Carping on
THERE’S MORE DELIGHTFULLY INANE CHATTER ON THE RIVER BANK FROM BOB AND PAUL AS THE PAIR PITCH UP IN ESSEX
PICK OF THE DAY MORTIMER & WHITEHOUSE: GONE FISHING BBC2, 8pm
ANYONE else feel like this has quickly become one of their favourite half hours of the whole week? Paul and Bob might not always come up trumps with the fish, but the feel-good factor is always in evidence.
After last week’s opener in Wales, this week the boys decamp to a lake in Essex, to try their luck at catching carp. But let’s face it, that’s not what this show is really
about – or what makes it such a funny and joyful escape.
Sure, the anglers in the audience might enjoy the technical side of things: watching Paul explain which fly or float to use, seeing their high-tech four-line rig at the lake, admiring in awe the perfect specimen they’ve managed to net. But for most of us, it’s just about enjoying the company of two very hilarious and lovely men, who clearly enjoy each other’s company a great deal and also really enjoy messing about having adventures.
Once again, tonight Bob proves his ‘one of the most naturally funny people on the planet’ credentials, merely by teaching Paul how to make scrambled eggs.
He also decides that – as they’re in Essex, home of all things aesthetically artificial – he should take Paul to a clinic specialising in male body enhancements, to see if they can do anything about his wrinkles and receding hairline.
That’s bald, wrinkly 60-year-old Bob, thinking his mate should probably do something about looking old. Although Paul’s probably just thankful Bob has put his crossbow down, to be honest.