Peep Show - Series 2 [2005]

The novel feature about this comedy is that we have access to the thoughts of the two leading protagonists and such thoughts tend to be in conflict with what they actually verbalise. Aside from this novel feature,
the comedy works because it very well scripted. It's actually a very clever idea: two late 20s/early 30 yr olds living together, diametrically opposed personalities - so that most in this age bracket can relate to at least one or the other - and ostensibly different characters except that their Machiavellian motivations and thoughts are revealed to us and we appreciate that the core of their being is essentially that of any human - self-serving and cynical.
Yes, this comedy series brings unbridled cynicism of the human condition to the fore and delivers witticisms in a manner unseen on these isles since the good old fashioned Shakespearean 'aside'.

I think this series is arguably better than the third. The discovery that Mark's new friend is a Nazi; Jez and Mark's desperate attempts to impress their new prospective girlfriends by sharing a hippy-love spin-the-bottle induced snog; Mark's stalking of a Dartmouth Uni student bird and subsequent failure to pull her.

All the characters are strong and very well performed and not just the two central characters. Sophie is a very believeable and well acted part, for example, Super Hans is a fine creation, too.

Ultimately, it's comforting to know that great British comedy does exist, after years in the doldrums. I was always a big fan of 'niche' comedy shows like "The Mary Whitehouse Experience" and "A Bit of Fry and Laurie" from the more 'surrealist' comedy era, and also the more well known "Blackadder". A new era of comedic 'realism' has swept the nation, from "The Day Today" and Alan Partridge, to "The Office" and now "Peep Show". I suspect that "Peep Show" will fail to get the recognition it deserves but as a testament to its cult support it has had three series released at least. May there be many more.


A Brilliand Second Series!   February 9, 2006
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

Peep Show is a situation comedy akin to the office in its uncompromising approach to embarassing social situations. It is filmed from the perspective of (and occassionaly narrated by) the central characters. These are Jeremy (an overly confident young, unemployed wannabe musician) and Mark (the socially self-conscious flatmate of Jeremy). Their failures and successes in various enterprises (dating, employment, business, and even their own friendship) are portrayed with hilarious takes on the characters' reasoning and emotions. The show also doesn't fear showing the more sensitive moments accurately, whilst staying true to how these are perceived by all parties in any given situation. The support characters are excellent.

All in all the comedy works excellently, and the back cover's claim that it is "devilishly clever, sick, rude and very funny" are all true, although to that you could add "sensitive, subtle, meticulous and unusual".

This second series is a wonderful follow up to the first. There are some new characters and ideas, but the general mood and all that is good about the show is maintained. This is observational humour at its best. It tackles some of the most apt situations of British life.
This second series has 6 episodes and a documentary about how the show is made as one of the extras on the disc. I wouldn't hesitate to buy this and the first series. Brilliant comedy. Really.


Five stars aren't enough   January 12, 2006
Steerforth (Sussex)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

I agree with one of the other reviewers - five stars aren't enough for this brilliant comedy. I missed the first two series when they were shown (like most people, I suspect) and catching up with them on DVD has given me six hours of unadulterated pleasure.

The characters make you cringe with embarrassment in a way that recalls the best moments of 'The Office' and some of the one-liners made me laugh more than anything I've seen for a long time. This series is definitely on a par with 'Father Ted' and 'The Office' and stands head and shoulders above programmes like 'Little Britain'.