Did I review IT Crowd yet? I don’t think I did. But did I? Well anyways I’m reviewing a similar show. It’s another quirky British sitcom about three friends, in a work place environment. It’s called, “Black Books” and if you like your humor dryer than California in the summer, it’s a show for you. Hold on a minute was that California joke insensitive? No, right? The drought ended and they got water now, so the joke’s just not even topical even more. And even if it was, no one from California will read it, they’re too busy looking for water with dousing rods… so yeah, lets review: Black Books
So to start things off, Black books centers on titular book store in London. The store was run by Bernard Black, a rude, alcoholic Irishmen (that’s pretty racist right? That like if we had a show with a stereotypical Indian with a bunch of white Americans. That wouldn’t fly. Oh wait the Big bang Theory. Statement retracted.). Bernard, while owning a book shop, hates his customers, selling books, or doing any work. How the hell he was able to stay in business is beyond me.
He’s supported with quirky British man child and Louis C.K. look alike, Manny. Manny, who is unusually quirky and just a bit off, does all the work at Black Books while Bernard drinks, reads, and yells at his customers. To compete the comedy trio is Fran. Who is pretty much every female British character I’ve seen on any British sitcom: loves wine, is independent, but still wants a man in her life. Ect. The whole series centers around these three characters, usually just in the bookshop. Conflict usually arises and they do something or other to resolve it.
While the characters are likeable, the plots interesting, and the tone is charming, this show is the most British and driest show ever. Don’t get me wrong, I find it really charming (although that could just be the accents.), and sometimes I laugh at the jokes, but for the most part you really need to have a particular sense of humor to completely enjoy the show. Although I really enjoy Bernard. His interactions with his customers are particularly funny. It’s like if.. if.. uh, what’s his name from American idol? The British guy, SIMON. He’s like an Irish Simon yelling at stupid contestant who think they can sing. Manny of course brings his own style of comedy to the table. But his character switches from being the dope to the straight man, so it’s not very consistent.
All in all, the show “Black Books” is your standard British sitcom, fit with an alcoholic Irishmen, wine loving woman, and uhh a Manny. As I’ve aid before, you need to have a dry wit about you to get the fullest experience from this show. If not, its just going to feel like the kind of show your roommate puts on tv while you’re trying to recover from a massive hangover. But, it has its moments and is worth a watch when you’re in the mood for something different.
Score: 3/5
