The Thick of It

Nitefly · 15 Jul 2019 at 11:40

I only stumbled across this show by accident really. Synopsis for those under a rock like me: it’s a show about the inner workings of the UK government and largely focusses on bumbling politicians trying their best to avoid catastrophe under the fury of the extremely manipulative and furious spin doctor, Malcom Tucker.

Good grief, how did I miss this when it came out?! It is absolutely stunning. I don’t think I have laughed so hard in ages. Malcolm Tucker is perhaps the best character in any show I have ever seen, surpassed only, perhaps, by his even more ‘ultra-turbo’ Scottish colleague. Finished off with the spin off film, in the loop, last night.

If you haven’t seen this show it is absolutely essential viewing, perhaps even more relevant in today’s political climate.

Whole show is on Netflix with the spin off film currently on Amazon prime.

What a show

FTM · 15 Jul 2019 at 11:43

has some of the most creative swearing ever spat out by a scotsman..its glorious

though Veep has since outshone it as Armando Iannucci and his team really polished their style

edscdk · 15 Jul 2019 at 11:52

great show, loved them all.. a must watch for anyone who has not see it yet

wildman · 15 Jul 2019 at 13:56

FTM said:
has some of the most creative swearing ever spat out by a scotsman..its glorious

though Veep has since outshone it as Armando Iannucci and his team really polished their style

he is especially fond of using violent sexual imagery.

Also check out in the loop which is a film spin off from the thick of it. You get double jeopardy with 2 crazy Scots using very creative swearing. Highly recommended

Scam · 15 Jul 2019 at 15:59

It's an absolute masterpiece. So many good quotes. I particularly like the Ollie Reeder ones

“Feet off the furniture you Oxbridge ****, you’re not on a punt now.”

“I’d love to stop and chat but I’d rather have type 2 diabetes.”

“You can’t have a Prime Minister called Dan. People called Dan work in ****ing fitness centres and listen to West Coast jazz.”

Obviously most of them aren't postable here!

Lord-Jaffa · 15 Jul 2019 at 16:38

Nitefly said:
I only stumbled across this show by accident really. Synopsis for those under a rock like me: it’s a show about the inner workings of the UK government and largely focusses on bumbling politicians trying their best to avoid catastrophe under the fury of the extremely manipulative and furious spin doctor, Malcom Tucker.

Good grief, how did I miss this when it came out?! It is absolutely stunning. I don’t think I have laughed so hard in ages. Malcolm Tucker is perhaps the best character in any show I have ever seen, surpassed only, perhaps, by his even more ‘ultra-turbo’ Scottish colleague. Finished off with the spin off film, in the loop, last night.

If you haven’t seen this show it is absolutely essential viewing, perhaps even more relevant in today’s political climate.

Whole show is on Netflix with the spin off film currently on Amazon prime.

What a show

I'd you enjoyed this you would probably enjoy its counterpart VEEP which is created by the same people and equally as funny.

weringo · 15 Jul 2019 at 20:35

It's probably the best comedy of all time. The quality of writing is just exceptional, somehow they have managed to make almost every line funny meaning you need several viewings to catch everything and completely appreciate it. The very first scene even has a classic - "he's about as much use as a marzipan *****"

It's a shame about Chris Langham. Hugh was probably the best character of the first series after Malcolm, but Nicola was a worthy replacement.

Veep is also good, you'll also enjoy it, but it's not in the same league as the thick of it.

Malevolence · 15 Jul 2019 at 20:46

One of the greatest comedies of all time.

Andybtsn · 15 Jul 2019 at 20:48

I also just discovered this this year and have no idea how I'd never seen it! It's a fantastic watch, my kids/wife often walk in when I have it on and have to pause it quickly

point decay · 15 Jul 2019 at 20:51

the finest comedy ever written (imo), and introduced the world to "omnishambles"

jpaul · 15 Jul 2019 at 22:22

Agree I thought it was part of the citizenship test ... maybe Brass eye too ? ... the Office

I don't now know how much of the series pre-dated genuine scandals in government that showed people it was close to the truth.
They should have re-broadcast it preceeding the Brexit referendum. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

( did have an earlier thread https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/the-thick-of-it.18776779/#post-30711009 )

Nitefly · 15 Jul 2019 at 23:09

Will check out Veep, thanks guys!

@jpaul yeah I did see the old thread but when you necro you struggle to put your own... ‘spin’ on matters

@weringo yeah couldn’t believe what happened to Chris when I looked it up. The scene where he hides in the cupboard is probably my favourite of the whole show

Even the first episode when they are trying to come up with things in the car:

“My kids went to a zoo... they said it was really dirty....... oh god that’s ****. That’s utter ****.”
“How about... everyone has to carry a plastic bag?”

lol

hughtrimble · 15 Jul 2019 at 23:54

It is utterly superb. As noted above, I discover more brilliance the more I watch it having watched the various series multiple times.

Also as noted above, In The Loop is a brilliant film.

rebel rebel · 16 Jul 2019 at 04:54

Another shout out for Veep. The language used would make Quentin Tarantino blush.

Sankari · 16 Jul 2019 at 05:31

Lord-Jaffa said:
I'd you enjoyed this you would probably enjoy its counterpart VEEP which is created by the same people and equally as funny.

Veep is superb.

If you want a good Australian political comedy watch The Hollowmen, followed by Utopia.

kiteloopy · 16 Jul 2019 at 11:08

TTOI has only got more & more accurate.
Its my favorite show by far and I find myself quoting from it constantly.

styuR · 16 Jul 2019 at 14:21

Absolutely anything that Iannucci directs turns to gold. Still haven't gotten round to watching Veep mind you.

I've now just seen that Veep is on NowTV, that's that sorted then.

nands · 16 Jul 2019 at 16:45

styuR said:
Absolutely anything that Iannucci directs turns to gold.

Point in case everyone should watch Death if Stalin if you haven't already. It is sublime.

jpaul · 16 Jul 2019 at 21:23

Nitefly said:
Will check out Veep, thanks guys!

well I've just checked it out again .. four days to watch 6 series on nowtv ... 4minutes was all i needed.

..but my opinion remains the same ... it's just like a usa sitcom ... hard to believe he wrote it, but maybe it appealed to Americans and he gets their sense of humour.
episodes of saturday night live and their comic take-off of trump is miles better eg. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vQlhWBvAwY
so their humour can't be poles apart.

jpaul said:
so all of veep Box set is on Nowtv, which is a good introductory/best episode ? - just dipped into S1e1 and (somewhat as commented) is not as visceral/caustic as
the thick of it, hard to believe it was written by Mr Arnoucci, it feels stilted and you feel the actors are waiting for the studio audience to laugh.

Lord-Jaffa · 16 Jul 2019 at 22:52

jpaul said:
well I've just checked it out again .. four days to watch 6 series on nowtv ... 4minutes was all i needed.

..but my opinion remains the same ... it's just like a usa sitcom ... hard to believe he wrote it, but maybe it appealed to Americans and he gets their sense of humour.
episodes of saturday night live and their comic take-off of trump is miles better eg. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vQlhWBvAwY
so their humour can't be poles apart.

Anything with Congressman Furlong in.