A Bit of Brit

Hello children! Today's topic is on older British television, that's already off the air. No, I'm not talking about Monty Python, simply because it's one of the more popular in the States and doesn't need any more fan service.

But since we're on the subject, I want to take a quick minute and geek on a game called Fluxx. The rules are simple, because they change depending on the cards you play. I'm not going to explain it, but look into it, because it's a blast. The reason I bring it up is because they have a Monty Python version.

I haven't gotten a chance to play it yet, but check out the link to Looney Labs, the creators, for more information.

Okay, onto other shows. I recently found YouTube postings (yes, linked on the left) called "A Bit of Fry and Laurie." If that second name sounds familiar, yes, it's our lovable Dr. House, Hugh Laurie. (What do you mean you don't love Hugh Laurie?! Push off!) He's paired up with Stephen Fry, and they do sketch comedy a la Monty Python. BBC Comedy sponsors the YouTube clips, and the DVDs are available through normal shopping means (oh please, just type it in the Google toolbar, I know you have one).

When I was younger, my older brother was very much into British comedy at the time, and he got Fawlty Towers one year for Christmas. It was about John Cleese's character Basil Fawlty, and Basil's wife Sybil Fawlty (Prunella Scales) and they owned a hotel. Hilarity ensues. The episode that stands out the most (its been 10+ yrs since I've seen it) was when Basil sets up the most amazing surprise birthday party for his wife, but pretends all day that he's forgotten. Sybil drops hints the size of boulders, and just as Basil's about to unveil the surprise, she gets upset and storms out of the hotel and drives off. Too embarrassed to tell the guests what happened (her mother, after all, never quite approved of Basil). And then there was Basil the rat, but I forget what happens.