 Print this page |
TV PREVIEWS
Flight of the Conchords, Tuesday 10.05pm, BBC4 
|
Been desperately channel-hopping in search of a new sitcom that's actually laugh-out-loud funny? Don't despair! New Zealand's fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo A-capella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo are back for a second series - so it's time to put down the remote control, sit back, relax and sing along with Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement.
If you're not familiar with the set-up, it's pretty simple: the deadpan pair are trying to make it big in New York, while coping with everyday stuff like relationships, money worries and the attentions of overzealous super-fan Mel (played by US stand-up Kristen Schaal).
Their quest for fame is more hindered than helped by manager Murray (Rhys Darby), whose inherent uselessness is reminiscent of Stephen Merchant's portrayal of rubbish agent Darren Lamb in Extras. In fact, tonight's episode sees Bret and Jemaine dump Murray and attempt to go it alone after landing a deal to record a jingle for a women-only toothpaste.
But as fans of the first series will already know, this is no ordinary sitcom: it's a sitcom-with-songs. Five minutes in, Murray breaks into an emotional-but-hilarious ditty about being rejected - while later in the programme, we're treated to the ridiculous ad jingle in its entirety, complete with Bret and Jemaine dressed up as toothpaste.
Aside from the songs, there's also a healthy smattering of surrealism, visual gags and spot-on characterisation. Want further recommendation? Well, if you like The Mighty Boosh or Peep Show, chances are you'll love Flight of the Conchords, too. Yep, our search for something new to laugh at is well and truly over.
by Jane Murphy, Tuesday 12 May 2009
Picture: BBC
