Only When I Laugh (TV Series) Operation Norman (1979) User Reviews

A solid second episode.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 6/10 · 6 September 2022]

After the mishap with his operation, the time finally arrives for Norman to go under the knife, he's feeling confident until Figgis and Glover put him off.

It's quite a funny episode, there are some amusing scenes, but I don't think you could argue that this second episode was a classic comedy. If I remember, the show for better with time.

As with the previously episode, it's Glover who's providing the laughs, I was a huge fan of Peter Bowles, and he was a class act here.

When Norman is shaved by Gupte, in plain sight of Figgis and Glover, it's quite a surreal moment, but it is funny. The bus stop scene with Patsy Smart, was also amusing.

Gupte is the issue for me I'm afraid to say, his accent is very dubious, and of course there are the unpleasant slurs.

It's quite funny, 6/10.

"Norman your fears are all in your head"

[ygwerin1 · 7/10 · 19 November 2023]

Norman Binns is by nature a somewhat timid and withdrawn character, this is most certainly the persona that he proffers up to the world.

If he were a married bloke an unkind soul may simply assume him to be married.

But not he no that's not the malady, that afflicts Norman Binns, no its his mother in short he is a mummies boy.

When Norman Binns learns that he is due for an operation, he faces all of the entirely normal feelings and emotions.

But another problem that he faces daily, is the patient that he has to share, a hospital ward with Roy Figgis.

For he is something that no hospital needs, a veritable Carrier of doubts and uncertainties.

Doctors and nurses are trained and skilled, in countering medical problems and emergencies.

But how trained are they in countering, psychological problems and concerns.

Engendered by patients coming into contact, with the Figgis bacteria?

Operation Norman

[Prismark10 · 4/10 · 28 September 2019]

After Glover having his appendix removed by mistake because he switched beds with Norman.

Norman is waiting for his appendix to be removed but Figgis puts him off the operation. Figgis tells Norman that doctors tend to be hungover on Monday mornings. Dr Thorpe staggers into the hospital ward. Thorpe has had a night out got drunk and even cut himself shaving. Norman is not confident that he is in a fit state to operate. He cannot even focus his eyes.

Gupte is stressed out with all the chores he has to do. When he comes round to shave Norman in advance of his operation. Figgis notes that he cannot even hold the razor steady.

At one point as Glover and Figgis hold Norman down, Gupte uses a syringe to knock him out but injects Glover by mistake. Norman runs away and has to be coaxed into have the operation.

An amusing episode but I do have one serious issue. This was particularly notable in ITV sitcoms of the era. When they have a character of another nationality or colour. It is not long before racial insults are traded in the name of comedy. It is the lowest form of writing. Here Figgis calls Gupte names such as Gunga Din and accused of coming into the country in a rowing boat.

Apart from Gupte having a comedy Indian accent based on Peter Seller's imitation of an Indian. He is then reduced to being inept and name calling. I used to be at school when this sitcom was shown. The next day in the playground those same insults would be hurled at people of asian origin.