“Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace” (UK-originated) [Holness-Ayoade-Brown, 2004] Season 1 [Only] [Jan.-Mar. 2004] [Full-length]

This distinctively, outwardly British live-action, full-length (about 25 min.) comedy is surely the most unique and original show in this column: it’s about a British guy (entirely white, rest assured) named Garth Marenghi, who alleges to write the show to carry on the tradition of the classic tragedies (King Lear, Romeo and Juliet, Superman 2, etc.), and who says that by watching them you are entering his “darkplace” (imagination). It at first comes off as a particularly bipartisan amalgam of comedy and sci-fi, which would explain why it has aired on networks catering to each of those genres. It is presented as a 20-or-so-years-old movie d/b/a TV show, frequently interrupted by video commentary from the people who they want us to think had something to do with the movie. It and its sense of humor is SO f***ing British it is inherently rather insular, but that doesn’t really matter since it is- as far as we’re concerned- very funny indeed. Here’s an excerpt: [Before making love, or something]: Dr. Sanchez: “But we don’t even know each other’s names.” Linda: “Linda.” Dr. Sanchez: “Dr. Sanchez.” [Proceed to “do it”] Its comedic brilliance flowers open for all to see once the initial, surprisingly doggedly sci-fi mien has dissipated. Grade: A MINUS