Network DVD have released all 6 episodes of this comedy series by the irrepressible Caroline Aherne, complete and uncut, and priced at £14.99.
A spin-off from the successful and well-loved Mrs Merton Show, Caroline Ahearne continues to entertain the viewers with her wit and endless talent in the creation and performance of this inky black comedy series. We see the elderly but feisty chat show hostess in her domestic setting. She is a doting mother to the 37 - year old Malcolm (co - writer Craig Cash), who appears to be stuck in a time capsule - apart from his physical maturity, everything else about Malcolm (mentality, intelligence, attitude etc.) appears to have frozen at the age of preteen years. There is also the bedridden Mr. Merton who is never seen or heard. It is one of the main characterisations of the show that Mrs. Merton carries out a one-sided conversation with him after tucking Malcolm into bed at the end of each day.
This is a sitcom with a twist in that it is highly amusing and at the same time pitch-black. The edgy humour divided the critics as the programme was first aired in 1999 much to the shock of the writers, who did not anticipate such strong reactions from some quarters. The show also features the legendary Brian Murphy (George and Mildred, Man About the House) as the aged, forgetful family friend Arthur Capstick. Steve Coogan also has a prevailing presence in this series as the voice of the smug disc jokey on the radio, the voice of Malcolm's motivational tapes and a guest appearance towards the end of the series.
To celebrate the release on the 10th November I have three copies to give away and ato be in with a chance of winning one, all I want to know is what year the Royle Family, also starring Aherne and Cash, started?
There, a nice simple one. Send your answers to MERTON COMPETITION clearly marking your entry MERTON and providing your contact details along with the right answer.
Competition Small Print: Competitions are open to UK residents only. Only single entries per household are permitted. The judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into. No cash alternative is available and all competitions are run on behalf of the releasing companies and can be subject to change or cancellation without notice. Competition closes 31st November at midnight.
.| Episode | Synopsis |
|---|---|
| One | It's Malcolm's 37th birthday. The potted beef sandwiches are prepared and it's time for the guests to arrive… |
| Two | Malcolm rises to the challenge of a game of tiddly-winks with next door neighbour Justin. |
| Three | Malcolm finds love at the chemist's. But does shop assistant Judith Potts feel the same way about him? |
| Four | Malcolm is poorly. He doesn't want to bother the doctor, but Mrs. Merton is insistent… |
| Five | Has Mrs. Merton Found the perfect partner for Arthur Capstick? |
| Six | As Mrs Merton Struggles to cope with the loss of her bedridden husband, Malcolm must adjust to his new role as man of the house |