Upstart Crow Tonight

[rabet]

Just watched this. The last few minutes were heartbreaking; the more so because totally unexpected. Anyone see it?

[jim360]

Yes -- Mum and I were rather caught off guard too. Pretty good, and a surprising (if uncomfortable) message.

[goodgoalie]

Big lump in my throat. Well written, well acted and all the better for being unexpected.

[douglas9401]

Not any more sirrah.

[albaqwerty]

I watched it. Was surprised and saddened by the unexpected ending.
A very well-written and acted series.
Do hope there will be more.

[Lie-in King]

I thought it was excellent, kudos to all concerned for a fine episode & a funny series.

[goodgoalie]

These are the words spoken at the end of the programme, from King John:

Grief fills the room up of my absent child,
Lies in his bed, walks up and down with me,
Puts on his pretty looks, repeats his words,
Remembers me of all his gracious parts,
Stuffs out his vacant garments with his form;
Then, have I reason to be fond of grief?
Fare you well: had you such a loss as I,
I could give better comfort than you do.
I will not keep this form upon my head,
When there is such disorder in my wit.

[Cloverjo]

I saw this thread earlier but didn't read it as I hadn't seen the episode, until just now.

Yes, very sad. Recalling similarly tragic deaths among my own family and friends.

Brilliant series. I do hope there'll be more.

[goodgoalie]

What a skill Ben Elton has shown not only to write the 6 episodes of the first series, but then, when the BBC ask for 'another six, please' to be able to sit down and deliver another 6 half hours as good as the first ones. Just think about that: sitting at your desk looking at a blank page or computer screen, knowing you have to come up with those programmes....

Much as I've enjoyed the two series, I think he should call it a day; leave 'em wanting more. That last episode would be a very fitting end.

[Peter Pedant]

yes being able to churn it out seemingly on demand
I particularly like Eltons Georgian series of Blackadder

[goodgoalie]

I agree, PP, but he wrote it with Richard Curtis - I think it must be much easier to sit in a room and knock ideas back and forth with a writing partner, than to do it all on your own.
And think of the large number of writers that work on American comedies.