Everyone’s fallen hook, line and sinker for Bob and Paul
IMAGINE being in the room when this show was pitched to producers. Two ‘getting on a bit’ men go fishing. That’s it.
Fishing – one of the most tedious of all past times – is 99% staring at water and 1% complete panic.
But of course this is Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse, so somehow the old comedy legends have turned what could be a ‘watching paint dry’ show into somewhat of a cult hit.
“Why have you got a bigger chair than me?” asks Bob as this
episode kicks off on the banks of the Upper Tamar Lakes on the border of Devon and Cornwall. “Yours is padded,” he adds, disgruntled.
Then they discuss the colour of their buckets and whether or not they should eat sweets.
Completely mundane fishing chat, and yet, this is a strangely gripping and peaceful series.
Whether or not they catch a perch – the aim of this particular trip – is irrelevant.
What we love is the affectioate banter, comedy riffing, impressions and even, on the odd occasion, poignant heart-to-hearts.
This time, Paul is left almost speechless when Bob reveals the accommodation – a converted double decker bus.
Bob whips up another meal for the pals, which he admits is “completely devoid of colour and taste”. The following day they brave the open sea and have a very surprising catch, which sends Bob’s heart racing.
And the men talk about their mums over a very civilised – and not very heart-healthy – cream tea. Make sure this show is your catch of the day.