Allow me to begin my post by referencing a comedic American movie called 'Big Night'. At one point in this film, after experiencing the fare of a lavish feast prepared by an excellent Italian chef, a young American woman is seen crying. When asked why she was crying she replied, "My mother was such a terrible cook." Such is my dismay when comparing American comedy to British comedy. I must confess that I came to the party late and met the writers Wodehouse, Munro and Jerome in my more mature years. Perhaps this was for the best as I can appreciate them better today than I might have before imbibing decades of American sitcom inanity.
Though I have read a few opposite opinions in these reviews I thought the series captured the essence of the books quite well. The characters of Jeeves and Wooster were, in my opinion, masterfully imagined by Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie as were the characterizations by all members of the supporting cast. Wodehouse's biting satire of the British upper class, much like the writings of H. H. Munro, was very cleverly engineered, and the overarching premise of the upper class being at times as desperately dependent upon what Bertie might call "the proper feudal spirit" of the lower classes (as the titled characters of the series often were upon Jeeves) did not go unnoticed or unappreciated by this observer - a satire worthy of Swift.
Salutations to my British cousins across the pond and my gratitude for sharing your excellent television productions with us ..... umm ... despite that unfortunate ruckus back in the 18th century.
Though I have read a few opposite opinions in these reviews I thought the series captured the essence of the books quite well. The characters of Jeeves and Wooster were, in my opinion, masterfully imagined by Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie as were the characterizations by all members of the supporting cast. Wodehouse's biting satire of the British upper class, much like the writings of H. H. Munro, was very cleverly engineered, and the overarching premise of the upper class being at times as desperately dependent upon what Bertie might call "the proper feudal spirit" of the lower classes (as the titled characters of the series often were upon Jeeves) did not go unnoticed or unappreciated by this observer - a satire worthy of Swift.
Salutations to my British cousins across the pond and my gratitude for sharing your excellent television productions with us ..... umm ... despite that unfortunate ruckus back in the 18th century.