Very Late Review LIVE: Fast and Loose
Hello. Thanks for well-wishes. Today has been a considerable improvement on yesterday’s deplorable effort. I’ve filed a complaint about yesterday and am waiting to hear if I’ll get a refund.
I can’t blog properly today, but here’s the thing: there’s a show on tonight called Fast And Loose. It’s an improv show from some of the people who make Mock The Week. For all sorts of reasons, but two specific ones, I’d like to know what you think about it. So if you’re in the UK, why not watch it and pen a brief review here? Assume I don’t have any involvement. Then later, I’ll tell you if that is true or not. But I’d like to be briefed. I will eventually watch it, by the way, so it’s not all on you. But it’d be useful to have an instant Watcensus. Thanks.
Also, if you don’t see it, how about Episodes? It was on this week. Again, I’d like to know about it/didn’t see it. Anyone?
We did this with Rev once and I found it useful.
If you don’t have any way of contributing on either subject, fill me on The West Wing, will you? I’m about to finish Mad Men (absolutely amazing, did I mention?) and I desperately need Americans to talk fast at me some more, but The Wire’s a bit violent for The Wife.
Ta!
Posted by Laura on January 28, 2011
As an Aussie (watching through the internet), I thought Fast & Loose was ok. It’s great to see an Improv show back on the screen but I felt it wasn’t actually completely improv. I am sure other people have echoed my sentiment. There were moments (particularly in the first episode) where it felt rehearsed. I agree with some of your commenters, the sideways segment is hilarious. Basically because the movement (although you can plan what you do) is real, so the way they move from scenario to scenario looked real not fake.
So I guess my main criticism for Fast & Loose is the authenticity of it being pitched as Improv and whether it is or not. Kudos though for a show like this being back on air.
Posted by Andy Gibson on January 24, 2011
Mr Watson, Fast & Loose wasn’t the best in my opinion. I grew up with ‘Whose line is it anyway’, a true classic. This is a poor imitation. There were some good bits, but at present I wouldn’t tune in to watch it. In fact, my best comparison is the difference between the current US version fo ‘Whose Line’ and the old UK version of ‘Whose Line’. Same program, but different feel to them. I might watch again, but only out of hope and curiosity.
As for ‘Episodes’. I was a big fan of ‘Green Wing’ especially season 1. Season 2 dipped and they should never have bothered with the specials, they were awful. Point is, T Greig and S Mangan were good in that together and so I looked forward to this. Anyway, after 1 episode I wasn’t convinced, but neither would I dismiss it. I will be giving this another chance, there is certainly potential there.
Posted by Bansri on January 22, 2011
I saw fast and loose both last week and this week. It is pretty awesome, but relies entirely on the talent of the people they have on, they need comedians who can act and improvise. Also the whole act out a song thing was only funny for one week. The side ways bit at the end is really really funny though. In fact there were many times that I couldn’t breathe it was so funny, and my face was aching afterwards. Scratch the earlier comment, its AMAZING
Posted by Katherine on January 21, 2011
Just popped across from Livejournal to leave my first-ever comment on this blog, and to report that the RSS feed seems to be fixed, at least for Livejournal, so hopefully everyone is now back to their daily dose of Watson. Yay for you, Mark!
Also, West Wing is amazing, you should definitely watch it. It’s hilarious and well-written (up to Season 4) and idealistic and just good fun. I think you will like Josh, and Sam, and indeed all the other characters. Plus the entire box set is usually available for about £50.
Posted by Beth (Doomed1) on January 18, 2011
Fast and Loose – Okay, interprative dance guy is amazing. Liked some people didnt like others so much. I dont like the presenter, Hugh whats his face. And think they are trying to be whose line is it anyway and not quite getting there. But would watch if nothing else is on.
Episodes – Second episode was much better than the first. Again, not groundbreaking and I wouldnt be upset if I missed it. But pretty good.
Posted by Andrew on January 17, 2011
Astonished, genuinely astonished, by the number of positive comments about Episodes. It was absolutely diabolical, truly atrocious. I could go on and on, but I won’t. So much – starting with ripping off the opening gag from Steve Martin’s LA Story – was wrong with it. Didn’t laugh once. Dreadful.
The West Wing is brilliant, certainly the first four series which were written almost entirely by Aaron Sorkin. The last series I could live without. However, the best TV programme of the last 20 years, hands down, no question, is The Sopranos.
Posted by Nuala on January 16, 2011
Just watched fast and loose. Husband and I laughed all the way through. Interpretive dance was brilliant!
Also loved Episodes.
Posted by Rachael on January 16, 2011
You should definitely watch House if you haven’t already. No idea about the others though.
Posted by Amy B on January 15, 2011
I’m about to watch Fast and Loose on iplayer, partly to review it for you, but also partly because I’m a bit in love with Humphrey Ker, so I can’t promise I’ll be impartial.
I watched Episodes, and thought it was vaquely funny but nothing spectacular. The sort of thing I would happily watch, but wouldn’t be bothered about missing.
As for The West Wing- I can’t recommend it enough. I think part of the reason I love it is that I love the idealism and principles of the characters, and from what I know of you from stand up and writing and whatnot I think you would too. It’s also brilliant TV though. I know I’m gushing, but I watched 2 episodes and then had to buy the box set, and I’m currently watching every series again. Admittedly that may say more about me than the show, but the fact remains that it’s great and you should definitely watch it.
Posted by Aislinn on January 15, 2011
I loved Fast and Loose, but I have to agree with Zoe about being biased – I don’t know if my opinion would change if I had never seen any of the performers live before or knew what they were like. Still, I thought it was brilliant. I laughed out loud many times.
Episodes didn’t really appeal to me much, so I didn’t watch it. #unhelpful
Posted by Clembear on January 15, 2011
Oooh, and Rev was brilliant! Under the radar as one of the best depictions of faith and religion in the modern world with laughs too! Many thumbs!
Posted by Clembear on January 15, 2011
I liked Episodes but like things about the inside of the TV industry – pretty good, reviews suggest it gets better. Its scheduled in the US before the rehashed version of Shameless which might be some arch meta-comment on the US/UK relationship. It had a nice bit on cruelty in comedy which you might like.
I’ve heard very good things about the West Wing, I think its a bit of a lefty 24 but its nice to counterbalance. I can’t recommend Battlestar Galactica enough- its ambitious and brilliant. I’m ambling through Mad Men at the mo, with Six Feet Under or True Blood next on the list, depending if I want something excellent or silly.
Posted by Lau on January 15, 2011
West Wing is my greatest find of recent times, recommended to me by family friends. I am working through the box sets & they are brilliant. Politics isn’t exactly my thing but it has made constitutional law much easier to understand this year! It’s quick & funny. Get cracking!
Posted by Anji on January 15, 2011
Well, I’m glad now I mentioned House! Didn’t expect it to get so much support! Perhaps it’s wasn’t a waste of first comment after all!
And Laurs I also love Grey’s! Stumbled across it by accident and yet love it. Have you followed Addison over to Private Practice or just stuck with Grey’s? Mark, Emily could happily watch Grey’s without fear of being too violent!
Posted by Hannahq on January 15, 2011
Fast and Loose – I wasn’t sure at first, but everything post-interprative dance was utter brilliance.
And Episodes wasn’t great but I think it will get better as the series progresses, because there was a lot of scene setting and whatnot they had to deal with in the first episode.
Posted by Tracey on January 15, 2011
Hi Mark. I’ve also caught this blog a bit late and haven’t watched any of the shows you’ve mentioned so I won’t be much help. I do, however, agree with other posters here who recommend House – it’s excellent, especially Season three. House’s grumpiness over the festive season is actually a joy to watch! The humour in it is bang on for me although the format is the same in that he is a diagnostician but it’s the way he manipulates people and the acid venom that drips from his tongue that really makes it a gem of a series. Take care, Tracey x
Posted by Lydia on January 15, 2011
Episodes: I watched this one with my mum, and we both thought that it was really good. I’m definitely going to keep watching it because it seems to me like one of those that’ll get better as it progresses.
Fast and Loose: … I was kind of disappointed. I thought that it was going to be a Thank God You’re Here kind of thing, but it didn’t really live up to that at all. I thought Hugh Dennis was funny and there was an awesome guy doing interpretive dancing and the sideways scene was good, but this rest didn’t really work, in my opinion. I would perhaps have enjoyed it more if I had found any of the people funny, but as it was I thought most of them were annoying and found myself wondering why they were on tv. That said, I appreciate that a program like that would be kind of scary and a lot of hard work. I’ll probably watch it again though.
Posted by Laurs on January 15, 2011
Episodes: Well, i watched it having no expectations, which was a good thing because when, after ten minutes I realised it was a pile of shit, I didn’t feel too bad. It just had no hook to keep me entertained, it wasn’t funny, and I just couldn’t find it within myself to suspend my disbelief at various points and I just found myself thinking – “that wouldn’t actually happen”. Also got distracted by the blonde American woman, the character who was the head of comedy, because I’ve seen her in something else and I can’t remember where!
Just about to go and watch the other one, but I’ve heard from friends already that it’s a promising series that’s likely to get better the longer it runs.
And finally, on this mammoth comment (making up for not commenting for a while), is that I love Grey’s Anatomy, you should watch that!
Posted by Carl on January 15, 2011
Caught this blog late so missed the chance to review the shows you asked for. However, I studied West Wing at Uni and fell in love with it. Do it. Do it.
Posted by Anna Lowman on January 15, 2011
Haven’t caught up with Fast and Loose yet, but will report back when I have…
As for Episodes, it’s quite hard to objectively review a show that’s stuffed full with performers you really like, which is the case here. It didn’t make me laugh out loud, but I did enjoy it – and I have complete faith that le Blanc’s presence will improve it – so long as he doesn’t fall foul of the Friends Law which seems to be that cast members lose the ability to deliver a line in a funny and interesting way in any other show/film. His ace timing was evident even in the 30sec scene he had in this ep though. Not amazing, but more than enough to keep me watching.
Posted by Courtney on January 15, 2011
West Wing is entirely too dull and cold for me, I never got past the first few episodes, although I’m told it gets better from there.
For American TV, I’d recommend House as well but only with fair warning that the format starts to get fairly repetitious, although the latest two seasons haven’t been too bad.
If you’re into sci-fi drama, I HIGHLY recommend Fringe, which is probably my favorite American show at the moment. It gets quite weird and amazing and dramatic, with some quite fantastic acting thrown in, particularly from John Noble. Although if the Wire is a bit too violent, Fringe might end up being a bit too scary.
Posted by Madeleine on January 15, 2011
The West Wing is great! VERY fast talking, but Aaron Sorkin is a genius, the script is incredible and you really get into it. Very powerful but can take a few episodes to warm up, but stick with it, the characters really develop.
There certainly are A LOT of episodes though so it takes some commitment.
Posted by Dan on January 15, 2011
I enjoyed Fast and Loose, Humphrey Ker and Justin Edwards always make me laugh.
I didn’t enjoy Episodes, there was no chemistry between Greig and Mangan, which was surprising because there is in Green Wing, so I suspect its just poor writing, which is also surprising considering its David Crane who did Friends which was funny. I’ll watch next week to see if Matt LeBlanc improves it. I doubt he will though.
Posted by Misha on January 15, 2011
I FUCKING LOVED FAST AND LOOSE/fangirling
Ahem, a proper review you say?
Episodes: Totally failed to hold my attention, watched half the first episode then gave up on it. Might be good, but I didn’t get it.
Fast and Loose: Aside from a certain someone whom I may or may not have a massive girly crush on (yes, I am actually an eighteen year old girl sometimes) I really enjoyed it. It’s quite a nice format, like whose line but (at risk of sounding like a wanker) snappier. Couldn’t really see the MTW elements in it which was nice. Also, it was good to see a. lesser known comics like Humphrey and Laura, and b. WOMEN! I know it shouldn’t be a novelty but the fact of the matter is that it is. (urgh, terrible scentence structure) Anyway, it was good to see them not having to fight for space, and it was just wonderfully silly. No Srs Satirez just people messing about.
I’ll admit to being slightly knocked by the “bald girls” joke, although I think that’s more a lack of self confidence on my part, i’m never normally bothered. Other than that my only real problem with it was that it didn’t go on for longer. Infact, I think I might go and watch it again now.
I’ll stop gushing about it at any rate.
Posted by Simone on January 15, 2011
I quite enjoyed Episodes – Ben Miller’s cameo was ACE.
I was at the recording for this episode of Fast and Loose and laughed loads. I don’t think the edit did it justice. Also, some of the rounds could have been shorter. Greg Davies came across particularly well.
Posted by Helen on January 15, 2011
oops, sorry, i meant interpretive dance, not improv dance.
Posted by Helen on January 15, 2011
Episodes: It was much better than my rather low expectations based on the advert and that’s all I can really say at the moment. It could be great. It might be shit. 5/10
Fast and Loose: For a first episode, I’d say it was good. What didn’t quite work for me was it was saying it was all improvisional so then when the comedians did [what I believe to be] pre-prepared jokes, it seemed they were shoe horning them in a little. There’s something else I can’t quite put my finger on that made watching it a little less enjoyable than I felt it should be, too many shots of audience clapping or that improv dance going on too long perhaps. But on the whole, it was a good show really and I will watch again, I don’t want to be too harsh because it’s only the first ep. I also suspect my lack of a good day has probably impacted my enjoyment of it. 6/10, but optimistic this score will improve.
Posted by Tibbs on January 14, 2011
I’ve been meaning to check out Fast and Loose, but probably won’t get to watch it until tomorrow; may report back. I’ve not seen the West Wing, but from what I’ve heard it is very good but looses focus a bit in later seasons. I watched most of the first episode of Mad Men ages ago and have been meaning to get back to ever since. Hopefully I will get on that soon.
If you’re taking other recommendations, I would put forward Life for consideration. It was a great show that only got two seasons, both of which were fairly short, so won’t take up too much of your time but still has a good story. It’s about a cop who was wrongly accused of murdering his friend and his friend’s family, is been released after serving 12 years of a life sentence. Also, I believe Christina Hendricks, who has a small role in Life, was also in Mad Men.
Oh, and I see Megan’s mentioned Slings & Arrows; I would definitely recommend that as well. A lot of people have said it’s especially good if you’re familiar with the theatre business, but I’m not at all familiar with theatre and I still adored it. It’s got great stories a lot of great Canadian actors.
Well, if nothing else, I’ve succeeded in making myself want to rewatch a few shows…
Posted by Emily on January 14, 2011
Liked Greig and Mangan in Episodes, and hope I will like LeBlanc when he turns up properly, but not convinced by the idea behind it. Will continue watching and hope the main three actors make it good. So far 7/10, hope to improve.
As with some parts of Mock the Week, I find a lot of this style awkward to watch, though I don’t know why. Some very funny parts though, interpretive dance and sideways scene in particular, though as others have said, interpretive dance went on too long. Again 7/10, likely to improve.
Posted by Someone on January 14, 2011
Fast and loose: I am a MASSive Whose Line fan, and a vague Mock the Week fan. I *think* I liked this 1st ep of F&L, but I think I’m giving it a few more episodes for the benefit of the doubt. Some parts worked very well, and others not so well. There’s always the speculation of how much they get to prepare, so I thought the bad bits were quite reassuring in that respect, but my sister (to be fair, not a huge comedy fan) thought it was rehearsed, and crap allthesame. I liked the interpretive dance bit – Armand is always brilliant at those – not really improvised, but I suppose that bit doesn’t claim to be. Very funny all the same. I would have loved to see how Tim Key fared in the pilot. I had tickets to that show but couldn’t make it! Sucky. Ooh and looking forward to seeing Wayne Brady make an appearance! Though it would’ve been even better to see Brad, Ryan, Greg or Colin. Or even Chip! They should get Paul Merton and Clive Anderson too! Though BBC probably working on a budget, and it is nice to see some lesser knowns being given a chance.
Episodes: I thought it was interesting to see how Grieg and Mangan managed to act all the intimate ‘romantic’ scenes, when they’ve worked together before and are friends and married and whatnot! But I suppose that is a minor point. The first episode was pretty mediocre, but the actors made up for (perhaps) the writing – wahoo Richard Griffiths, and of course the main two, and Le Blanc. I watched a nice interview with the latter three which was interesting. Matt was reeeeally laid back, but that’s what Hollywood fame does to you, I guess. Nice, all the same. I don’t hold out for a 2nd series, but then again I have no understanding of why ‘Two Pints..’ has been recommisioned yet again! So don’t ask me.
And yes, I agree, watch House!! The ONLY American Drama (other than Lost) worth a glance.
Posted by Nathan on January 14, 2011
Fast and Loose is – more or less – Whose Line Is It Anyway 2011. Compared with Mock the Week, there’s a feeling of co-operation rather than competition about it, which is nice.
Although it’s not perfect (it does have a smug air to it, even if it’s hard to pin down why exactly, and the Interpretative Dance round went on too long), it certainly has promise and was a lot of fun to watch.
Posted by Matt on January 14, 2011
Fast & Loose
It felt a lot like a cross between Who’s line is it anyway and Mock the week, which could be a good thing. It was mostly funny the way it was put together as a show. I think the guest worked very well together in the sketches which I think could be crucial because I think the guest have to get on to be able to do the show, if you get what I mean.
Overall a funny half hour and will watch again
Episode’s
It was okay as a first episode, a few funny part’s some not so. The problem I think they will have is that the show is made for the US and UK market at the same time, it is shown on the Sunday in the US and the Monday in the UK and I don’t think it will work for both side’s, either the US or the UK will love it but not both without a change of script to be more American as it is probably paid for by the American network Showtime for it to get another season, which they will also have to do if they want the new US version of Shameless to work.
It’s worth a watch, I will watch the rest of the series and then make a proper conclusion but there is worse on other channels.
Posted by Josh on January 14, 2011
I watched Episodes expecting the very worst and was sorely disappointed.
As in, it wasn’t bad at all.
It was pretty damn good. I am a massive fan of everyone involved in Green Wing and their talent obviously lifted a dubious concept above the parapet of goodness. It could still go horribly wrong, of course, but if it continues as it is, I’m looking forward to it.
7.5/10
Haven’t seen Fast and Loose yet.
Posted by Julie on January 14, 2011
Fast and Loose very funny, reminded us of Whose Line is it anyway. Loved the interpretive dance bit
Posted by Zoe Fell on January 14, 2011
Fast and Loose has literally just finished it. I find it hard to have a neutral position on it, being the massive fan of Humphrey that I am, but I shall try.
I really enjoyed it. It’s had a bit of a negative response on Twitter from most people, but the people I follow (i.e. those who watch a lot of comedy and appreciate a lot of different stuff) really loved it. The Interpretive Dance round was really funny, but possibly went on a little bit too long. The Sideways Scene was probably one of my favourites. And obviously any bit with Humphrey was lovely.
Ahem.
So come on then Watson, spill some beans. If they need to be spilt, that is.
Posted by issey on January 14, 2011
I thought Fast And Loose was pretty good, was really fun to watch!
Posted by Beth on January 14, 2011
Fast and loose was so funny! My brother actually snort laughed towards the end. I’ll definately watch it next week
Posted by ChrisP on January 14, 2011
It was fine. I’m not a big MTW fan at all but this was far less smarmy and much more fun, but still rather similar. It seemed a bit like the sort of quirky show you would expect to find at the Edinburgh fringe or something; it had a few good ideas in it but somehow wasn’t quite as funny as it should be. Potential to get better though.
Posted by Megan on January 14, 2011
The West Wing is something I never got into, which is ridiculous because I like Aaron Sorkin generally. I think it might be something to do with Canada’s fear of/annoyance with the US’s dominance in North America. Or because I worked nights and/or took night classes during most of the years it was on. (It’s on our big list of things to watch from start to finish. Working on classic comedy ‘Soap’ right now.)
(The fastest talking American show, BTW, might be Gilmore Girls. Their scripts were a third longer than most other hour-long dramas because they talked so much.)
A shorter commitment that I’d like to recommend (although I’ve not seen all of it) is Slings & Arrows, a Canadian (gasp!) comedy-drama set in the theatre. Well worth a watch, if you can find it. (It airs stateside, but I don’t know if it made it overseas.)
I am curious about Fast and Loose now. I love Hugh Dennis and many of the others mentioned in the press kit. Not so interested in Episodes, despite Tamsin Greig and Stephen Mangan, because I really don’t care for Matt Leblanc, but I’ll probably watch when it turns up on TV here anyway.
Posted by Julie on January 14, 2011
I agree with Nathan re Episodes, the first show all seeming a lead up to Matt Le Blanc’s arrival. Will watch again next week and hope it picks up a bit. Fast and Loose on in 10mins, will keep you posted if it’s any good.
Posted by MusicalLottie on January 14, 2011
House!!!
I have seasons 1-5 on DVD and am waiting for the price of season 6 to go down as well as somehow gaining some money. I can’t wait to get s6 though; I LOVE House SO MUCH! And they do tend to talk fast, so it should meet your criteria
I won’t get to watch Fast and Loose, and I haven’t seen Episodes, sorry.
Posted by ChrisP on January 14, 2011
Considering the program hasn’t started yet this is looking very much like an on time review!
Posted by Meg on January 14, 2011
House House House House House House House!!! I have every single DVD of House (6 series’ – 7th is still airing) and I have watched most episodes more than once. I got a bit obsessed with it a few years ago if I’m honest. But most people aren’t as obsessive as I was when I was 12 (and still am actually. Shhh, don’t tell anyone). You can borrow them if you want, it would make viewing a lot easier. No ad breaks!
Will watch Episodes and Fast and Loose and get back to you
Posted by Lindsay on January 14, 2011
The West Wing is amazing – witty, pacy, great story arcs, great cast, intelligent, inspirational. Makes you feel like you are learning something, but not in a fingerwagging way. Probably the best television series ever made.
(As an indication of how strongly I feel, I have read the blog every day, and this is my second only comment. So, you know, to relinquish my QIP status, I must be a bit evangelical about it.)
Posted by Nathan on January 14, 2011
Good to hear that today has been better. The only thing I can comment on at the moment is Episodes. I wouldn’t recommend it. Although it had a few moments, it seems to think itself to be a lot more original than it is and I’d say that very few of its jokes hit the mark.
That said, the first episode was essentially a set-up for the rest of the series: not all the elements have been put into place yet, the most obvious being the much-publicised appearance of Matt LeBlanc.
Overall, I’d say that the jury’s still out on Episodes, but next week’s..erm… episode needs to see a significant improvement, most likely coming from Matt LeBlanc’s appearance giving the whole thing the kick-start it needs.
Posted by Kathryn on January 14, 2011
I agree with Anji- I haven’t watched any of the things you requested, but I have watched an awful lot of House. Not having access to a TV and having an exam on monday makes reviewing difficult.
What a pointless comment. Hopefully the next person will be better…
Posted by Anji on January 14, 2011
I could try and steal first comment but have nothing useful to say.
Have you watched House? I think it’s a very good series. But not having seen mad men, the west wing or indeed the wire I can’t compare it to any of those!
So feel free should this make first, to bump it down the list a little bit.
Glad today’s been better.