Back on TV in NYC, and I only just realized the Neil Gaiman vibe

I just noticed BBCW has offered this again, or always had, since the local PBS station is airing episode one again as I speak. :)

I haven't seen it years, but I loved it when it first came to the USA. Watching it now, I cringed at the opening theme (too cloying) and bristle at Karl Howman's accent. Even Selby sounds more "common" than in anything else. Not that everything needs to be posh, but the servants accents seem forced, and Mulberry comes across as someone who would have more cultured an accent. That said, the fact of who Mulberry is, and why he's there makes this series an absolute landmark, and quite a daring idea for a sitcom, especially one that couldn't resist a laughtrack. (Would have been so much better without it)

That special element smacks so much of something from Neil Gaiman, that I assumed his involvement (he did do Neverwhere for the BBC), but no, my memory failed me there. Anyhow, that beautiful melancholy essence of his modern fairytales is present, and will have me watching this new run of the series until it finishes, and feeling a sense of loss when it ends despite its faults.

By the way, I always wanted to have Howman waistcoats. I just never could afford to dress that way though. ;)