MovieChat Forums > Upstart Crow (2016) Discussion > Retooling this show

Retooling this show

posted 8 years ago by Deenglow
5 replies | jump to latest

We all know Blackadder was retooled into what became a classic after a shaky first series. Lots of changes were made in all sorts of areas before Blackadder II burst onto screens in the style and format we know as quintessential Blackadder. Upstart Crow also has potential, but there are things I definitely think should be changed before a second series.

1. Get rid of the overused Gervais impression. Say Kemp went to the colonies where he claimed his humour would be more appreciated.

2. Tone down the faux Elizabethan language. I don't mind the "thous" and "thys", but adding "ington" to words makes them neither funny nor even vaguely Elizabethan. Very old very fast.

3. Space out/tone down the overt political references. A little subtlety with the odd sly reference is much better than just having characters outright make modern references non-stop. It's a sitcom first and foremost, not a standup routine.

4. Rewrite the daughter. Elton always seems to have this 1980s/90s view of teenagers as glum idiots who say nothing but "oh my god you're so embarrassing shut up." It's lazy. If you're going to try and mock teens, at least make them modern teens (who are more likely to be ultra-trendy and outgoing Bieberites).

5. Get rid of Bottom (crap actor, crap delivery, crap character). Either get rid of Will's parents or give them something to do. There are far too many characters in the show, and so many of them just say a line and aren't seen again. Keep it small and focused, like Blackadder.

[–] Howlin Wolf 8 years ago

I really agree with #2 - it's just lazy, and not at all funny, either!

I like Bottom, though (f'nar, f'nar… )



"Your mother puts license plates in your underwear? How do you sit?!"

[–] lilactime2014 8 years ago

Agreed with most except #5. I too like Bottom...... pause......

I think he adds much more than he taketh away.

Also it does make me wonder whether we are all a little up ourselves. Thinking *we* can improve on stuff if only they'd listen. How would Porridge have fared in the internet generation.

#1 get rid of Lukewarm, no need for any of that nonsense.
#2 Stop using words like naff off, scrote, nerk, etc. It's immature.
#3 Black Jock - what is that all about

I kinda think the edges will be worn down for the second series and it will get even funnier, Elton is quite sharp at these things.

'tler

[–] Prismark10 8 years ago

I think Elton should keep it as it is.

It's that man again!!

[–] Carl-LaFong 8 years ago

I agree with those.

Plus:

Get rid of David Mitchell. Replace with comedian.

More screen time for Mark Heap/Greene.

New writers. Sack Elton.

You're my wife now.

[–] tb-sch 8 years ago

6. A stronger theme/motivation, a plot kept in motion by outside events, resulting in a smarter character.
Especially when planning the theatre, it felt like something one could have used as the backdrop of a whole season, making intrigues necessary and allowing progress no matter whether the character wants it or not. A bit like Blackadder got demoted to a minor nobleman who then only could react, which in turn allowed his character to be much smarter, as the setbacks would not have to derive from his own inabilities but could simply come from the superiors.
It feels more original to watch someone fail who is smart, witty and in the end right, than seeing a bumbling idiot, who just got lucky, succeed.

I can see that they aim for the sitcom setup with the average family as the spin on the famous character. But that concept usually gets spiced up by some important factor, like someone unusal moving it, someone getting into a strange occupation, or some alien becoming part of that family, which then leads to constantly questioning how things are handled, especially those one takes for granted. Which could be Shakespeare. But by making Shakespeare appear like the average office worker, this show works into the opposite direction. #3 (and in the same anachronistic manner #4) seems the only way to cash in on that setup.