Carol Cleveland, the 7th Python

When one thinks of the British comedy that started it all, Monty Python, the names of John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam, Graham Chapman and Eric Idle immediately come to mind. That said, one cannot overlook the contributions of Carol Cleveland, who appeared in 30 of the 45 Python episodes. While Connie Booth, of Fawlty Towers fame, played Michael Palin’s companion in the Lumberjack song sketch in the television series, Carol usually played that part in the live performances. Trivia note, Carol’s mother, Pat, actually appeared in two Python sketches, one with an axe embedded in her head.

After a brief time living in San Antonio, TX, Carol and her family moved back to London where her “before Python” days were spent appearing in series such as The Two Ronnies, Morcambe and Wise and Spike Milligan. Her dual portrayl of Zoot and Dingo at the Castle Anthrax in Monty Python and the Holy Grail is still memorable amidst all the other classic moments in the film.

Anyone remember Carol’s cameo appearance as a lady customer in an episode of Are You Being Served?

Today, Carol is still very active with her one-woman performance, Carol Cleveland Reveals All. With that, watch this and raise a glass of Monty Python’s Holy Grail Ale to Carol Cleveland as she celebrates her birthday today, Wednesday, January 13.

Can a show jump the shark before it premieres?

The term “jumping the shark” has become synonymous with a point in the life of a television program or series where the plot spins off into a totally ridiculous scenario. It could be something as simple as having a wedding between two unlikely characters, having the main character miraculously kidnapped by their previously unknown evil twin, or even having Ted McGinley as a guest star. 99.9% of the time, the incident is an effort to revive interest in a show whose viewership has begun to decline.

The original expression was created in the mid-80’s by Jon Hein during a conversation at the University of Michigan with friend Sean J. Connolly. The reference was to a Happy Days episode in which Fonzie (Henry Winkler) performed a water ski jump over a shark in full leather jacket and bathing suit attire. It was totally downhill after that. Guess it was too early for Joanie to marry Chachi, Ritchie’s brother, Chuck, had left the series too many years ago to come back as a pro basketball player and a pre-Revenge of the Nerds Ted McGinley was already in the series as a nephew of the Cunninghams.

I know, you wondering just what trail I’ve gone off on and what this has to do with British television. Well, stay with me. Showtime and BBC Two recently announced a new 6-part series called “Episodes” starring Matt LeBlanc. Described as a “comedy within a comedy” (that’s always confusingly dangerous), the series is about a British couple whose hit U.K. show is turned into a dumbed-down American sit-com starring LeBlanc as himself. Sounds more like a “documentary within a comedy” to me. From a production standpoint, there are a lot of great folks involved starting with Hat Trick Productions, so we’ll see where this goes from here.

Gervais hosts Golden Globes, looks back at The Office

The genius of Ricky Gervais will again take centerstage Sunday, January 17th as he hosts the 67th Golden Globe Awards. Personally, I can’t wait, especially after seeing the recent 60 Minutes interview with Gervais. That’s not all for Gervais and he continues his assault on America. In February, the co-creator, co-writer of The Office brings The Ricky Gervais Show to the small screen.

It’s at this point that I re-open the argument that the British version of The Office is still better than the American version. That said, I will admit to really liking the American version, especially Rainn Wilson, and it is the one re-make of a British comedy that has worked. I won’t even bring up the U.S. version of Coupling.

Looking back at The Office, Gervais’ interview with the Hudson Union Society gives some real insight into the creation of the characters including David Brent and Gareth. It’s scary how much of the series is based on real people and real events. While we don’t get to see the infamous David Brent dance, we do learn of its’ origin.

Red Dwarf Smeg-Ups & Kumars at No.42

While it looks so easy when the final product hits the air, seeing some of the behind-the-scenes footage always gives me just a little more insight into the importance that overall cast chemistry plays in the collective success of Britcoms.

Without trying to throw their American counterparts under the bus, it seems as though British actors and actresses sincerely go out of their way and give so much credit to co-stars, production crew, writers, creators, etc. and never talk about themselves. Must be a British thing.

Still no word as of yet regarding a possible production timeline for a season 10 for Red Dwarf. It was originally leaked by Robert Llewellyn back in October on Twitter that scripts had been commissioned by Dave, the television channel owned by UKTV and broadcasting in the UK and Ireland. What IS coming up on a number of public television stations in March 2010 will be Red Dwarf: Back to Earth, KERA Channel 13 included. Stay tuned here for broadcast date and time information.

On another note to those in the North Texas area, anyone see Kumars at No. 42 which premiered last Sunday? Would love to know what you thought of it. If you missed it, the series continues tonight at 11:30p on KERA. Let me know.

Monty Python inadvertently causes Pub evacuation

Ok, I know this happened some time back, but it’s just too good to let go by. Seems as though a pub is East London was evacuated in early 2009 and a bomb disposal unit was called in to investigate a suspicious looking object in the corner of the pub. As reported in the London Evening Standard, it turned out to be merely the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Fortunately, it was quickly determined that there was no immediate danger as there were no rabbits in the immediate area, Brother Maynard was no where to be found and no one counted to three, not four and not two, unless you are on your way to three. Even I can’t make this up.

For those of you that don’t remember thy Holy Hand Grenade or just need a MP fix over the weekend, happy viewing.