On Jen seeing Moss in the bar and going "Okay...". There is no sense in asking why Moss ended up behind the bar, just go with it, no good will ever come of inquiry.
The payoff with Jen discovering Roy in a wheelchair, then turning around to find Moss behind the counter is so good... One of the funniest episodes I've ever seen.
Great payoff and only something I've seen anywhere near as close to being the same level of genius was the Vegas episode of Modern Family. But yeah, this is the pinnacle.
this was just the start of proving that they can just put Roy and Moss in any situation and make it ridiculous. And having Jen try to make sense of everything is always gold
This just wouldn’t work without her deadpan reaction; she’s a terrific straight man for these two. And yet also able to carry the absurd circumstances when it’s HER character’s turn to be over the top.
When I saw it the first time I neatly died laughing at the cut to Moss behind the bar… The whole episode though is flawless though… Shout out the Graham Lineham, a godlike genius
The callback to the bearded red haired man is genius. Such a small touch, but seeing the guy get apprehended by the police creases me every time. It's the details which elevate comedy to the next level IMO.
The thing that the writer does, as he did with Father Ted, was not try and worry too much about reality. You're making a sitcom, you can get away with literally anything.
The high pitch on his disabled voice always kills me -- no reason for it what so ever. The bald wheelchair man at the end that comes on to Roy is Ash Attalla who is the producer for the show ( and a genuine wheelchair user ).
@@cockoffgewgle4993 Kira Knightly is the real actress Laura Knightly is based on , even down to " The Bill" reference ...it was a police drama in the UK and quite a few now famous actors started off having small guest roles as teenagers
I'm still convinced this is the funniest episode of television I've ever seen. That 2 minute stretch you mentioned is dangerous... any human being has to know that you won't be able to take in a breath for two full minutes.
The first time I watched this episode I was eating a pizza. Roy's "Yes, miss?" had me laughing SO hard I was actually choking on the food. Still makes me laugh out loud.
this episode has THE funniest scene ever in it... I laughed so hard I actually hurt myself - when Jen turned around to Moss standing behind the counter. Literally hurt myself laughing xD
It's interesting you refer to the "writers room" because that concept in British TV didn't really exist at this point. Sitcoms were written by one person or perhaps a duo. It's why the comedies are so short at 6 episodes because that's the maximum you could really expect from one writer.
It's also why U.K. sitcoms tend to be better as they don't flog them to death, either in terms of length of series or how many series there are in total. Examples of short total runs: Fawlty Towers, The Office + greatest of all Fleabag.
@@ninagray4441 I totally agree, an American "writers room" will send the script around and each person will change something because they think it could be funnier til the first joke has been watered down by the additions. Just comparing the two most famous geek comedies of each country, IT Crowd Vs Big Bang Theory. The latter just lacks soul and a sense of realism, it's written joke first and then they'll do a setup after making it feel wooden and forced.
The first time I watched this, the moment Jen turned to see Moss behind the bar I laughed so hard. I kept laughing for days afterward just thinking about it.
I will always cherish that moment of them all staring at the poster in disbelief and then the slow"Thats....... pretty *gayyyyyy*" That and the setup early on of "Is it possible he thought you were a man?" which you expect to just be a one off awkward line from Moss and then you get the payoff at the end with Jen just having that disgusted look of being completely done with everything.
I had a knee surgery a few months ago that causes me to use a cane. When I'm talking to a moving company or store on the phone, explaining why I need help moving things or help getting a purchase into my car, my first thought is "I'm disabled... leg disabled".
It's funny how much comedy revolves around gayness. Frasier has a few episodes involving it, including one of its best episodes. One of the Sopranos' funniest episodes likewise. It's more of a peripheral thing in this episode, but you can get so much comedy mileage out of the subject.
I fell into this episode by accident while channel surfing and it was my first introduction to the IT Crowd and I was hooked. I love this episode so much and at home you'll hear 'I'm disabled' or out driving 'it's the police' all the time. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and it was a joy to see your reaction
I’m so glad you shared this. I’ve often wondered if someone needs to know the quirkiness of the characters in order for this episode to land as hard as it does. I’m glad to have an answer!
The subtle joke of Richmond wondering where his heat magazine is, the supposedly gay thing after we saw at the end of series one he slept with renolym often goes over people's heads but it's so well crafted.
Don't know how many times I've watched this episode, but I've only just clocked that the minibus driver is the actor who plays Jay's Dad in the Inbetweners.
That two minutes you identified, I honestly thought I might choke to death laughing. I didn't remember everything from the episode, so I got to experience that all over again.
Writers’ Room? Not on UK sit-coms. They’re normally written by one person, sometimes two, in isolation and away from the studio. Hence only six episodes per season.
This has to be my favorite IT Crowd episode, but there are others that come close. All the little segways and setups just come together so well in this episode, it's just as funny every time I watch it.
I have a huge fan of this series and this is by far my favorite episode. The first time they turned around and saw Moss tending bar I thought I was going to laugh up a lung.
I only recently come to the realisation the title has a double meaning, and the guy on the minibus who talks to Roy is the disable comedy producer Ash Atalla.
The Moss reveal scene from this and the Jen as a "ghost" moments from that Season 1 episode make me laugh every single time I see them. Some of the funniest sit com moments ever.
For me, this is one of the funniest episodes in TV history. It's up there with the best episodes of SEINFELD, FRASIER and THE OFFICE. It's not just the writing and acting. The shots themselves are hilarious (if that makes sense). This is when a comedy program is firing on ALL cylinders!
I love watching It Crowd allover again, your input makes it feel somewhat new again, like through new eyes, plus some of your insider outlook has really opened many of the shows you watch with your insight into the business, its a pleasure to hear your take and see the giddiness when you recognise a voice or see a long forgotten actor make a guest appearance from time to time
It really is a classic episode and loved to see your reaction and the thoughts on live audience recording afterwards. I was lucky enough to be in the audience for "Jen The Fredo" season 4 episode 1 and it took close to 4 hours to tape but a fantastic experience seeing all the bloopers live.
"These are the discussions they're having in the writer's room" What, Graham Linehan, talking to himself in his own bedroom? I mean, that's what a British writer's room is, seeing as we don't have whole committees writing shows.
Great reaction. You didn't disappoint. Very appreciative of the writers, actors and even the audience. Roy and Moss were brilliant and consistent with Season 1 throughout and Jen's subtle reaction to every twist and turn was comdeic genius.
As a “leg disabled” wheelchair user 😂 this episode is fantastic. It does a great job at showing the reality of how disabled people are treat on a daily basis but turns the joke onto the able-bodied characters.
Being from the UK it always amazes me that Americans and Canadians Don't normally see the variety of comedy we have seen for the last 30 years I suppose it's like our attitude to history We've just got so much of it!!!
Can't wait till you meet Douglas, I try to think which is my favourite episode but can never settle on just one, there's so many great moments. Keep em coming mate.
The conversation about British series length reminds me of a great meme I saw once. It was like: British series: 6 seasons, 24 episodes, ran for 16 years, considered a cultural pillar American Series: 20 seasons, 400 episodes, ran for 8 years, maybe a dozen people still think about it occasionally
+NEIL Talks There is no writers room for this show because every single episode is written and directed by the shows creator, and he writes all the episodes alone at his home.
I think this is my favourite episode of the show. I may be reminded of a differant one at another point during the reactions but its just amazing. Im autistic so whenever anything I dont want to be a part of happens i quote "Im disabled" in an Irish accent.
No matter how many times I’ve watched this episode it never fails to make me laugh so hard that I get tears. It feels like the tension of the cringe situation with Roy just builds and builds until you just can’t stand it and then all that pent up emotion just releases in a rush in that sequence when Jen sees what’s happened (like letting go of a taut rubber band). Sometimes even just remembering the moment when she turns to find Moss at the bar is enough to make me laugh out loud. There’s many memorable episodes and scenes in this show so it’s saying a lot that this is a standout for so many of us. I was legit worried that the comments had built it up too much and Neil might end up not enjoying it as much as if he’d just stumbled on it and been surprised by it. But I’m glad that wasn’t the case. It’s quite wonderful to see someone experiencing this show for the first time.
The quick cut of Jen going to the bar to turn round and see Moss is so perfect. My favourite scene in the whole series
On Jen seeing Moss in the bar and going "Okay...". There is no sense in asking why Moss ended up behind the bar, just go with it, no good will ever come of inquiry.
Same
Same, peak comic scene.
The payoff with Jen discovering Roy in a wheelchair, then turning around to find Moss behind the counter is so good... One of the funniest episodes I've ever seen.
Great payoff and only something I've seen anywhere near as close to being the same level of genius was the Vegas episode of Modern Family. But yeah, this is the pinnacle.
I think Jenn´s acting and script here is just perfect. The way she is in a state of sshock but sort of plays along.
The extremely dragged out wheelchair ramp scenes always have me in tears. One of the finest episodes of British comedy.
A touch of Family Guy with the unnecessarily long scenes!
His face the whole time makes it funny
No matter how many times you have seen this.. The bit where Jen turns round and see moss is just epic.
The moment when Jen saw Moss behind the bar is one of the funniest moments in a really funny episode.
Absolutely. If you have to isolate a single moment - then this is it. Perfect comedy timing.
It's the fact she just accepts it aswell, like the night just can't get any weirder
to me it's always this scene or "the police are here regarding some irregularities in the pension fund"
@@Triggerfinger98 "Okay..." Just go with it, there is no sense to be made, no good can come of further inquiry.
@@Joseph-R Shush, that's next episode.
this was just the start of proving that they can just put Roy and Moss in any situation and make it ridiculous. And having Jen try to make sense of everything is always gold
This just wouldn’t work without her deadpan reaction; she’s a terrific straight man for these two. And yet also able to carry the absurd circumstances when it’s HER character’s turn to be over the top.
Jen is the glue for this show
It's my favorite sitcom episode of all time, any sitcom. The show as a whole is amazing, but this episode is just perfectly written and executed.
Its seriously so damn good.
This is my favorite episode. every stuff in it is just perfect, the timing, the songs, EVERYTHING.
When I saw it the first time I neatly died laughing at the cut to Moss behind the bar… The whole episode though is flawless though… Shout out the Graham Lineham, a godlike genius
I like how Jen is conciderate enough to play along when she sees Roy and Moss, even if she has no idea how they ended up there.
When Jen turns around and finds Moss standing behind the bar, I always lose it.
The callback to the bearded red haired man is genius.
Such a small touch, but seeing the guy get apprehended by the police creases me every time.
It's the details which elevate comedy to the next level IMO.
The absolute funniest episode ever. Brilliantly written and performed. Every sequence is pure gold.
The thing that the writer does, as he did with Father Ted, was not try and worry too much about reality. You're making a sitcom, you can get away with literally anything.
The high pitch on his disabled voice always kills me -- no reason for it what so ever. The bald wheelchair man at the end that comes on to Roy is Ash Attalla who is the producer for the show ( and a genuine wheelchair user ).
The actress who played Laura is Richard Ayoade's wife.
She is Lydia Fox, if the Fox acting dynasty.
I always thought she was a real person.
@@cockoffgewgle4993 Kira Knightly is the real actress Laura Knightly is based on , even down to " The Bill" reference ...it was a police drama in the UK and quite a few now famous actors started off having small guest roles as teenagers
@@tillyt4054 I’m English broski. I thought she was Kiera Knightley’s sister.
I'm still convinced this is the funniest episode of television I've ever seen. That 2 minute stretch you mentioned is dangerous... any human being has to know that you won't be able to take in a breath for two full minutes.
The first time I watched this episode I was eating a pizza. Roy's "Yes, miss?" had me laughing SO hard I was actually choking on the food. Still makes me laugh out loud.
this episode has THE funniest scene ever in it... I laughed so hard I actually hurt myself - when Jen turned around to Moss standing behind the counter.
Literally hurt myself laughing xD
This is by far the most popular ep, although I think that s2 e4, The Dinner Party is the best ep of The IT Crowd.
yesss i agree, 'the dinner party' is my absolute favourite episode!
It's interesting you refer to the "writers room" because that concept in British TV didn't really exist at this point. Sitcoms were written by one person or perhaps a duo. It's why the comedies are so short at 6 episodes because that's the maximum you could really expect from one writer.
I don’t think this has changed. Most British comedies still have one or two writers
@@wozzywick I think My Family is the exception to that rule. It was a UK sitcom but written by a team of writers. It was basically fine.
@@jeffrey44 I believe it was the first British sitcom to do so.
It's also why U.K. sitcoms tend to be better as they don't flog them to death, either in terms of length of series or how many series there are in total. Examples of short total runs: Fawlty Towers, The Office + greatest of all Fleabag.
@@ninagray4441 I totally agree, an American "writers room" will send the script around and each person will change something because they think it could be funnier til the first joke has been watered down by the additions.
Just comparing the two most famous geek comedies of each country, IT Crowd Vs Big Bang Theory.
The latter just lacks soul and a sense of realism, it's written joke first and then they'll do a setup after making it feel wooden and forced.
The first time I watched this, the moment Jen turned to see Moss behind the bar I laughed so hard. I kept laughing for days afterward just thinking about it.
I will always cherish that moment of them all staring at the poster in disbelief and then the slow"Thats....... pretty *gayyyyyy*"
That and the setup early on of "Is it possible he thought you were a man?" which you expect to just be a one off awkward line from Moss and then you get the payoff at the end with Jen just having that disgusted look of being completely done with everything.
I had a knee surgery a few months ago that causes me to use a cane. When I'm talking to a moving company or store on the phone, explaining why I need help moving things or help getting a purchase into my car, my first thought is "I'm disabled... leg disabled".
It took me a few watches of this episode before I grasped the double meaning of the word "outing" in the title. Clever.
Even the title of this episode was genius, I don't remember any other episode using double meanings in the way this episode did.
I've seen the episode many times and didn't notice a double meaning until this comment
@@zzzzoijzzzzz Same here. But I also missed Saul Goodman = "It's all good man" from Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul.
It's funny how much comedy revolves around gayness. Frasier has a few episodes involving it, including one of its best episodes. One of the Sopranos' funniest episodes likewise. It's more of a peripheral thing in this episode, but you can get so much comedy mileage out of the subject.
@@zzzzoijzzzzz Me too! I can’t believe that with as many times as I’ve rewatched it! 🤪
I fell into this episode by accident while channel surfing and it was my first introduction to the IT Crowd and I was hooked. I love this episode so much and at home you'll hear 'I'm disabled' or out driving 'it's the police' all the time. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and it was a joy to see your reaction
I’m so glad you shared this. I’ve often wondered if someone needs to know the quirkiness of the characters in order for this episode to land as hard as it does. I’m glad to have an answer!
The subtle joke of Richmond wondering where his heat magazine is, the supposedly gay thing after we saw at the end of series one he slept with renolym often goes over people's heads but it's so well crafted.
I have seen this episode I don't know how many times and I'm in tears every single on of it 😂
Don't know how many times I've watched this episode, but I've only just clocked that the minibus driver is the actor who plays Jay's Dad in the Inbetweners.
He’s had quite an evening. Someone stole his wheelchair. Always cracks me up
It is probably not only the best episode of IT Crowd but also amongst the best piece in comedy on TV. You should also look at the dinner party
That two minutes you identified, I honestly thought I might choke to death laughing. I didn't remember everything from the episode, so I got to experience that all over again.
Probably know this already but London to Manchesters about a 3.5 hour drive!
Thanks.. I didn't get that reference.
Crying with laughter here - I've never seen this episode. It's the funniest TV I've watched in a long time.
Writers’ Room? Not on UK sit-coms. They’re normally written by one person, sometimes two, in isolation and away from the studio. Hence only six episodes per season.
This has to be my favorite IT Crowd episode, but there are others that come close. All the little segways and setups just come together so well in this episode, it's just as funny every time I watch it.
and i just started laughing "oh this is so terrible".. oh no, we haven't even started yet lol
I have a huge fan of this series and this is by far my favorite episode. The first time they turned around and saw Moss tending bar I thought I was going to laugh up a lung.
Six is the most common number of eps per series/season for UK sitcoms.
The disabled guy on the bus that flirts with Roy is Ash Atallah, the IT Crowd's producer.
I only recently come to the realisation the title has a double meaning, and the guy on the minibus who talks to Roy is the disable comedy producer Ash Atalla.
The Moss reveal scene from this and the Jen as a "ghost" moments from that Season 1 episode make me laugh every single time I see them. Some of the funniest sit com moments ever.
I lost it first time I seen moss at the bar. It's great lmao. Her face when she sees moss at the bar, she's so over it lol.
For me, this is one of the funniest episodes in TV history. It's up there with the best episodes of SEINFELD, FRASIER and THE OFFICE. It's not just the writing and acting. The shots themselves are hilarious (if that makes sense). This is when a comedy program is firing on ALL cylinders!
In all the the shows ever on TV, this is one of the single perfect episodes written.
I" ve been waiting for your response to the "Yes Miss" moment. It was worth the wait.
I love watching It Crowd allover again, your input makes it feel somewhat new again, like through new eyes, plus some of your insider outlook has really opened many of the shows you watch with your insight into the business, its a pleasure to hear your take and see the giddiness when you recognise a voice or see a long forgotten actor make a guest appearance from time to time
It really is a classic episode and loved to see your reaction and the thoughts on live audience recording afterwards. I was lucky enough to be in the audience for "Jen The Fredo" season 4 episode 1 and it took close to 4 hours to tape but a fantastic experience seeing all the bloopers live.
I’ve watched this episode so many times and it still cracks me up. Moss at the bar at the end is hilarious!
my favourite quote is "can you keep it down"
"These are the discussions they're having in the writer's room" What, Graham Linehan, talking to himself in his own bedroom? I mean, that's what a British writer's room is, seeing as we don't have whole committees writing shows.
Great reaction. You didn't disappoint. Very appreciative of the writers, actors and even the audience. Roy and Moss were brilliant and consistent with Season 1 throughout and Jen's subtle reaction to every twist and turn was comdeic genius.
11:17 genuinely might be my favourite moment in television history, definitely top 5. It kills me every time
"Oh what a tangled web we weave" comes to mind . Great analysis by Neil . Such chaos probably takes a lot of planning . A really memorable episode .
Work outing is a fan favourite and rightly so, it's a great episode.
We don't usually have laugh tracks here.. if there's laughing it would normally come from a live audience x
The actress playing the Laura Knightley role is Richard Ayoade's wife
As a “leg disabled” wheelchair user 😂 this episode is fantastic. It does a great job at showing the reality of how disabled people are treat on a daily basis but turns the joke onto the able-bodied characters.
11:18 Is Simply the best comic scene of all the TV show for me.
"Yes, Miss?"... One of the funniest moments in the show. Not THE funniest, but it's in my top 5, maybe top 3...
When Jen turned to get served and Moss was standing there, I had just taken a swig of drink and spat it all over my girlfriend laughing
Being from the UK it always amazes me that Americans and Canadians
Don't normally see the variety of comedy we have seen for the last 30 years
I suppose it's like our attitude to history
We've just got so much of it!!!
All of Jen's dates go badly wrong!
The reason series in UK tend to be 6 episodes is they tend to have single (or two) writers rather than teams of writers like in the US.
Can't wait till you meet Douglas, I try to think which is my favourite episode but can never settle on just one, there's so many great moments. Keep em coming mate.
My fave it crowd ever x
The conversation about British series length reminds me of a great meme I saw once. It was like:
British series: 6 seasons, 24 episodes, ran for 16 years, considered a cultural pillar
American Series: 20 seasons, 400 episodes, ran for 8 years, maybe a dozen people still think about it occasionally
I'd forgotten it was Jay's dad as the minibus driver!
When I die, I’m determined to die laughing at something as funny as this episode.
This is one of my favourite episodes. I watch it 3 or 4 times a week.
I laugh so hard at this episode and i'v seen it hundreds of times. lol
This was the first episode I ever saw, I came home from the pub and just happened upon this on channel 4 and by the end I was laughing so hard
Those emergency cords in toilets are a nightmare - they've caught me out before. If you enjoy this you would enjoy the series Coupling too.
Coupling is very good. I don't know why it's never been popular.
Honestly, I think of this scene EVERY TIME I see one of those cords in a washroom. 🤣
@@torontomame They're long & can easily be caught on something.
And, at theatres, they're a real suicide risk.
My favourite episode of the series, the set up and jokes are perfect. His face when he's going up and down the wheelchair lift always gets me.
Maybe the best written comedy episode ever.
AHHHHHHH! Commenting before I even watch your reaction! This is the episode man, this is *the* episode!
One of the most perfect episodes of television ever created
There are several C4 sitcoms that are very good.
+NEIL Talks There is no writers room for this show because every single episode is written and directed by the shows creator, and he writes all the episodes alone at his home.
This is probably the best series...
The best episode of the show and one of my favourite episodes in television history. 👍👍
The pinnacle of the show. It's still incredible after but this episode is perfect.
I've watched this so many times and never gets old.
The three main performances are excellent. I can't imagine this series with anyone else in those parts.
Favourite episode!!
This is so well done that I'm embarrassed for them
Fun fact, the actress who played Laura knightly is actually married to Richard Ayoade who plays Moss.
One of my very favorite episodes.
I think this is my favourite episode of the show. I may be reminded of a differant one at another point during the reactions but its just amazing. Im autistic so whenever anything I dont want to be a part of happens i quote "Im disabled" in an Irish accent.
No matter how many times I’ve watched this episode it never fails to make me laugh so hard that I get tears. It feels like the tension of the cringe situation with Roy just builds and builds until you just can’t stand it and then all that pent up emotion just releases in a rush in that sequence when Jen sees what’s happened (like letting go of a taut rubber band). Sometimes even just remembering the moment when she turns to find Moss at the bar is enough to make me laugh out loud. There’s many memorable episodes and scenes in this show so it’s saying a lot that this is a standout for so many of us. I was legit worried that the comments had built it up too much and Neil might end up not enjoying it as much as if he’d just stumbled on it and been surprised by it. But I’m glad that wasn’t the case. It’s quite wonderful to see someone experiencing this show for the first time.
The next episode is a banger, definitely in my top three, new epic character introduction. I'm still using lines from it to this day.
This is such a good episode, it always makes me laugh out loud.
So brave, so strong! Love it!
My favourite episode. I love that you get it 💜 -x-
This is my favourite episode glad you enjoyed it.
Having reached perhaps the pinnacle of TIC is is still just fun to be in that universe for all the other episodes.
_Coupling_ (2000-2004).
A great shout 👍🇬🇧
It's one of the best sitcoms, yet most people I mention it to haven't heard of it.
This and "The Countdown" episode are two of the greatest sit-com episodes in british TV history in my opinion! 😂
This episode reminds me why I Love Richard Ayoade.
Glad you picked the IT crowd it's always enjoyable watching the show as you review it keep up the good work from Canada ☮️©️©️✔️😑🆒
Thank you kindly
@@NeilTalks I would suggest "not going out" with Lee Mack. Good British comedy... For your next show to watch very funny... series 🇨🇦👍☮️🍁