Ten years after 'Monty Python', another sketch show revolutionised British comedy. 'Not The Nine O'Clock News' was 'T.W.3' with a harder edge. It didn't merely offend, but horrified. What became known later on as 'alternative comedy' started here. Public figures such as Reagan, Thatcher and The Queen found themselves on the receiving end of some quite vicious ( but funny ) satirical jibes.
Typical 'Not' gag: "Peters and Lee ( a popular '70's singing duo ) split up today. Afterwards, he walked into a lamp post.". Singer Lennie Peters happened to be blind.
They showed no compassion, except when John Lennon died - the end credits of the next episode featured a Lennon song played over a black screen. Even the then-new medium of 'pop videos' got it in the neck from a witty song entitled 'Nice Video, Shame About The Song'. The cast were brilliant, Rowan Atkinson in particular, while Pamela Stephenson came as a shock to those of us used to 'glamour stooges'.
After three excellent seasons, 'Not' ran out of steam in its final year. The last episode, in particular, was absolutely dire and a sad note on which to end a great show.
Typical 'Not' gag: "Peters and Lee ( a popular '70's singing duo ) split up today. Afterwards, he walked into a lamp post.". Singer Lennie Peters happened to be blind.
They showed no compassion, except when John Lennon died - the end credits of the next episode featured a Lennon song played over a black screen. Even the then-new medium of 'pop videos' got it in the neck from a witty song entitled 'Nice Video, Shame About The Song'. The cast were brilliant, Rowan Atkinson in particular, while Pamela Stephenson came as a shock to those of us used to 'glamour stooges'.
After three excellent seasons, 'Not' ran out of steam in its final year. The last episode, in particular, was absolutely dire and a sad note on which to end a great show.