There's one episode where Hacker must've ad-libbed and Bernard, standing by the office door, busts up laughing...obviously out-of character. It is hilarious and I was in tears with laughter myself at this when I watched it awhile back. Does anyone remember that and can recall which episode it was? I'm pretty sure it was in the "Yes, Minister" series as opposed to the "...Prime...".
shareNot sure if it's the moment you're thinking about, but Hacker and Bernard have what I think is the funniest scene in the entire Yes Minister series when they realize Sir Humphrey is trying to hide something in "The Skeleton in the Cupboard." They try (in vain) to discuss his situation seriously, but can't because it's too absurdly hilarious.
shareYes, thank you! It is in the "Skeleton..." episode! The scene it was when Hacker asks Bernard to call Humphrey back to his office. Bernard calls for him, hangs up the phone and says something like "He's coming 'round" and Hacker says almost offhandedly (most likely an ad lib perhaps?) "Why, did he faint?" Bernard (or more accurately Derek at this point) starts giggling. Then the camera pans to Hacker who says "It's really very serious, Bernard" and then breaks up as he buries his face in his handkerchief. Omagosh! No matter how many times we repeat it, it has us all rolling and roaring with laughter!
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I've always thought that bit was a bit off cue but hilarious but I confess it never occured to me it may have been ad-libbed. It IS quite a memorable bit though lol
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Having viewed it again, I agree that it's probably off the cuff, but worked so well and came across so naturally that the director left it in.
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