played Arthur Strong since the 1980s and like Steve Coogan is rapidly approaching the actual age of the character he is well known for.
Arthur Strong is a retired comedian and actor who has grand delusions, clumsiness and is easily confused.
He comes into contact with Michael who is researching a book about his late father who was an entertainer and comic partner to Arthur Strong. Whilst encountering Arthur, Michael also comes into contact with his circle of misfit friends.
This TV adaptation is based on the radio series and after a dicey first episode it seems to have settled down. The character of Arthur Strong has been softened for the television although he can still grate and irritate.
Some of the plots are inspired by the radio series and some of the slapstick looks to be tailor made for the TV version.
The Michael character as played by Rory Kinnear is our entry to this strange world of Arthur Strong, although by the final episode of the first series we realise we know little about Michael.
It seems that he actually lives in York and we do not know whether he is even married or not.
What works is the buffoonery between Michael and Arthur and this was demonstrated in the second episode with the Jack the Ripper tour
It is not perfect and it has been labelled as Marmite as some viewers have just found it unfunny.
However there is enough there to entertain and make you laugh.
Arthur Strong is a retired comedian and actor who has grand delusions, clumsiness and is easily confused.
He comes into contact with Michael who is researching a book about his late father who was an entertainer and comic partner to Arthur Strong. Whilst encountering Arthur, Michael also comes into contact with his circle of misfit friends.
This TV adaptation is based on the radio series and after a dicey first episode it seems to have settled down. The character of Arthur Strong has been softened for the television although he can still grate and irritate.
Some of the plots are inspired by the radio series and some of the slapstick looks to be tailor made for the TV version.
The Michael character as played by Rory Kinnear is our entry to this strange world of Arthur Strong, although by the final episode of the first series we realise we know little about Michael.
It seems that he actually lives in York and we do not know whether he is even married or not.
What works is the buffoonery between Michael and Arthur and this was demonstrated in the second episode with the Jack the Ripper tour
It is not perfect and it has been labelled as Marmite as some viewers have just found it unfunny.
However there is enough there to entertain and make you laugh.
Radio Show vs TV Show
ellmatthewgould27 July 2015
I was very excited that there was going to be TV show of my favorite radio show, I absolutely loved the radio show, I have been listening to him since I was 12 (6 years) and loved the character. The count Arthur strong in the radio show is a eccentric old man, but is respected and also hilarious but does't mean to be, I looked up to the character like a comedy legend.
The TV series doesn't capture the count Arthur Strong from the radio, the TV series we see him as a washed up old fool that no one respects like the character Michael who patronizes him all the time and not many take him seriously and that just saddens me, he may sound the same look the same as I imaged him to be on the radio but his entourage makes him seem like a mentally ill old man and that ruins all my fond memories of listening to him on radio 4 as a child each week.
The TV series doesn't capture the count Arthur Strong from the radio, the TV series we see him as a washed up old fool that no one respects like the character Michael who patronizes him all the time and not many take him seriously and that just saddens me, he may sound the same look the same as I imaged him to be on the radio but his entourage makes him seem like a mentally ill old man and that ruins all my fond memories of listening to him on radio 4 as a child each week.
Nothing else like it
berg-745327 September 2020
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.
Good-ish
newsth9 April 2017
Good, in that it is funny in parts and very funny in parts. But absolutely not funny in other parts.
Imagine a scale where there is Count Arthur Strong (CAS) at one end and Michael at the other. As we move from CAS on his own, through CAS with non-regular cast members to CAS with regular cast members to CAS with Michael to Michael with other cast members and finally to Michael on his own, we move from riotously, outrageously funny through mildly amusing to downright cringeworthy. The radio programmes are much, much, much, much, much, much (and I make no apologies for using the word "much" much there), much, much, much better.
Imagine a scale where there is Count Arthur Strong (CAS) at one end and Michael at the other. As we move from CAS on his own, through CAS with non-regular cast members to CAS with regular cast members to CAS with Michael to Michael with other cast members and finally to Michael on his own, we move from riotously, outrageously funny through mildly amusing to downright cringeworthy. The radio programmes are much, much, much, much, much, much (and I make no apologies for using the word "much" much there), much, much, much better.
Did Slapstick Truly Need a Right-On Facelift?
velvoofell7 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
On British radio, 'Count Arthur Strong' has over six series under its belt, some scripts stronger than others, but overall a mundane world (in the radio sow, the North of England) viewed from the perspective of the malapropic, Munchausenian "Count Arthur". Arthur is the antagonistic protagonist, consistently getting himself and others out of his/their depth due to spiralling lies, misunderstandings - or mammoth drinking sessions. On radio, he is a quixotic Falstaff, childish and hilariously self-preserving. His dubious relationships with eternal protégé "Malcolm" plus his tentative grasp of reality and Equity membership, add to the tone of a sitcom Morrissey might have penned. The humour is unabatedly "Northern" but self-effacing with it - for example, Strong constantly name drops cult Northern comedy turn, Jimmy Clitheroe, to scant recognition.
For television it may have been seen as a cheap or cheating move to simply transport the radio scripts to screen. To reshape it or TV, Graham Linehan, one of 'Father Ted''s progenitors, became writing partner for Steve Delaney (the Count himself) and the outcome was positively anticipated.
What results is an odd Frankenstein creation of the Count Arthur Strong stage show - which Delaney performed solo for years - and what appears to be a 'Colin's Sandwich'- style script Linehan had pre-written, ancillary to the Strong project.
The location changes from a drab, 'Butchers Films' style North to, utterly incongruously for Strong's potential gravitation, a trendy Brick Lane/ Camden Lock style area of London. Gone is the camp manchild Malcolm and instead Rory Kinnear's 'Michael Baker' is Arthur's principal comic foil, a writer who has paired up with his light-entertainment icon father's former partner, Strong, in order to record his memoir. Here begins one of the many problems with the TV 'Count Arthur Strong'. Strong's name may be above the shopfront, but Linehan devotes so much time to Kinnear/Baker's reactions, right-on problems (Baker, constantly meeting with Strong in an ethnically diverse cafe, endeavours to show he's neither racist or, in his pursuit of a diamond-in-the-rough waitress, sexist) and first-world woes that he may as well be the eponymous character.
The only 'Father Ted'-level belly-laughs come, ironically, when Linehan's scenarios give way to sections of Delaney/Arthur's radio scripts or original stage (a disastrous radio- drama recording; a marathon, one-man, musical showcase). These are rendered all but narratively impotent when offset by ( presumably Linehan-scripted) exchanges where the cafe waitress chides Baker for exploiting Arthur. The implication is that Arthur's caricatured exploits are those of an uncoping, possibly senile geriatric. Therefore, the Linehan tack, offsetting truly funny slapstick and malapropism, with sixth-form level political correctness, isn't just unfunny, it seeks to rob the genuinely funny (Delaney written) portions of the script of laughs - are we, the audience, daring to laugh at a person suffering from mental illness?!
In the last few years, Linehan has adopted a po-faced, "arbiter of all that is politically correct-and-right-on" pose on social networking platform 'Twitter'. Under the nom de plume @Glinner, he has engaged unwary souls over the mildest of criticisms and accused even the most liberal tweeters - whom he takes against for some reason - of whichever "ist" or "ism" he sees they conveyed.
The sitcom suffers from this dubious, contrary and ultimately too "preachy" hand wringing. A conspiracy theorist character, Eggy, is held up for ridicule then pathos - he questions the government and status quo because his wife was unfaithful. The chimera of a slapstick and social mores sitcom so patronising of a mainstream audience that it questions hilarity at the acts of a fool or fool(s), cannot work. Linehan, so deftly working in broad strokes and productively cake-and-eating-it with'Father Ted' taints this show with his own seemingly conflicted attitude to what should be - but not "is"- funny.
His fellow twitter "King Bee", Stephen Fry, opined that sitcom 'M*A*S*H' started well but then ended in a mire of pathos and saccharine fluff with "a little Korean boy being brought on every week that the white cast could head-pat". This could be advice best heeded as, figuratively speaking, Linehan has hit the ground running with " juvenile-Korean-head- patting" in 'Count Arthur Strong' and it can only be hoped that he hands the reins back to Delaney - as he did after one series to Dylan Moran on 'Black Books' - that he might salvage his character.
If that means simply televising old radio scripts, all the better.
For television it may have been seen as a cheap or cheating move to simply transport the radio scripts to screen. To reshape it or TV, Graham Linehan, one of 'Father Ted''s progenitors, became writing partner for Steve Delaney (the Count himself) and the outcome was positively anticipated.
What results is an odd Frankenstein creation of the Count Arthur Strong stage show - which Delaney performed solo for years - and what appears to be a 'Colin's Sandwich'- style script Linehan had pre-written, ancillary to the Strong project.
The location changes from a drab, 'Butchers Films' style North to, utterly incongruously for Strong's potential gravitation, a trendy Brick Lane/ Camden Lock style area of London. Gone is the camp manchild Malcolm and instead Rory Kinnear's 'Michael Baker' is Arthur's principal comic foil, a writer who has paired up with his light-entertainment icon father's former partner, Strong, in order to record his memoir. Here begins one of the many problems with the TV 'Count Arthur Strong'. Strong's name may be above the shopfront, but Linehan devotes so much time to Kinnear/Baker's reactions, right-on problems (Baker, constantly meeting with Strong in an ethnically diverse cafe, endeavours to show he's neither racist or, in his pursuit of a diamond-in-the-rough waitress, sexist) and first-world woes that he may as well be the eponymous character.
The only 'Father Ted'-level belly-laughs come, ironically, when Linehan's scenarios give way to sections of Delaney/Arthur's radio scripts or original stage (a disastrous radio- drama recording; a marathon, one-man, musical showcase). These are rendered all but narratively impotent when offset by ( presumably Linehan-scripted) exchanges where the cafe waitress chides Baker for exploiting Arthur. The implication is that Arthur's caricatured exploits are those of an uncoping, possibly senile geriatric. Therefore, the Linehan tack, offsetting truly funny slapstick and malapropism, with sixth-form level political correctness, isn't just unfunny, it seeks to rob the genuinely funny (Delaney written) portions of the script of laughs - are we, the audience, daring to laugh at a person suffering from mental illness?!
In the last few years, Linehan has adopted a po-faced, "arbiter of all that is politically correct-and-right-on" pose on social networking platform 'Twitter'. Under the nom de plume @Glinner, he has engaged unwary souls over the mildest of criticisms and accused even the most liberal tweeters - whom he takes against for some reason - of whichever "ist" or "ism" he sees they conveyed.
The sitcom suffers from this dubious, contrary and ultimately too "preachy" hand wringing. A conspiracy theorist character, Eggy, is held up for ridicule then pathos - he questions the government and status quo because his wife was unfaithful. The chimera of a slapstick and social mores sitcom so patronising of a mainstream audience that it questions hilarity at the acts of a fool or fool(s), cannot work. Linehan, so deftly working in broad strokes and productively cake-and-eating-it with'Father Ted' taints this show with his own seemingly conflicted attitude to what should be - but not "is"- funny.
His fellow twitter "King Bee", Stephen Fry, opined that sitcom 'M*A*S*H' started well but then ended in a mire of pathos and saccharine fluff with "a little Korean boy being brought on every week that the white cast could head-pat". This could be advice best heeded as, figuratively speaking, Linehan has hit the ground running with " juvenile-Korean-head- patting" in 'Count Arthur Strong' and it can only be hoped that he hands the reins back to Delaney - as he did after one series to Dylan Moran on 'Black Books' - that he might salvage his character.
If that means simply televising old radio scripts, all the better.
Took me a while
fasterquieter3 October 2021
Comedy that's actually funny
texxas-131 July 2017
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.
Laugh out loud comedy
taylorjan-6396222 October 2017
First heard Count Arthur (CAS) on BBC radio and loved it. He gets words and all sorts wrong and is quite a horrible, if hilarious, character who gets into all sorts of situations.
The TV CAS is the same character but here he is NICE!
I wasn't sure how it would work on TV but it does. With Graham Lineman (Father Ted, The IT crowd) on board there are some surreal moments, and Rory Kinnear takes a bit of getting used to.
I only have to look at Count Arthur's character and I'm already laughing.
The episode in which we have a copy of the story 'Misery' is hilarious. No bad language, just laugh out loud fun.
The TV CAS is the same character but here he is NICE!
I wasn't sure how it would work on TV but it does. With Graham Lineman (Father Ted, The IT crowd) on board there are some surreal moments, and Rory Kinnear takes a bit of getting used to.
I only have to look at Count Arthur's character and I'm already laughing.
The episode in which we have a copy of the story 'Misery' is hilarious. No bad language, just laugh out loud fun.
Late to the party but hilarious!
tarkadiotta25 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The first series seemed to go under the radar. I believe it was originally broadcast on BBC3 so that may be the reason. Easily one of the funniest comedies of recent years. Excellently written, as with most comedies it does have it's loose plots and far fetched story lines, but it is, by and large; very much worth watching again and again. It's got to be a decent comedy for me to watch more than once and some of the episodes are a laugh a second. I implore everyone to watch out for the episode in the second series with the rogue plumber. It seems to get funnier every time I watch it. The only one I missed from series two but ultimately caught up on; was the episode about flying lessons and the clocks going back/forward (part of that was the joke) which was as funny, if not funnier than the plumber episode and I thought that would be impossible to achieve. The great rumble between the Street Urchins and the Count's gang is equally hilarious. There are plenty of laughs throughout the series. The cold caller called Eddie is another one which truly is a masterclass and has me wanting to do the same when a cold caller calls me! Can't wait for the third series!
Another who preferred the radio show.
trimmerb123419 May 2017
I'm an admirer of music hall and the stars - sadly now nearly all dead - who carried on the tradition in Variety. What a joy then to hear the not very old Steve Delaney as a kind of living throwback to an era that ended perhaps 80 years ago. It's all in the delivery - all those - pauses, that - pause - make the difference. Hia Count Arthur,is a wonderful mixture of performance and - pause- creativite writing. What he has done is to create the once popular entertainer in his twilight years when memories and bookings have dried up and he no longer a public figure. Not that the Count will acknowledge this change, he has retained all his overbearing self-confidence, much of his old vigour but much less of his brains and almost none of his memory. Old performers never die - they merely lose their marbles.
The radio shows were uncluttered. Regulars who feature in the Counts life included: Geoffrey, dimwitted friend, the local butcher (the Count loved offal), and the proprietor of the local greasy spoon, were all minor characters. Steve Delaney's magic was convincly demonstrate what utter mahen could result when gross-error and enormous undaunted overbearing self-confidence coincided.That was the Count at his very best. I cannot imagine how Delaney worked out the convoluted plots in which comprehensive havoc was wreaked without apparent design. The Count's credo was: Never apologise, never explain - he didn't give a damn about anybody else, and in any case had such a faltering grasp of reality that explanation that anyone else would understand, was totally beyond him.
Graham Lineham to my mind was at his best with the IT Crowd. Here though he clutters and pads out the cast and plot with regulars who just have too much to say and no compelling logic that they should be there (why does the Greg Kinnear character's life revolve round Count Arthur?). A real life Count Arthur = mega-egotist - would be complaining to his agent and his writer, that the others are stealing his scenes and his thunder. After all these years, Count Arthur is still the star - and we should never (be allowed) forget it!
The radio shows were uncluttered. Regulars who feature in the Counts life included: Geoffrey, dimwitted friend, the local butcher (the Count loved offal), and the proprietor of the local greasy spoon, were all minor characters. Steve Delaney's magic was convincly demonstrate what utter mahen could result when gross-error and enormous undaunted overbearing self-confidence coincided.That was the Count at his very best. I cannot imagine how Delaney worked out the convoluted plots in which comprehensive havoc was wreaked without apparent design. The Count's credo was: Never apologise, never explain - he didn't give a damn about anybody else, and in any case had such a faltering grasp of reality that explanation that anyone else would understand, was totally beyond him.
Graham Lineham to my mind was at his best with the IT Crowd. Here though he clutters and pads out the cast and plot with regulars who just have too much to say and no compelling logic that they should be there (why does the Greg Kinnear character's life revolve round Count Arthur?). A real life Count Arthur = mega-egotist - would be complaining to his agent and his writer, that the others are stealing his scenes and his thunder. After all these years, Count Arthur is still the star - and we should never (be allowed) forget it!
God Awful
funkymonkeyt4 May 2021
The character annoying and unfunny the writing is obvious and lacking any for of wit and relies on canned laughter to tell the viewer / listener a joke has concluded...... otherwise there would be no way of knowing.
Literally hurts to listen to.
Literally hurts to listen to.
One of the best !
alloutnow17 July 2019
This is, by far, the best comedy shows I've seen for donkey's years! The scripts are co-written by the creator Steve Delaney and the magnificent director Graham Linehan. Comedy writing just doesn't get any better than this!
All of the actors are fabulous. The duo of Michael (Rory Kinnear) and Arthur (Steve Delaney) is excellent.
I just can't say enough positive things about the character of Count Arthur Strong and every aspects of this show. Just don't miss it, if you value laughter!
Cons: Absolutely nothing! It's as simple as that.
All of the actors are fabulous. The duo of Michael (Rory Kinnear) and Arthur (Steve Delaney) is excellent.
I just can't say enough positive things about the character of Count Arthur Strong and every aspects of this show. Just don't miss it, if you value laughter!
Cons: Absolutely nothing! It's as simple as that.
Flawed, but has its moments
iamsherlocked13 August 2013
I'm a big fan of Linehan and I have enjoyed all of his work thus far. That said, I have not been a big fan of the radio series, and was slightly apprehensive when I heard of Linehan doing a series based on it.
The radio show itself has garnered polarized responses from audiences, so you very well know that it's not going to get any better with the TV series.
What works: 1. Delaney's very good with his mannerisms and I thought the character translated quite well into TV. 2. The gags which are classic Linehan moments (Jack the Ripper tour gag, Arthur as Dr. Two etc.) are excellent. Those alone salvage the show from being a poor one.
What doesn't work: 1. Rory Kinnear as Michael - such a needless and irritating character. I really like Kinnear, but not in this role. A total miscast, if the character was necessary at all. 2. The pathos - they're all downright terrible. The one involving Eggy especially was unbelievably bad. 3. Over explanation of some gags - especially by Michael, is such a fun killer.
Overall: Not great, and not Linehan's best, but still very Watchable and has a few flashes of brilliance. But seeing how the series has ended, and given that it has been recommissioned, I hope he rectifies these flaws and does a much, much better job with the second series.
The radio show itself has garnered polarized responses from audiences, so you very well know that it's not going to get any better with the TV series.
What works: 1. Delaney's very good with his mannerisms and I thought the character translated quite well into TV. 2. The gags which are classic Linehan moments (Jack the Ripper tour gag, Arthur as Dr. Two etc.) are excellent. Those alone salvage the show from being a poor one.
What doesn't work: 1. Rory Kinnear as Michael - such a needless and irritating character. I really like Kinnear, but not in this role. A total miscast, if the character was necessary at all. 2. The pathos - they're all downright terrible. The one involving Eggy especially was unbelievably bad. 3. Over explanation of some gags - especially by Michael, is such a fun killer.
Overall: Not great, and not Linehan's best, but still very Watchable and has a few flashes of brilliance. But seeing how the series has ended, and given that it has been recommissioned, I hope he rectifies these flaws and does a much, much better job with the second series.
Should have stayed on radio
miss_lady_ice-853-6087006 August 2013
Close your eyes and you can imagine that this could possibly be conceived as funny on the radio. Radio comedy thrives off stereotypes- take for example the brilliant Cabin Pressure: smooth mature man, bumbling son, haranguing older woman and lovable loser. All clearly distinctive characters and all terribly funny.
However, the style is too broad for TV and I can imagine that even the genius Cabin Pressure would suffer there. Steve Delaney's ridiculously broad acting simply doesn't work. I'm not a particular fan of Miranda but it just about works in that all the characters are a little broad. It also doesn't help that the character is meant to be perceived as unfunny by everyone. Of course, this is all part of the joke but it's hard to make unfunny things funny.
Count Arthur Strong is a very gentle sitcom. Old Aunt Edna will not be offended in the slightest. I don't mind that there's an antidote to the ubiquitous swearing that passes for comedy nowadays, but it's all just a bit strained. It clearly wants to be like The Two Ronnies and other seventies sitcoms but the style just doesn't work in the modern day. If we wanted seventies-style comedies, we'd watch comedies from the seventies. The best comedy is based on truth- even if it's a surreal comedy. Count Arthur Strong does manage to scrape some credibility back, such as the ending of episode 5, which actually had a nice amount of pathos. It's these moments of pathos that make you hope that what is intended to pass for comedy will finally become comic.
As for the other characters, this is very much the Count Arthur show, despite the show being when he is not there. Rory Kinnear is excellent as biographer Michael, the disappointing son of a successful comedian, but the other characters are even thinner than cardboard cutouts.
Hopefully it will turn itself around with the last episode but I doubt it. Despite the name, Count Arthur Strong is rather weak.
However, the style is too broad for TV and I can imagine that even the genius Cabin Pressure would suffer there. Steve Delaney's ridiculously broad acting simply doesn't work. I'm not a particular fan of Miranda but it just about works in that all the characters are a little broad. It also doesn't help that the character is meant to be perceived as unfunny by everyone. Of course, this is all part of the joke but it's hard to make unfunny things funny.
Count Arthur Strong is a very gentle sitcom. Old Aunt Edna will not be offended in the slightest. I don't mind that there's an antidote to the ubiquitous swearing that passes for comedy nowadays, but it's all just a bit strained. It clearly wants to be like The Two Ronnies and other seventies sitcoms but the style just doesn't work in the modern day. If we wanted seventies-style comedies, we'd watch comedies from the seventies. The best comedy is based on truth- even if it's a surreal comedy. Count Arthur Strong does manage to scrape some credibility back, such as the ending of episode 5, which actually had a nice amount of pathos. It's these moments of pathos that make you hope that what is intended to pass for comedy will finally become comic.
As for the other characters, this is very much the Count Arthur show, despite the show being when he is not there. Rory Kinnear is excellent as biographer Michael, the disappointing son of a successful comedian, but the other characters are even thinner than cardboard cutouts.
Hopefully it will turn itself around with the last episode but I doubt it. Despite the name, Count Arthur Strong is rather weak.
Just as good solo live.
plan9931 January 2022
I loved this series so much that about three years ago I went to see the Count live and there was plenty of laughter from start to finish. Go and see him if you get the chance. A unique TV comedy which won't appeal to everyone but I loved it.
Enjoyable, though not the radio Count Arthur
Lincsobserver26 December 2020
Glad to see that the BBC broadcast a new Count Arthur for Christmas, on R4. This will always be, for me, the original and best version of the character, based on his penny-pinching scheming, bombastic persona, and tendency to wind himself up to a point of frustration with his rambling monologues, full of mangled word-play. The TV version of Count Arthur is a softer, less abrasive one, more of a Harry Worth style bumbling, likeable eccentric. There's also a completely different supporting cast, which takes a while to get used to, and who take up a greater proportion of screen time. It does, though, allow for some good visual comedy, and there are some laugh out loud surreal scenes, my favourite being the Jack the Ripper tour conducted from an old ice cream van. Even if it lacks the bite of the radio series, it is still a very enjoyable tv comedy.
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