Rik Mayall and Ade Edmonson first teamed up as 20th Century Coyote at the fledgling Comedy Store in 1980. Having established themselves as a duo they were blended in to the TV show “The Young Ones” (part written by Mayall along with Lise Mayer and Ben Elton). Rik as the annoying sociology student Rik and Ade as medical nutcase Vyvyan. This led to a partial spin off, Filthy Rich and Catflap written by Elton. The pair's characters were beginning to take shape with Richie as the hopeless out of work actor Richie Rich and Ade as his minder Eddie Catflap.
Next the pair took control, writing "Bottom" where the characters had progressed to unemployed/unemployable, late thirtysomethings Richie and Eddie (Hitler) living in a shabby London apartment. Neither have any social skils, Rik still hasn't got a girlfriend and Eddie is portrayed as a borderline alcoholic. There are suggestions the latter has a social life although his only real friends seem to be the equally inept Spudgun and Dave Hedgehog (later on we find Hedgehog has a family which is surprising).
The show lasted 3 series of 6 episodes featured a lot of verbal interaction between the 2 along with their trademark violence and Eddie belittling Richie. Quite often about his sex life or lack thereof. The duo are on safe ground with violence and sexual inadequacy however the adoption of the “two hander” is brave but highlights some deficiencies. They are almost there but I feel a more qualified comedy writer would have put the finishing touches to the dialogue.
At times it is magical – Eddie taunts Richie about his visit to “Dr O'Grady's personal organ enhancment clinic - you too can have your personal organ enhanced, so that it is comparable in size to that of a fully-grown mountain gorilla!”. Eddie dribbles out the words to full effect. Richie responds curtly with “Yes, when he said Comparable in size . I didn't realise he meant An awful lot smaller than ." In these cases the actors are on the top of their game. But there are times when the conversations lag – filling in the gaps between the good stuff. The combination of writing and acting is not able to interest this viewer. Soooo, bring in some violence. That always works
Introducing other actors has varying results. The Helen Lederer character in Digger is excellent and well thought out. The Parade episode brought in a number of guest actors to riotous effect. The first episode, Smells, has ups and downs. Some wooden acting but some magic.
In summary the first 2 series are well worth a watch if not hilarious. Series 3 struggles. Still. I have just watched the lot and enjoyed them. Maybe I am critical of those I love .
