Mortimer And Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, BBC2 ★★★★★
The BBC has taken a fair bit of flak lately, so it’s only right we offer congratulations when a sensible decision is made.
Repeating Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse’s fabulous ode to friendship and fishing in a late-night Thursday slot is a scheduling master stroke. Not only does it provide a service for anyone who isn’t quite ready for a nice sit down at 8pm on a Sunday evening, it is also guaranteed to help send you off for your best night’s sleep of the week.
Has there ever been a more soothing and life-affirming show on TV? Particularly one that can also regularly have you shrieking with laughter at the silliest of things, such as Bob’s “Party Rings eyes”? As Bob pointed out last night, “Sometimes the simple things are what works”.
He was talking about his latest heart-healthy meal – corned beef and potato pie – but he could easily have been referring to this programme in general. Two old pals sitting by a riverbank or enjoying a meal by the campfire, chatting nonsense until the cows come home.
Or so it would seem. In truth, for every slapstick lark or friendly insult (“I’m not that bothered about clothes, Paul – and
I can see you’re not”) there is an anecdote or personal insight which makes you catch your breath – and then stays with you for days. Who could have predicted that some banter about Bob taking six sugars in his coffee would lead to an emotional conversation about his father, who died in a car crash when Bob was seven years old?
The way Bob ended his account with a sudden burst of dark humour shocked even Paul. That’s them in a nutshell. Their hearts may be dodgy, but they’re not afraid to wear them on their sleeves.
This must be the most soothing and life-affirming show on TV