Prime was played by Benedict Wong - now best known for playing Wong in the MCU Ivana (the girl in the club) is played by Gemma Chan - best known for playing Astrid in Crazy Rich Asians and Sersi (the lead role in the Eternals in the MCU).
She was also in one of the best episodes of Sherlock and had a long standing relationship with Jack Whitehall but is now with Dominic Cooper...(trivia 😊)
Just knew you'd like this one, the street countdown scene is legendary. Also what a stacked cast this episode has: Benedict Wong Gemma Chan Gyles Brandrith Limmy
"8+" refers to the fact that an unbeaten countdown player has to retire after 8 wins (and is given the accolade "octochamp". The last few games of a series may involve octchamps and other multiple-winners competing against each other.
The window cleaner with the Scottish accent is Limmy, who has his own sketch show that's very worth a look (more hit than miss and some truly genius creation in it)... called Limmy's Show. Check out the character of Falconhoof for a start.
This was and continues to be my favorite episode of the show. When I first watched it 10+ years ago, the only British comedy scene I was exposed to was The Mighty Boosh. So a lot of references and guest appearances went unnoticed, yet I still found it hilarious. Watching it today I definitely recognize way more than I did. This really shows the genius of the show, in that you don't have to know British references well to find it funny. It's just funny, and knowing the references makes it more so.
@@nickparton5663 I think it's from the phrase " what weighs more a tonne of steel or a tonne of feathers?" and people not understanding they weigh the same.
This is still what I think of every time I see Benedict Wong. The aerobics I feel were inspired by the video to Eric Prydz - Call on Me. Don't know if that ever got anywhere in Canada, or if you are familiar with the Steve Winwood song it samples.
This is my second favourite to the D&D episode. The Scottish guy that Roy doesn't understand is Limmy. He's quite funny. He had a sketch show and a couple of specials on the BBC but mainly does stuff online these days.
'Quite' funny?! Limmy is a genius! His sketch show was amazing, his books are amazing and his appearances on the Richard Herring's Leicester Theatre Square podcast are amazing.
Possibly one of the funniest episodes of it crowd. It ranks up there with the work outing. I was very glad I had seen countdown before I saw this episode, but I think it would have still been funny if I hadn't, it is that good. I love the take on fight club...the first rule of street countdown is tell everyone cuz it's a really fun game
I wasn't completely sure which episode this was, but it clicked in almost immediately and I was fully ready for your reaction to Gyles. Completely worth it! He's been a dictionary corner guest that many times I think you could watch Countdown every day for the best part of a year and not see the same episode twice.
The IT Crowd show fans were asked to come down and become the extras for the Street Count Down scene. I only wish I was one of them. Question to Neil, wouldn't you want to be part of that cast photo? That would be the any fans ultimate pic on their wall. Beats an autograph by a mile.
Peak Benedict wong era on British comedy, he had this, and a few others but what I love him from is The Wrong Man's. I recommend that soo highly. It got cancelled after season 2 because season 2 wasn't the best but season 1 was amazing just struggled to gain traction.
Look at you, Neil. Just over a little over a month ago you were saying “Who is this? I think I’ve heard of him… countdown?”. And now u know more about Gylesy B than about your own ancestors. 😅
A friend of mine was series champion of Countdown a year or two ago, and there really is a huge community of ex-Countdowners, albeit not as flashy as 8+
Hi Neil, if you haven't seen it before I recommend watching "The most extraordinary numbers game ever? " on RUclips. It's an old clip with Richard and Carol but worth the watch for the wizard maths. Would be good to see it up as a little bonus reaction.
14:42 We don't know that he is - we only know he says he is. I doubt that Countdown contestants - even the most successful ones - are highly sought after by attractive women.
You should have a look at a TV program called 'Travel Man 48hrs'. The first 9 seasons are presented by Richard, and then Joe Lycette. You can put the full episodes on RUclips if you react to it. I don't know if it would work if you chopped it up though. But still give it a look, you will definitely see abit of the Moss side to Richard.
This, The Work Outing, Calamity Jen and Are we not men are my favourite episodes. I thought the drink milk and kick ass line was a nod towards the 1988 movie They Live ...I came here to chew bubblegum and kick ass and I'm all out of bubblegum. I've just looked at the next 3 episodes and they've good...not sure about the last one.
Surprised you didn't recognise MCU's Benedict Wong or Gemma Chan, the aerobics was paying homage to Eric Prydz "call on me" music video, which in turn was paying homage to the film Perfect with Travolta and Jamie Lee Curtis. No doubt you'll be outraged by the music video so don't look it up.
Hi Neil, when you see familiar faces/references, do you ever feel that you're reactions to other shows are being monitored by an AI? Just sayin'. BTW the Scottish window cleaner was played by Limmy, a surreal comedian who has his own television show in the UK.
I may have missed you say this, but have you noticed that Douglas (Matt Berry) was also in one of the last episodes of Community, the Grifting one. I think you know that show, as you mention it during Rick and Morty reactions.
I know everyone was pushing for Peep Show on the "which British sitcom" thread, but based on your likes and dislikes during this, you'd LOVE Father Ted and you'd LOVE Spaced. Whereas I think you'd be variously happy, "meh" and cringe about Peep Show...
Pretty sure that Neil will post one Fringe a week. So 2nd episode should be released tomorrow or next, I think. On Patreon, he is 4 episodes ahead though.
"Not sure if the whole window cleaner bit payed off" That was the whole point of the Window Cleaner bit, it was a complete waste of his time, that was joke, he still just fking shoots himself in the foot, & then cut to credits, that's the premise of that humor, the viewer get's it in that instant with a bare second to process the phone chat, as a transition to credits hammers home the pointlesness & complete absurdity of it all that we all knew but he just couldn't see. I guess it is a subtle kind of humor but I grew up on that sort of thing, the thing's that some will notice but most just don't
Great to see Benedict Wong being the guardian of a mysterious society! He should do that more!
I don't know, sounds rather strange.
And he played the same [well, similar] Card move two more times on She/Hulk.
Didn't even notice that was him lol
💯
Limmy making an appearance as the window cleaner
Prime was played by Benedict Wong - now best known for playing Wong in the MCU
Ivana (the girl in the club) is played by Gemma Chan - best known for playing Astrid in Crazy Rich Asians and Sersi (the lead role in the Eternals in the MCU).
Limmy was playing the weird window cleaner! He's got a sketch of him being a decorator that is absolute gold.
She was also in one of the best episodes of Sherlock and had a long standing relationship with Jack Whitehall but is now with Dominic Cooper...(trivia 😊)
@@Renzsu How the fuck did I never notice that lol
Benedict Wong played beside Benedict Cumberbatch in the same movie? That must be confusing when the Director issues orders.
Shame you forgot about arguably the best thing Gemma Chan has ever been in, Humans.
Fun fact - the crowd in this one wasn't actors - they put a call out to the fans of the show and they all got to play the extras for street Countdown
Just knew you'd like this one, the street countdown scene is legendary.
Also what a stacked cast this episode has:
Benedict Wong
Gemma Chan
Gyles Brandrith
Limmy
Rachel Riley is quite famous as well, even though I'm a bit weirded out by people who refer to themselves as "aryan".
I thought I recognised the window cleaner from somewhere.
I ALMOST PEED MYSELF WHEN GYLES POPPED UP ON THE SCREEN LMAOOOOOOO
I knew the intersection of Countdown & The IT Crowd was just right for you.
"8+" refers to the fact that an unbeaten countdown player has to retire after 8 wins (and is given the accolade "octochamp". The last few games of a series may involve octchamps and other multiple-winners competing against each other.
The window cleaner with the Scottish accent is Limmy, who has his own sketch show that's very worth a look (more hit than miss and some truly genius creation in it)... called Limmy's Show. Check out the character of Falconhoof for a start.
"I came here to drink milk and kick ass and I have just finished my milk." is a reference to John Carpenter's excellent 'They Live'.
I thought it was from Duke Nukem to be honest!
You beat me to it.. I was just about to type that.
IT Crowd has some superb single moments, and the crowd singing the end of the Countdown theme for Street Countdown is just a great moment.
This was and continues to be my favorite episode of the show. When I first watched it 10+ years ago, the only British comedy scene I was exposed to was The Mighty Boosh. So a lot of references and guest appearances went unnoticed, yet I still found it hilarious. Watching it today I definitely recognize way more than I did. This really shows the genius of the show, in that you don't have to know British references well to find it funny. It's just funny, and knowing the references makes it more so.
It's my favorite as well. It's a love letter to nerds and those who love them.
Always good seeing Limmy.
With Gemma Chan and Benedict Wong, that's 3 cast members who have been in the MCU this episode, Chris O'Dowd having been in Thor 2.
The window cleaner is Limmy, a brilliant Scottish comedian. He has a great RUclips channel.
But steel's heavier then feathers...
I prefer LimmyTwitchClipsPlus
@@robertbrookes2000 I don't get it
@@nickparton5663 I think it's from the phrase " what weighs more a tonne of steel or a tonne of feathers?" and people not understanding they weigh the same.
@@nickparton5663 Limmy did a sketch on this bit on his show.
This is still what I think of every time I see Benedict Wong.
The aerobics I feel were inspired by the video to Eric Prydz - Call on Me.
Don't know if that ever got anywhere in Canada, or if you are familiar with the Steve Winwood song it samples.
This is my favorite episode of the show. An episode focused on the best character is a win in my book.
This is my second favourite to the D&D episode. The Scottish guy that Roy doesn't understand is Limmy. He's quite funny. He had a sketch show and a couple of specials on the BBC but mainly does stuff online these days.
'Quite' funny?! Limmy is a genius! His sketch show was amazing, his books are amazing and his appearances on the Richard Herring's Leicester Theatre Square podcast are amazing.
Possibly one of the funniest episodes of it crowd. It ranks up there with the work outing. I was very glad I had seen countdown before I saw this episode, but I think it would have still been funny if I hadn't, it is that good. I love the take on fight club...the first rule of street countdown is tell everyone cuz it's a really fun game
I wasn't completely sure which episode this was, but it clicked in almost immediately and I was fully ready for your reaction to Gyles. Completely worth it! He's been a dictionary corner guest that many times I think you could watch Countdown every day for the best part of a year and not see the same episode twice.
Limmy scrubbing the window of the toilet is... it just couldn't be anyone but him you know?
The IT Crowd show fans were asked to come down and become the extras for the Street Count Down scene. I only wish I was one of them. Question to Neil, wouldn't you want to be part of that cast photo? That would be the any fans ultimate pic on their wall. Beats an autograph by a mile.
I thought you were gonna lose it when Gyles Brandreth appeared on screen! 🤣🤣🤣
Alex Horne was a contestant on the regular show before Taskmaster, he made the finals.
Now that’s a fun fact I didn’t know.
@@travelwell6049 He was contestant on Countdown in August 2008, winning three matches before being defeated.
IT Crowd plus Countdown plus Limmy plus an Avenger....what a mix!
And an eternal (Gemma chan)
I completely forgot limmy was on this show.
I forgot Limmy was in this!
Peak Benedict wong era on British comedy, he had this, and a few others but what I love him from is The Wrong Man's. I recommend that soo highly. It got cancelled after season 2 because season 2 wasn't the best but season 1 was amazing just struggled to gain traction.
A couple bit part actors from this episode are now in Hollywood movies. In fact all 3 major characters have been also.
I'm glad you've seen QI so know that many years ago Giles was on the IT crowd!
I hope Peep Show will be the next comedy you react to.
The idiocy of the characters may frustrate Neil. Personally I love it.
That's a very cool Discworld t-shirt! 😎
The winning contestant in each ep of Countdown returns against each new contestant until (s)he loses.
Benedict Wong played a blinder here!
You should give Sean Lock’s 15 Storeys High a watch. Only 12 episodes so not a big commitment. Benedict Wong plays the flatmate to Sean’s landlord.
Look at you, Neil. Just over a little over a month ago you were saying “Who is this? I think I’ve heard of him… countdown?”. And now u know more about Gylesy B than about your own ancestors. 😅
A friend of mine was series champion of Countdown a year or two ago, and there really is a huge community of ex-Countdowners, albeit not as flashy as 8+
Hi Neil, if you haven't seen it before I recommend watching "The most extraordinary numbers game ever? " on RUclips. It's an old clip with Richard and Carol but worth the watch for the wizard maths. Would be good to see it up as a little bonus reaction.
This episode is incredible
Chris odowd drunk on the last leg is vv funny
I'm not a window cleaner! *Very quickly and Irish*
Another quote us Brits say all the time, from this show.
14:42 We don't know that he is - we only know he says he is. I doubt that Countdown contestants - even the most successful ones - are highly sought after by attractive women.
You should have a look at a TV program called 'Travel Man 48hrs'. The first 9 seasons are presented by Richard, and then Joe Lycette. You can put the full episodes on RUclips if you react to it. I don't know if it would work if you chopped it up though. But still give it a look, you will definitely see abit of the Moss side to Richard.
This, The Work Outing, Calamity Jen and Are we not men are my favourite episodes. I thought the drink milk and kick ass line was a nod towards the 1988 movie They Live ...I came here to chew bubblegum and kick ass and I'm all out of bubblegum. I've just looked at the next 3 episodes and they've good...not sure about the last one.
Well spotted. As voiced by the late Roddy Piper.
If Countdown is your thing, check out Mitchell and Webb's parody of it, Numberwang.
Limmy was in this show?!
Surprised you didn't pick up on Benedict Wong being in it aka Sorcerer Supreme
Surprised you didn't recognise MCU's Benedict Wong or Gemma Chan, the aerobics was paying homage to Eric Prydz "call on me" music video, which in turn was paying homage to the film Perfect with Travolta and Jamie Lee Curtis. No doubt you'll be outraged by the music video so don't look it up.
you should watch some bloopers from the it crowd
The window cleaner is Limmy.
Asian actor on What We Do in the Shadows (WWDITS)
Hi Neil, when you see familiar faces/references, do you ever feel that you're reactions to other shows are being monitored by an AI? Just sayin'.
BTW the Scottish window cleaner was played by Limmy, a surreal comedian who has his own television show in the UK.
I may have missed you say this, but have you noticed that Douglas (Matt Berry) was also in one of the last episodes of Community, the Grifting one. I think you know that show, as you mention it during Rick and Morty reactions.
And he plays the vampire, Lazlo, in the US Series "What We Do In The Shadows", now on BBC iPlayer or Disney+ in the UK.
Moss is getting some with a future MCU lead actress no less
I know everyone was pushing for Peep Show on the "which British sitcom" thread, but based on your likes and dislikes during this, you'd LOVE Father Ted and you'd LOVE Spaced. Whereas I think you'd be variously happy, "meh" and cringe about Peep Show...
Due to having few votes on Patreon, they've both been eliminated from the poll for the next comedy. PS is likely to win.
@@andrewjones575 Shame. I never got into Peep Show; I'd have quite happily re-watched Father Ted, Spaced or Black Books in Neil's company!
@@doctordunc I think he'd enjoy all four. How much of PS did you watch?
@@andrewjones575 I've probably watched most of them over the years - I like Mitchell and Webb in other stuff.
@@doctordunc Their sketch shows are great.
Surprise Gyles
Think you missed Gemma Chen from e.g. Eternals.
Neil’s not offended! 🥳
Wongerzzzzz ♥♥♥
Giles popping up would have meant nothing a few months ago 😊
See its true Gules Brandreth has got links to all that has happened is happening and will happen
A parallel episode to this would be Spaced S2 ep3 with the 'nerd' show Robotwars instead of Countdown. But Spaced is better
The Rolf Harris t-shirt didnt age well did it :)
Ironically Rolf is not keen on age.
FIGHT CLUB????? FOR NERDS!!!
Are you watching FRINGE??? Only saw first episode, the others are blocked
Pretty sure that Neil will post one Fringe a week. So 2nd episode should be released tomorrow or next, I think. On Patreon, he is 4 episodes ahead though.
I can tell you're restraining yourself from complaining about the Rampant Sexism in Renhams aerobics class, well done, keep it up!
"Not sure if the whole window cleaner bit payed off"
That was the whole point of the Window Cleaner bit, it was a complete waste of his time, that was joke, he still just fking shoots himself in the foot, & then cut to credits, that's the premise of that humor, the viewer get's it in that instant with a bare second to process the phone chat, as a transition to credits hammers home the pointlesness & complete absurdity of it all that we all knew but he just couldn't see.
I guess it is a subtle kind of humor but I grew up on that sort of thing, the thing's that some will notice but most just don't