The Mighty Boosh – why?

By mofgimmers on July 16th, 2007 67 comments

Warning – People who are of a pathetic disposition, look away now. I’m about to stick the boot in.

What do you get if you cross weedy voices, pathetic attempts at pop culture jokes, weak scripts, awful acting, annoying ditties, no comedy timing and the occasional nod toward a slightly obscure band? Answer: A cult smash with brain-dead no-marks called The Mighty Boosh. Yep. You heard. The Mighty Boosh is the emperor’s new clothes and you’re too dim to notice.

Being a fan of innovative and interesting Brit comedy, I thought ver Boosh would’ve tickled my pickle. Instead, it left me cold and uninterested… then incredibly angry. When people watch comedy programmes, they are unable to contain themselves. They howl with laughter. The actually hold their sides. Now and again, a programme will capture the mass attention and I’ll miss the point. This happened with Bo’Selecta. People sat me down and wept with laughter as I sat there a bit puzzled. Show over, they calmed down and said “never mind… maybe it’s not for you…” That’s fine. I can admit that people can disagree on shows and we’ll all get along happily ever after. The Mighty Boosh is different…

Quite a few times now (the exact number doesn’t matter one bit), people have sat me down in front of a screen and shown me an episode of the Mighty Boosh. Naturally, they pick one that is either a favourite or one that is deemed to be one of the better ones. Each time, I have failed to even smirk. For me, watching The Boosh is like watching a documentary about jokeless uninteresting dick heads. However, like I said before, I’m happy to dislike something and let other people watch what they want… but with this sorry excuse for a comedy, it’s different… and for one fundamental reason.

When I watch it with a fan, they do not even raise a grin throughout. Why? Well, at first, I put it down to the fact that they could feel my misery resonating through the room. Balls. Again, touching on what I said before, laughter is not something you can control. With Bo’ Selecta, I didn’t laugh whilst all around howled. “You don’t get it?!” people have lobbed in my direction whilst trying not to piss. A friendly shrug confirms that I do get it, I’m just not laughing. The Mighty Boosh has always been watched in silence. Why? Why? WHY?

It’s the emperor’s new clothes thing. People know, deep down, that The Mighty Boosh is a spectacularly unfunny programme. It’s amazing to watch a programme that bad. It’s down there with Two Pints of Lager, Catherine Tate, The Vicar of Dibley and Coupling. How can someone love a show like this and watch in silence just by my presence? Hmmm? I can watch an episode of The Simpsons (that I’ve seen a thousand f*cking times) and still laugh my baps right off at a couple of jokes. I can’t help it. Laughter is UNCONTROLLABLE. Unless you’re watching The Mighty Boosh it seems. The only laugh I got from this shite is that anyone commissioned it. When I say laugh, I mean sobbed uncontrollably.

Watching the horrendous Noel Fielding mew about being the best mod ain’t funny. It really isn’t. Watching Julian Barratt get ‘the funk’ in a box from a pale imitation of Papa Lazarou is about as funny as an injection going through the wall of your stomach. It’s no joke (ho!) that this is by far the most tawdry excuse for counter-culture comedy that ever existed. I imagine that people have wondered out loud about what drugs must’ve been taken during the making. ‘Oh! It’s like [insert comedy show] on acid!’ Acid actually gives you great ideas, just ask The Beatles. In that case, if The Mighty Boosh is a Beatles song, then it’s Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da.

In short, if you like The Mighty Boosh, there is something wrong with you. Your brain has become lazy. The only reason I can think that this programme exists is that it’s a huge joke at the expense of the people who watch it. It’s actually a knock-on from Nathan Barley and designed to shine a light on all you ‘Nathans’ out there. You’ve believed the hype and someone, somewhere is laughing at you sat in a bath full of money. Well, you deserve it. [Mof Gimmers]

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Category: Comedy, Why?
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Billy R

Admit it. You just don’t GET it. But never mind, you’re not the only one. It shoots over the heads of many. There’s all sorts of other stuff you can watch, I’m sure.
Anonymous

bang on!..It’s Bollox, well said!..But, it ain’t the first & it defo won’t be the last!..A lot like music right now!..c!..
Pauline

Hate to say it, but a lot of blokes come on all prissy and unamused when the Boosh is on. Could be something to do with the very good-looking Noel Fielding, possibly the sexiest beast now roaming the TV jungle… Not jealous are you, Mof? Quite confident of your looks, are we? Kinda cute but not in that Noel Fielding sort of way? Any chance of a pic – just so we can check?
http://annawaits.blogspot.com AnnaWaits

Don’t worry Boosh fans, I’ll be defending this masterpiece of modern comedy VERY soon…

And Mof: ignore the people who say ‘it’s like [whatever] on acid’ – that’s their own idiocy, not the show’s.
http://rullsenbergrules.blogspot.com Rullsenberg

Ha! Anna, I was just about to go call on you to check you were primed for the defence!
mof gimmers

I hate to say it, but the ‘isn’t Noel Fielding good looking’ only detracts from any pro argument for this terrible show.

Not only that, being the modern man that I am, I like to think I can spot a decent looking bloke when I see one… and a man with a brick shaped head hanging out of Courtney Love’s arse doesn’t really do it for me.

Mof Gimmers
(TVScoop Anchor)
maz

Hey, Mof! When did you get the groovy title (sic) ? Lovin’ it!
Anyhoo, I’ve said it before and I’ll no doubt say it again – “British Comedy” – what an oxymoron!!!
Elsa

that brick-shaped head can hang around my arse any time it likes. Let’s see the shape of your head, o ‘modern man’….
mof gimmers

I’m certain Elsa that, if you search hard enough, you can catch a glimpse of my face somewhere.

At any rate, this is not a ‘I’m more handsome than Noel Fielding’ debate… more… I know a brick headed fool with a mullet when I see one.

Mof Gi… tired of typing.
maz

I think you must be handsome, mof – besides, that’s beside the point, surely? If people will insist on appearing on tv then they should expect brickbats as well as bouquets, shouldn’t they? Not everyone’s going to love them.
Nirst

Mof – you seriously have some anger issues you need to work through. So what if the Boosh doesn’t float your boat? Why get so angry? Just turn over and watch something that does make you laugh and relax!
Elsa

Quite so, Nirst. Methinks I touched a bit of a nerve there. Noel brings it out in many guys, oh yes indeed I’ve discovered that. Even the self-styled ‘Modern’ sort get the old claws out. Change the flippin’ channel, Mof, and get over yourself.
Orla

May I point out to Elsa and Nirst that Mof’s job is a TV reviewer?

His job is to get wound up/ecstatically happy at everything on telly. Hence why TV Scoop is a successful site that’s a great read. It’s well rounded, full of opinion, and funny.

If Mof’s opinion isn’t your own, then that’s what the comments are for, but telling the guy to turn over is imbecilic since that’s clearly how he makes his living.
http://annawaits.blogspot.com AnnaWaits

Thanks for the kind words about TVScoop, Orla

(Oh, and at the risk of extending the handsomeness debate, I should point out that Julian is much more attractive…!)
mof gimmers

Okay Elsa.

This is my new edit of the article. Hope you find it an interesting read and able to generate as much debate. Here goes.

I saw The Mighty Boosh. Didn’t really like it so I turned over… but boy, it’s wet dreams all the way after seeing brick chops.

Mof Gimmers
mof gimmers

Okay. Serious answer now.

I really don’t understand the ‘if you don’t like it, turn it over then’ attitude.

If I’ve seen something, I feel compelled to comment on it. As it happens, this is the same compulsion that drives people to comment on other people’s articles. I could turn around and say ‘Don’t like my article? Don’t read it then… there are lots of other great articles on TVScoop”.

However, as The Boosh fans have pointed out, it’s more fun to get involved in some anger as there are more comments on here than Anna’s superb Why I Love The Mighty Boosh article

http://www.tvscoop.tv/2007/07/why_i_love_the_1.html

Mof Gimmers
http://www.myspace.com/paulfuzzclub Paul Fuzz

You’ve missed the point. The Mighty Boosh isn’t an adult comedy. The Mighty Boosh is a children’s TV show which happens to be on 10pm. The final episode of Series 2, ‘Milky Joe’, is an exceptional piece of Button Moon styled kids telly.
Nirst

Hey I’m not saying don’t comment on it – just try some incisive and/or witty comments on it rather than just a rant with no real point. The job of a TV reviewer is to express their opinions in a concise way that is enjoyable to read. Charlie Brooker often gets a bit ranty but it’s always well written and funny to read – this just sounds like a man who doesn’t get it and is a bit bitter about it.
mof gimmers

Wittiness is in the eye of the beholder.

I fear that this ‘bitter’ thing that people keep mentioning is way off the mark. I mean, every time something captures the attention of a number of people, I like to see what’s going on. That’s why I write about TV. That’s why I write. The end.

So, with The Mighty Boosh taking [something] by a storm, I became curious. The occasions I’ve watched it have left me cold… then angry. That’s also my job. To generate debate. Provoke either thought or reaction. And that’s exactly what has happened here.

I actually do ‘get’ The Mighty Boosh… and it still doesn’t make me laugh… and I think I’m correct in my thinking that it’s a comedy show. So that’s the main currency for me. Like Blunder, That Mitchell and Webb Look et al, it’s another Brit comedy that is all fur coat and no knickers.

Mof Gimmers
http://www.myspace.com/paulfuzzclub Paul Fuzz

Job done, Mr Gimmers. You’re right, of course, your role is absolutely to create debate, unfortunately most contributions to this debate have been pretty pointless. It has been frustrating that The Mighty Boosh has been defended on this page in an entirely wrongheaded manner (ie: you don’t get it, Noel is a hottie etc) which rather than helping the pro-Boosh cause has just damaged it to the point that I almost didn’t bother standing up for it myself. Anyway, here’s hoping your next victim is the criminally dull ‘Peep Show’.
Anonymous

You’re obviously a bitter old man without a decent sense of humour. The Boosh isn’t meant to be a gut-wrenching riot, it’s an adventure into magical lands. I’ll admit it’s a silly show and can be a slightly lame, doesn’t mean it isn’t a great comedy. I love the silliness, and the rambling. God…get over it.
Prannock

A bit late here, but never mind. I just watched the first ep (the boxing kangaroo one) of the Booosh DVD series my friend sent me (I live abroad and had never heard of it before). It was the worst “comedy” shite I have seen ever! I was livid watching it, wanting to turn off but waiting to see if there was something better to come. Rarely do I react so strongly – I wanted to melt the DVD! – but this crap was like a very poor school concert, but with no excuses for being so amateur.

Now I am British and I love lots of Brit humour, but this made me think of Thatcher. Namely I was embarrassed by it, ashamed of it, and wanted to see it in hell.
Speakes

I admit i really didnt get the Mighty Boosh when i was first introduced to it by a mate of mine who was a fan, it did grow on me like a fungus though, i have to disagree with you there are times i laugh my arse off especially the 2nd series which i rate much more then the slightly confusing 1st. Love Live The Boosh!!!!!
Ref

You’ve said yourself that comedy is entirely subjective, but please do not insult the viewers’ intelligence.
Steve

You really got to get our more and find a sense of humour. Its alternative and extreamly funny. You made yourself look like a total moron with that article.

You probably think the same of League of Gentlemen, The Fast Show, Newman and Baddiel. All classics and alternate at the time.

Toser
Steve

You really got to get our more and find a sense of humour. Its alternative and extreamly funny. You made yourself look like a total moron with that article.

You probably think the same of League of Gentlemen, The Fast Show, Newman and Baddiel. All classics and alternate at the time.

Toser
chris sabin

Tony Harrison……genius. “I’ve had champagne on me Golden Grahams I am steaming”…….whats not to laugh about?
Oh and I love peep show as well.
What did Mof think of red dwarf, alot of people used to slate that as well?
Chris

It’s an arrrtrage!!!!!!
Mof Gimmers

Christ on a bike. I’m getting accused of all sorts of things here.

For the record.

I really like alternative British comedy (although I take exception to the term ‘alternative’… laughing is just laughing).

I adore the League of Gentlemen. The Fast Show, in my opinion, is one of the most important programmes ever to be shown on TV. Newman and Baddiel (and The Mary Whitehouse Experience AND Newman’s new show) are excellent, witty and brave.

Red Dwarf… didn’t get it… but didn’t loathe it.

Mof Gimmers
TVScoop
yerma

i agree and i dont, to me it falls into surreal humour, which i like. it’s liked by the wrong people for the wrong reasons.
Anonymous

IF YO UDONT LIKE IT SWITCH IT OF THATS WHY THRERES AN OPTION YO SAD TOSSERS
DJCH

Debate is healthy, everyone knows that. And everyone in the UK has a right to free speech. So far, so good.

However, when one jumped-up, angry little man decides that he doesn’t like a programme like “The Mighty Boosh”, he assumes that anyone who doesn’t share his viewpoint has “something wrong” with them. Does he accept that it’s a programme some people just don’t get? No. Will he concede that whilst he is not overly enamoured of it, other people find it hilarious? No. He will forcefully impose his own views onto everyone else, claiming that because he doesn’t laugh at it then it simply isn’t funny.

For your information, I have never found “Fawlty Towers” funny. It’s too damn painful to watch. But I know that I am in the vast minority, have accepted that, and can move on. My flatmate, who does not like “The Mighty Boosh”, has admitted that whilst on the whole it’s not really his style, there are moments in it where he nearly pees himself laughing. The repartee is stunning, the supporting characters beautifully random (Bob Fossil), and the show itself continues to have a wonderfully childlike joy about life that is lacking in so many other shows. It hardly every resorts to crudity or violence, because it doesn’t need to.

If the reviewer doesn’t like it, he doesn’t have to watch it. The fact that he has been so vitriolic makes it almost seem as if he is scared of it (after all, we are more likely to be afraid of things that we do not understand). Give it a bad review, by all means, but a review based on the quality of the writing, acting and production, not on the mentality and intelligence of those who subscribe to its humour and style. Otherwise the reviewer should just get back to frantically masturbating his tiny little penis in front of old Bernard Manning videos, whilst reading the Daily Mail and licking a picture of Nick Griffin.
Anonymous

I like the mighty boosh!

but if you dont like it simply pik up the remote n switch it off! cumon ppl brains why argue bout summit this stupid and sayin “if u like it ther is something rong with you” wel screw you cz theres nout rong with me n i find it funni, we all like different things and if u find the mighty boosh funni wts rong wiv wtchin it? hmm nothin!
so instead off disagreain bout wt u like n dont like in t.v why dont u all just grow up!
Tf123

I like the mighty boosh!

but if you dont like it simply pik up the remote n switch it off! cumon ppl brains why argue bout summit this stupid and sayin “if u like it ther is something rong with you” wel screw you cz theres nout rong with me n i find it funni, we all like different things and if u find the mighty boosh funni wts rong wiv wtchin it? hmm nothin!
so instead off disagreain bout wt u like n dont like in t.v why dont u all just grow up!
YTHTYRHTG

THE MIGHTY BOOSH ROCKS!

But if you don’t like it then its fine, some people find it funny others don’t there’s nothing wrong with that people.
Deano, London

I hate Friends/Cheers/BO Selecta/French & Saunders/Victoria Wood, etc. None of the above make me laugh, but not for one minute would I dare to insult anyone who thought them the best thing ever, nor the people who made the shows. Basically they are not for me and thats it, I don;t watch them and good luck to those who do & enjoy them. But for this poor old MOF character to do so is unforgivable and basically sad. He has an agenda (maybe an ex-girl or boyfriend who jilted him at the alter liked the show) and my God didn’t it shine through. I’ve never seen anyone not laugh at the show so for him to say that he knows actual ‘fans’ that don’t, means hes talkin out of his hole. Live and let live MOF and get on with life. Its too full of sh*t anyway without people like you dumping more all over the place.
dany buts

mate, you are SO right! (although the “if you like The Mighty Boosh, there is something wrong with you” remark is maybe a bit too unnecessary)

Big fan of british comedy (little britain gimme gimme gimme, ab fab, etc), much better than the usual flemish crap we have overhere (although a few shows we have can meet up to your level, but that’s another story)

so after being tipped by a friend from the UK i got the chance to watch 2 episodes tonight, and MAN this is sad! The first ten minutes i was desperately hoping the whole bad acting thing (especially done by the big haired one) had some ironic level to it.. Well, after 2 episodes i give that up. Here and there some of the jokes are remotely funny (or the idea behind it, if you ignore the actual performing it), but that’s as far as it gets for me!

That’s how, half in shock, i googled for “mighty boosh bad acting” and ended up reading your blog

Funny there are reactions on your post like: it’s over your head, you don’t get it.. Honestly, explain me about one joke the deeper funny level..

And for the people that want to say that it’s cool and young, refreshing pop culture… hm.. i’d say: watch “spaced”. it’s punchy, the “young” factor feels way more genuine.

Greets from belgium!
philip

I love the Boosh and disagree with nearly everything you’ve said (I think you’re probably right in that for me most of it isn’t laugh-out-loud funny, though i’ll have to check next time I watch an episode). Either way I find most of it highly amusing, and I keep laughing now remembering jokes/scenes. Despite this I still enjoyed reading your review, it was interesting hearing an opposite view and it means I can have fun thinking about how wrong you are.
So what I really want to say is people should quit all of the personal attacks. It’s just a review. You don’t need to take it too seriously and it’s much more fun dissing/discussing the show than each other (which makes boooring reading). Ps I really don’t get most of Bob Fossil – i.e. he just shouts and rubs his nipples. Though that sounds quite funny now i’m writing it, it’s not in the show.
thraves

Cant believe people slating Boosh (and Peep Show)

cant actually be bothered to say how great it is – and the music is brilliant

perhaps youre just complete twats, see you in Top Shop mate
thraves

MOF – stick to the Fast Show & Video tapes of Newman & Baddeil – then go buy a Marathon and some Opal Fruits

theyre the shows you watch again and cringe cos theyre not that funny anymore

classics!
mof gimmers

Thankfully, some people leaving comments on here are fine with the kicking I’ve given out… mainly because they see my article for what it is… a cheap article with bile in it. It won’t change their mind… and I won’t change mine. That’s life.

As for the cheap shots… I don’t mind being given a kicking from the readers… it’s comes with the job… however, I don’t like the hypocrisy of playing the wounded wanker card when dishing out the same kind of bile originally complained about.

The fact is, the whole point of this piece is to generate debate… and that’s exactly what I’ve done. The huge amount of comments is testament to that.

My next article on the Boosh will be dedicated to you lot… it will merely read “Started watching The Mighty Boosh… didn’t really like it so I turned over”. Then I’ll get my boss on the phone asking me why I’m being so lazy… and I’ll send ‘em to you.

Mof Gimmers
TVScoop
annawaits

Far be it from me to praise a comment giving mof a kicking but I’ve gotta say this made me laugh:

“MOF – stick to the Fast Show & Video tapes of Newman & Baddeil – then go buy a Marathon and some Opal Fruits”

(sorry mate )
Mof Gimmers

Anna. Don’t fall into the lazy trap. I was asked about my opinion on those shows… which is why I mentioned them. Don’t tell me you’re turning into a Nathan as well?

Just to clear another thing up. I am not the following…

*Very old
*Lacking penile percentages
*The victim of a altar jilting
*A racist
*A Daily Mail reader (as above really)
*A fan of TopShop clothes (unlike the Nu-Rave shite who watch er…)
*Single and lonely

I am however, more than happy to shine a light on the braindead gobshites that watch this tawdry programme… got a problem with that? That’s nothing compared to being called (see list above). In fact, seeing as we’re all in the habit of randomly making assumptions about each other, I’ll assume that The Mighty Boosh only attracts people who live in bedsits, smoke too much weed and spend all their time on forums trying to be witty and pithy. See you on Bit Torrent real music fans.

Mof
Nicki

Tehee! my lord this article has caused an uproar! well done for that – i agree i think that that’s what this kind of review is for, its fun to debate! I happen to be a boosh fan and maybe there is something wrong with me, i don’t know but i have to add the reasons why i think i like it – the magical slightly childlike dreamyness of their sets, the bright colours and wild surreal plots show a real spark of IMAGINATION – you don’t have to be on drugs to think up a whacky story and these guys have got it down to a fine art (and everyone who keeps banging on about how weird it is, i really think thats the wrong word – surreal yes but there is a clever logic behind all of it) let ur mind take a walk! simple characters that i think A LOT of people can relate to, i kno i can relate to both howard (misunderstood and delusioned artist trying to find deeper meaning) and vince (simpleton, easily distracted by bright colours and discounts in topshop) and naboo, bobby bob bob and the moon are the icing on the cake! as for ur comment on real music lovers – the banter of elecro verses jazz between vince and howard is hilarious, their manipulation of genre in their songs(and the genres they span!) is really quite awesome and ‘isolation’ is an absolute masterpiece, enough said =D anywho my philosophy has always been to keep ur mind open, i kno mr Gimmers won’t on this particular topic but i wish for many whacky shows in the future for those of us who are free spirited to get their teeth stuck into!! peace out
Nicki
Rich fuller

it is people like you and the idiots you represent that drive me insane. here we are in the the mids of a complete colapes of the british comedy that you say you admire so much.
now we have the boosh, the only saving grace in british comedy. something to follow, laugh out loud to and quote from and you start bloody moaning. and i’d like to say that when i watch it i’m laughing out loud from begining to end and so does every other fan i’ve ever watched it with.
and if boosh fans don’t find it funny why do they go on quoting it and laughing about it for the rest of the week. to sumerise, your an idiot and you have no sence of humour. bugger off.
disappointed

woh. what a shame. fair enough you want to justify why you dislike the show so much. you put forward a good argument. well, that is to say until you wrote the sentence ..”if you like The Mighty Boosh, there is something wrong with you”

maybe you were trying to generate a strong debate, and by the looks of it that’s what you did. it’s just a shame that you had to regress to such a low form of writing to get what you were after.

you must a pretty sad person.

maybe you should get yourself a poncho? its impossible to be unhappy in a poncho.
http://www.tvscoop.tv/2007/07/the_mighty_boos.html jade

All i can say is. The Office. I like that show but i never laugh when i watch it but i can cringe. I can appreciate the show for its inovation and creating a new genre pretty much. I love the boosh. Its a nice escape from aworld based on deadlines and age consciousness.

Laughter is controllable.

I thank you and goodnight.
http://www.tvscoop.tv/2007/07/the_mighty_boos.html jade

All i can say is. The Office. I like that show but i never laugh when i watch it but i can cringe. I can appreciate the show for its inovation and creating a new genre pretty much. I love the boosh. Its a nice escape from aworld based on deadlines and age consciousness.

Laughter is controllable.

I thank you and goodnight.
Anonymous

fair enough you dont like it, but why write a massive article online? That makes you look like a giant c**k. why not put it in a broadsheet paper instead, then other giant c**ks like you can silently agree with you whilst on the train commuting to the dead end job they’ve been at for 30 years. a lot of people love it and get a small amount of happiness from watching that half an hour every week. get over it.
http://www.tvscoop.tv/2007/07/the_mighty_boos.html me

Boosh is retarded and so are the people who watch it. That is all.