Why I Love... The Mighty Boosh

Alas poor Mof, you just don't know what you're missing out on (read the diatribe here). I would pity him, if I didn't believe that he actually derives more pleasure from hating the show than he would from enjoying it.

The thing is - I knew *exactly* what Mof's problem would be with The Mighty Boosh and Boosh fans; because, actually, I think people get the Boosh wrong all the time too (but, you won't be surprised to hear, I come up with a rather different conclusion). People go on about how "weird" it is and, as he says, are constantly describing it as "[some show] on acid." But that's their problem. Much as I enjoy all the strangeness, I hate people going on about that too; it entirely misses the point.

So here's the point. What's important is the show's heart - and it's there that you'll find the magic. It's not funky man-fish Old Gregg and his mangina, it's not Mr. Susan, guardian of the Mirror World, and it's not a talking gorilla (though Bollo is pretty damn cool). No, the show's heart is, I'm afraid, a whole lot more mundane, and whole lot more beautiful.

It's a traditional odd couple double-act. That's all. Just two guys with nothing in common, who are consistently frustrated with each other, but who somehow rely on each other because they just don't seem to function on their own. First there's the day-glo electro nymph Vince Noir - all hair and accessories and red cowbow boots. He's simple and an idiot (there's a big difference) but he generally gets away with it because he can flash his pointy smile, wear a cool Bowie t-shirt and he talks the talk pretty well. And then there's Howard Moon - the man, the myth, the maverick. He's an idiot too, but he likes to think he's a deep, under-appreciated hero and ploymath with a particular interest in jazz and (worse) jazz-funk. Like all good double-acts, they're simultaneously entirely different, and two sides of the same self-deluded coin. It's Pete and Dud, it's Eric and Ernie - dammit it's Bert and Ernie. And perhaps the reason this double-act works so well is because it's so near the truth. Why do Noel Fielding, made of pure Hoxton, and Julian Barratt, "clearly from Leeds" get on so well? Goodness knows, but it sure is good for comedy. When these two just riff - say at the start of Electro or Charlie, or when they reach the desert island in The Nightmare of Milky Joe - something pretty special happens. If the whole show were just Noir/Fielding and Moon/Barratt sitting on a park bench bickering about Uncle Walt's pens (one for the fans), I'd be a happy soul.

The "weirdness", well that's just extra - and when they get it right, it's actually quite sublime. Taking The Nightmare of Milky Joe again, the way in which the coconut-headed friends Howard and Vince create slowly come to life is inspired, and it's their most sophisticated and coherent bit of writing to date. As that was the last episode of the last series to be aired, things look promising.

I could go on and on quoting choice lines, saying what a Beastie Boys-esque masterpiece The Tundra Rap is, or praising the gonzo genius of Bob Fossil, but instead I'll just let you watch, and suggest that if, like Mof, you're a newbie watching with a fan who's not laughing, they're probably not that much of a fan either, because it still makes me laugh out loud every single time. [annawaits]

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Comments

Yes.

Posted by: Paul Fuzz | July 16, 2007 8:58 PM

Thank you Anna!!
It's always great to read a serious and eloquent review of the Boosh.
You are 100% right, it is all about the heart.
Though I have to correct you on one thing: The "surreal" bit isn't just an extra - it's a mean to serve the heart.
The two heroes, Howard and Vince, are indeed two sides of the same coin. The deluded loser coin that is, with lofty dreams of self fulfillment and success. Those two men refuse to grow up and give up on their dreams. As a child life promises you a world of excitement and adventure and as you grow old reality sets in and all seems to fade to grey.
Howard and Vince still see the world in bright exuberant colours and find music and (infantile) poetry everywhere. Everything is a new experience; every corner could lead into an adventure.
The show is not sureal - it's a day dream.
You don't get the Boosh? Reach out to the child within.
Besides, it's just so damn funny.

Posted by: Halfpintmoney | August 3, 2007 10:32 AM

I couldnt agree with you more! :)

Posted by: Rachel | August 21, 2007 8:16 PM

that was a really good review of the Mighty Boosh!

Well done!
All Boosh fans would be proud, as would the Boosh themselves.

It makes me laugh as well... but I laugh at all the most unfunny bits. My favourite line being

'I am Mr Susan... and now it is time for you to do the choosin'!'

Ha. But, seriously, well done!

Posted by: jenni fat bickley | September 8, 2007 10:03 PM

That was one of the most coherent reviews of this show I've ever read. Or, to put it another way, "genius!" (another one for the fans). And I would very much like to hear ANYTHING positive you have to say about Rich Fulcher (swoons).

Posted by: Fran | October 10, 2007 7:32 PM

I have to admit I didnt like Boosh when I first saw it, not sure why but it just repelled me. Then I saw a clip of the The Spirit of Jazz and I almost wet myself laughing (watched that clip about a hundred times and its still funny- y'know the one with the hat).

I have been converted- I now love the Mighty Boosh

Posted by: John | October 25, 2007 7:36 PM

Thanks for the kind comments! It's easy to write about a topic so close to my heart...!

Posted by: AnnaWaits | November 6, 2007 3:44 PM

I LOVE THE MIGHTY BOOSH

fair enough some people dont like it and they are entitled to their opinion, but im going to fight for the Boosh!!!
How many comedy shows do you know that are anything like The Mighty Boosh?? none!! exactly its original and meaningful and flaming HILLARIOUS!! of course it helps that noel fielding is the hottest thing alive but it also helps that you can watch them over and over again and not get bored!! and there isn't many programmes which can do this.

as a devoted fan i feel that people who dont like them are mental!! no offence.
at least they have made a career entertaining people whereas the people who are anti- boosh are the ones that arent famous so i think a bit of jealousy is showing.

KEEP UP THE HARD WORK =D

LOVE emma-jo

Posted by: emma-jo | November 21, 2007 7:36 PM

I LOVE THE MIGHTY BOOSH

fair enough some people dont like it and they are entitled to their opinion, but im going to fight for the Boosh!!!
How many comedy shows do you know that are anything like The Mighty Boosh?? none!! exactly its original and meaningful and flaming HILLARIOUS!! of course it helps that noel fielding is the hottest thing alive but it also helps that you can watch them over and over again and not get bored!! and there isn't many programmes which can do this.

as a devoted fan i feel that people who dont like them are mental!! no offence.
at least they have made a career entertaining people whereas the people who are anti- boosh are the ones that arent famous so i think a bit of jealousy is showing.

KEEP UP THE HARD WORK =D

LOVE emma-jo

Posted by: emma-jo | November 21, 2007 7:40 PM

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