# Start End Original Translated
1 00:00:19,560 00:00:24,040 I mean, The Young Ones - well, it all sounds very good, doesn't it? I mean, The Young Ones - well, it all sounds very good, doesn't it?
2 00:00:24,040 00:00:26,880 But just look around you - it's trash! But just look around you - it's trash!
3 00:00:26,880 00:00:29,680 I am an antichrist... # I am an antichrist... #
4 00:00:29,680 00:00:33,760 It's 1978, and the Sex Pistols are gobbing on everyone in range. It's 1978, and the Sex Pistols are gobbing on everyone in range.
5 00:00:33,760 00:00:37,560 Punk is taking Britain by storm and, for the first time since Punk is taking Britain by storm and, for the first time since
6 00:00:37,560 00:00:41,080 the hippies ten years earlier, revolution is in the air. the hippies ten years earlier, revolution is in the air.
7 00:00:41,080 00:00:43,920 Kids everywhere are kicking against the Establishment, Kids everywhere are kicking against the Establishment,
8 00:00:43,920 00:00:46,560 and Johnny Rotten is an antichrist, not a celebrity. and Johnny Rotten is an antichrist, not a celebrity.
9 00:00:46,560 00:00:50,640 Everything seemed possible the year before Mrs Thatcher arrived to put Everything seemed possible the year before Mrs Thatcher arrived to put
10 00:00:50,640 00:00:54,240 a stop to all that and this is where the story of The Young Ones starts. a stop to all that and this is where the story of The Young Ones starts.
11 00:00:54,240 00:00:57,520 I'm on board the freedom bus, heading for Good Time City I'm on board the freedom bus, heading for Good Time City
12 00:00:57,520 00:00:59,360 and I haven't even paid my fare! and I haven't even paid my fare!
13 00:00:59,360 00:01:03,480 At Manchester University, drama student Rik Mayall At Manchester University, drama student Rik Mayall
14 00:01:03,480 00:01:07,520 was inspired by the spirit of punk to drop the "C" from his name was inspired by the spirit of punk to drop the "C" from his name
15 00:01:07,520 00:01:10,040 and team up with fellow student Adrian Edmondson, and team up with fellow student Adrian Edmondson,
16 00:01:10,040 00:01:13,280 performing with comedy group 20th Century Coyote. performing with comedy group 20th Century Coyote.
17 00:01:13,280 00:01:15,920 The whole idea of anything straight was a joke. The whole idea of anything straight was a joke.
18 00:01:15,920 00:01:19,080 The idea of wanting to go on television? I don't think so! The idea of wanting to go on television? I don't think so!
19 00:01:19,080 00:01:22,120 After graduating from uni, After graduating from uni,
20 00:01:22,120 00:01:24,640 Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson went to London's Soho, Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson went to London's Soho,
21 00:01:24,640 00:01:28,600 where news was getting out about a new club called the Comedy Store. where news was getting out about a new club called the Comedy Store.
22 00:01:28,600 00:01:32,280 It put a drawing pin in the cushion of mainstream comedy provided It put a drawing pin in the cushion of mainstream comedy provided
23 00:01:32,280 00:01:35,920 by Tarby, Monky and O'Connor...y. by Tarby, Monky and O'Connor...y.
24 00:01:35,920 00:01:39,400 Rik and Ade formed their own double act and jumped straight in. Rik and Ade formed their own double act and jumped straight in.
25 00:01:41,800 00:01:44,248 The Comedy Store was a breeding ground The Comedy Store was a breeding ground
26 00:01:44,249 00:01:47,220 for the next generation of talent, a brat pack of funsters. for the next generation of talent, a brat pack of funsters.
27 00:01:48,920 00:01:50,960 Inspired by its success, Inspired by its success,
28 00:01:50,960 00:01:54,000 Peter Richardson persuaded his partner Nigel Planer Peter Richardson persuaded his partner Nigel Planer
29 00:01:54,000 00:01:55,600 and other new wave comedians and other new wave comedians
30 00:01:55,600 00:01:59,080 to open a new club above Raymond's Revuebar in Soho. to open a new club above Raymond's Revuebar in Soho.
31 00:01:59,080 00:02:01,920 So it was that the Comic Strip was launched, So it was that the Comic Strip was launched,
32 00:02:01,920 00:02:06,400 starring Richardson and Planer... Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson... starring Richardson and Planer... Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson...
33 00:02:06,400 00:02:09,760 the female duo Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French... the female duo Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French...
34 00:02:09,760 00:02:14,480 and a loud-mouthed shiny-suited Bolshevik called Alexei Sayle. and a loud-mouthed shiny-suited Bolshevik called Alexei Sayle.
35 00:02:14,480 00:02:16,320 Yaki-Da, Yaki-Da, Yaki-Da! Yaki-Da, Yaki-Da, Yaki-Da!
36 00:02:16,320 00:02:20,800 Fantastic moment in time. Suddenly there was this place Fantastic moment in time. Suddenly there was this place
37 00:02:20,800 00:02:23,640 where everybody could do things like that. where everybody could do things like that.
38 00:02:23,640 00:02:28,120 People were generally obsessed with writing new material for next week, People were generally obsessed with writing new material for next week,
39 00:02:28,120 00:02:31,000 trying new stuff out and, um... trying new stuff out and, um...
40 00:02:31,000 00:02:32,600 most of it was shit. most of it was shit.
41 00:02:32,600 00:02:38,000 But the comedy clubs became a huge success with London's Time Out crowd But the comedy clubs became a huge success with London's Time Out crowd
42 00:02:38,000 00:02:41,640 and soon attracted BBC interest, not from the comedy bosses and soon attracted BBC interest, not from the comedy bosses
43 00:02:41,640 00:02:43,440 but further down the food chain - but further down the food chain -
44 00:02:43,440 00:02:46,200 a fledgling producer called Paul Jackson. a fledgling producer called Paul Jackson.
45 00:02:46,200 00:02:48,200 I think, the first night, I saw Alexei. I think, the first night, I saw Alexei.
46 00:02:48,200 00:02:51,480 I certainly saw Rik and Ade performing as 20th Century Coyote. I certainly saw Rik and Ade performing as 20th Century Coyote.
47 00:02:51,480 00:02:54,760 I saw Nigel Planer and Peter Richardson, and I loved it. I saw Nigel Planer and Peter Richardson, and I loved it.
48 00:02:54,760 00:02:58,000 I really thought, "This is fantastic, this is different." I really thought, "This is fantastic, this is different."
49 00:02:58,000 00:03:01,200 It really made me laugh. I went back a couple of times. It really made me laugh. I went back a couple of times.
50 00:03:01,200 00:03:03,760 Second or third time, I had a drink with them Second or third time, I had a drink with them
51 00:03:03,760 00:03:06,760 and said, "Is anyone from TV talking to you guys?" and said, "Is anyone from TV talking to you guys?"
52 00:03:06,760 00:03:10,560 Although not long out of assistant floor management, Although not long out of assistant floor management,
53 00:03:10,560 00:03:12,800 Paul Jackson was the someone from television Paul Jackson was the someone from television
54 00:03:12,800 00:03:15,680 who managed to get these bright, new comedians onto the screen who managed to get these bright, new comedians onto the screen
55 00:03:15,680 00:03:17,880 in a 1980 show called... in a 1980 show called...
56 00:03:17,880 00:03:20,520 Boom boom! Out go the lights! Boom boom! Out go the lights!
57 00:03:20,520 00:03:25,440 This marked the official debut of alternative comedy on television This marked the official debut of alternative comedy on television
58 00:03:25,440 00:03:28,320 as Rik, Ade, Nigel Planer and Peter Richardson as Rik, Ade, Nigel Planer and Peter Richardson
59 00:03:28,320 00:03:29,880 performed some of the characters performed some of the characters
60 00:03:29,880 00:03:32,000 they'd been developing at the Comic Strip. they'd been developing at the Comic Strip.
61 00:03:32,000 00:03:36,480 You've been playing like this for some time? Anything wrong, officer? You've been playing like this for some time? Anything wrong, officer?
62 00:03:36,480 00:03:38,400 COULD be. COULD be.
63 00:03:38,400 00:03:41,440 It was also the TV audience's first exposure It was also the TV audience's first exposure
64 00:03:41,440 00:03:44,800 to Britain's most notorious students. What's your name? to Britain's most notorious students. What's your name?
65 00:03:44,800 00:03:47,240 Neil. Neil. Neil. Neil.
66 00:03:49,440 00:03:53,720 R-I-K Rik's character, Rick, R-I-C-K, R-I-K Rik's character, Rick, R-I-C-K,
67 00:03:53,720 00:03:58,280 was based on aspects of his own personality. was based on aspects of his own personality.
68 00:03:58,280 00:04:03,360 That was one of his skills - finding his inner monstrous qualities That was one of his skills - finding his inner monstrous qualities
69 00:04:03,360 00:04:05,440 and turning them into comedy creations. and turning them into comedy creations.
70 00:04:05,440 00:04:08,480 Right, my name's Rik, OK? Right, my name's Rik, OK?
71 00:04:08,480 00:04:11,520 LAUGHTER LAUGHTER
72 00:04:11,520 00:04:13,360 Shut up. Shut up.
73 00:04:13,360 00:04:16,480 It was also based on someone that he had seen It was also based on someone that he had seen
74 00:04:16,480 00:04:18,840 in the Fringe Club at the Edinburgh Festival in the Fringe Club at the Edinburgh Festival
75 00:04:18,840 00:04:21,840 who stood up and started declaiming poetry who stood up and started declaiming poetry
76 00:04:21,840 00:04:25,880 and got very angry when people laughed or didn't pay attention. and got very angry when people laughed or didn't pay attention.
77 00:04:25,880 00:04:29,800 "Whenever I'm near ta the thea-ta, I..." "Whenever I'm near ta the thea-ta, I..."
78 00:04:29,800 00:04:34,480 Shut up! And the character was sort of born out of that. Shut up! And the character was sort of born out of that.
79 00:04:36,200 00:04:40,360 Um, hello. Nigel had a character called Neil. Um, hello. Nigel had a character called Neil.
80 00:04:40,360 00:04:44,640 This number's sort of about a big depression that I had, This number's sort of about a big depression that I had,
81 00:04:44,640 00:04:46,840 sort of half an hour ago. sort of half an hour ago.
82 00:04:46,840 00:04:49,720 He talked about all the tropical diseases he'd got He talked about all the tropical diseases he'd got
83 00:04:49,720 00:04:51,920 when he'd taken the Magic Bus to India. when he'd taken the Magic Bus to India.
84 00:04:51,920 00:04:55,400 Which was, in fact, what had happened to Nigel. Which was, in fact, what had happened to Nigel.
85 00:04:55,400 00:04:59,640 When I'm do-o-o-own When I'm do-o-o-own
86 00:05:01,680 00:05:05,920 You kick me further You kick me further
87 00:05:07,360 00:05:11,240 You kick me further You kick me further
88 00:05:11,240 00:05:15,200 Further on...down... # Further on...down... #
89 00:05:15,200 00:05:17,920 Ade Edmondson appeared as the more violent half Ade Edmondson appeared as the more violent half
90 00:05:17,920 00:05:21,160 of a double act with Rik, called the Dangerous Brothers. of a double act with Rik, called the Dangerous Brothers.
91 00:05:21,160 00:05:25,360 My name's Richard Dangerous, and this is Adrian Dangerous. My name's Richard Dangerous, and this is Adrian Dangerous.
92 00:05:25,360 00:05:29,720 And Alexei Sayle appeared as a sort of people's poet. And Alexei Sayle appeared as a sort of people's poet.
93 00:05:29,720 00:05:33,400 Hello, John, got a new motor? Hello, John, got a new motor? Hello, John, got a new motor? Hello, John, got a new motor?
94 00:05:33,400 00:05:36,440 It was on the back of that, having looked at that and thought, It was on the back of that, having looked at that and thought,
95 00:05:36,440 00:05:38,360 "We've seen our acts on telly now." "We've seen our acts on telly now."
96 00:05:38,360 00:05:40,680 But it didn't make very exciting telly. But it didn't make very exciting telly.
97 00:05:40,680 00:05:44,960 It wasn't as exciting as in the Comedy Store and the Comic Strip. It wasn't as exciting as in the Comedy Store and the Comic Strip.
98 00:05:44,960 00:05:49,520 You just couldn't get the excitement of live performance on television. You just couldn't get the excitement of live performance on television.
99 00:05:49,520 00:05:53,080 I suddenly thought, "It would be a bloody good idea, I suddenly thought, "It would be a bloody good idea,
100 00:05:53,080 00:05:56,120 "it would be great, if all these guys lived together!" "it would be great, if all these guys lived together!"
101 00:05:56,120 00:05:59,400 One night at home, Rik and his then girlfriend Lise Mayer One night at home, Rik and his then girlfriend Lise Mayer
102 00:05:59,400 00:06:03,000 cobbled together the first ever script of The Young Ones. cobbled together the first ever script of The Young Ones.
103 00:06:03,000 00:06:06,000 The first script I saw, with coffee cup marks on it, The first script I saw, with coffee cup marks on it,
104 00:06:06,000 00:06:09,600 was a bit sprawling, it lacked discipline in its presentation. was a bit sprawling, it lacked discipline in its presentation.
105 00:06:09,600 00:06:14,400 And I'd said this to Rik, but not with any particular vehemence. And I'd said this to Rik, but not with any particular vehemence.
106 00:06:14,400 00:06:16,640 I'd said, "We need to shape this up a bit." I'd said, "We need to shape this up a bit."
107 00:06:16,640 00:06:20,320 He came to me later and said, "Do you mind if I bring in another writer?" He came to me later and said, "Do you mind if I bring in another writer?"
108 00:06:20,320 00:06:23,160 I said, "No. Who is he? Why?" I said, "No. Who is he? Why?"
109 00:06:23,160 00:06:25,360 I needed someone to churn out the gear. I needed someone to churn out the gear.
110 00:06:25,360 00:06:28,040 I'd have the ideas, some laughs, and so would Lise, I'd have the ideas, some laughs, and so would Lise,
111 00:06:28,040 00:06:30,440 but I needed someone to churn out the gear. but I needed someone to churn out the gear.
112 00:06:30,440 00:06:33,920 Someone to say, "No, no. Yeah, yeah." And so I phoned up Ben. Someone to say, "No, no. Yeah, yeah." And so I phoned up Ben.
113 00:06:33,920 00:06:38,400 Ben Elton also studied at Manchester University, Ben Elton also studied at Manchester University,
114 00:06:38,400 00:06:41,080 two years below Rik and Ade on the same drama course. two years below Rik and Ade on the same drama course.
115 00:06:41,080 00:06:44,680 He also had a job on a production line, bashing out plays. He also had a job on a production line, bashing out plays.
116 00:06:44,680 00:06:48,680 Rik had seen my plays at university, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Rik had seen my plays at university, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival,
117 00:06:48,980 00:06:52,040 and he rang me up and said, "We've got a chance and he rang me up and said, "We've got a chance
118 00:06:52,341 00:06:54,940 to do something. Paul Jackson, a producer at the BBC, to do something. Paul Jackson, a producer at the BBC,
119 00:06:55,240 00:06:59,600 has asked us to produce a pilot of anything. Want to come in on it?" has asked us to produce a pilot of anything. Want to come in on it?"
120 00:06:59,600 00:07:04,160 What happened next could best be described as "creative differences". What happened next could best be described as "creative differences".
121 00:07:04,160 00:07:06,866 The upshot was that Peter Richardson decided The upshot was that Peter Richardson decided
122 00:07:06,867 00:07:09,880 his talents wouldn't be put to best use in The Young Ones. his talents wouldn't be put to best use in The Young Ones.
123 00:07:09,880 00:07:12,123 So alongside Rik, Vyvyan and Neil, So alongside Rik, Vyvyan and Neil,
124 00:07:12,224 00:07:15,100 the part of Mike was taken by Christopher Ryan. the part of Mike was taken by Christopher Ryan.
125 00:07:15,200 00:07:18,026 Paul Jackson was excited by the pilot, Paul Jackson was excited by the pilot,
126 00:07:18,027 00:07:21,180 but would those TV bosses be equally impressed? but would those TV bosses be equally impressed?
127 00:07:21,480 00:07:25,280 They didn't get it, it's fair to say. Nobody quite knew what it was. They didn't get it, it's fair to say. Nobody quite knew what it was.
128 00:07:25,280 00:07:29,760 I loved it. I was thrilled with it. It was what we had set out to do. I loved it. I was thrilled with it. It was what we had set out to do.
129 00:07:29,760 00:07:32,558 I remember walking away with my arm around Ben, I remember walking away with my arm around Ben,
130 00:07:32,559 00:07:35,240 thinking - I don't know if I said it or not - thinking - I don't know if I said it or not -
131 00:07:35,240 00:07:39,320 "I don't care if nobody likes this because I think it's fantastic!" "I don't care if nobody likes this because I think it's fantastic!"
132 00:07:39,320 00:07:42,358 Even so, The Young Ones could have been drowned at birth. Even so, The Young Ones could have been drowned at birth.
133 00:07:42,359 00:07:44,400 But Paul Jackson had a point to prove. But Paul Jackson had a point to prove.
134 00:07:44,400 00:07:47,870 I'd shown this tape to the man who was in charge I'd shown this tape to the man who was in charge
135 00:07:47,871 00:07:50,600 of Youth Programming at the BBC at the time, Mike Boland. of Youth Programming at the BBC at the time, Mike Boland.
136 00:07:51,000 00:07:53,944 I'd gone to a youth conference with Mike and I had shown him this tape. I'd gone to a youth conference with Mike and I had shown him this tape.
137 00:07:53,945 00:07:56,790 Mike got it straightaway. "It's fabulous. I love this!" Mike got it straightaway. "It's fabulous. I love this!"
138 00:07:56,991 00:08:00,780 A couple of months later, he's poached by Channel 4 to run Entertainment. A couple of months later, he's poached by Channel 4 to run Entertainment.
139 00:08:01,580 00:08:04,066 And of course very smartly, and absolutely correctly, And of course very smartly, and absolutely correctly,
140 00:08:04,067 00:08:05,989 he goes and contacts these people, he goes and contacts these people,
141 00:08:05,990 00:08:08,760 'cause he knows the BBC's not doing anything with them. 'cause he knows the BBC's not doing anything with them.
142 00:08:08,760 00:08:12,560 And he discovered, Pete Richardson, I think that Rik And he discovered, Pete Richardson, I think that Rik
143 00:08:12,561 00:08:15,260 was still very committed to The Young Ones, was still hoping it would happen. was still very committed to The Young Ones, was still hoping it would happen.
144 00:08:15,260 00:08:17,535 But he got hold of Pete and Rich and French and Saunders But he got hold of Pete and Rich and French and Saunders
145 00:08:17,536 00:08:19,560 by this time had emerged as part of the group, by this time had emerged as part of the group,
146 00:08:19,561 00:08:22,160 and he gave them a series, which was The Comic Strip. and he gave them a series, which was The Comic Strip.
147 00:08:22,160 00:08:23,982 In fact, the first ever Comic Strip went out In fact, the first ever Comic Strip went out
148 00:08:23,983 00:08:26,860 on the first night of Channel 4 - Five Go Mad In Dorset. on the first night of Channel 4 - Five Go Mad In Dorset.
149 00:08:30,600 00:08:33,412 The Comic Strip Presents starred not only Peter Richardson, The Comic Strip Presents starred not only Peter Richardson,
150 00:08:34,013 00:08:36,280 Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French and Robbie Coltrane, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French and Robbie Coltrane,
151 00:08:36,280 00:08:39,140 and also Rik, Ade and Nigel. and also Rik, Ade and Nigel.
152 00:08:39,440 00:08:41,480 It finally rang a bell. It finally rang a bell.
153 00:08:41,480 00:08:44,760 The BBC bosses said, "Hang on, those are those blokes on the tape." The BBC bosses said, "Hang on, those are those blokes on the tape."
154 00:08:44,761 00:08:46,720 And they phoned me up and said, And they phoned me up and said,
155 00:08:46,720 00:08:51,640 "Can you get the other five shot quick enough to beat Channel 4 on air?" "Can you get the other five shot quick enough to beat Channel 4 on air?"
156 00:08:51,740 00:08:53,755 In fact, we didn't. We went on just before... In fact, we didn't. We went on just before...
157 00:08:53,756 00:08:57,620 We went on within a week of Channel 4 opening, with our full six. We went on within a week of Channel 4 opening, with our full six.
158 00:08:57,720 00:08:59,979 Channel 4 only had the one Comic Strip. Channel 4 only had the one Comic Strip.
159 00:09:00,080 00:09:02,420 We got our full six on air and that was our first series. We got our full six on air and that was our first series.
160 00:09:02,520 00:09:06,360 Once in every lifetime Once in every lifetime
161 00:09:06,360 00:09:09,080 Comes a love like this Comes a love like this
162 00:09:09,080 00:09:11,720 I need you, you need me I need you, you need me
163 00:09:11,720 00:09:14,200 Oh, my darling, can't you see... # Oh, my darling, can't you see... #
164 00:09:15,800 00:09:18,140 When the first episode went out... When the first episode went out...
165 00:09:18,440 00:09:22,360 When something's broadcast, it's not like watching a video. When something's broadcast, it's not like watching a video.
166 00:09:25,160 00:09:28,000 "It's on telly! "It's on telly!
167 00:09:28,000 00:09:33,800 "I can't believe it!" And, er...I was aware that we were creating a stir. "I can't believe it!" And, er...I was aware that we were creating a stir.
168 00:09:33,800 00:09:36,120 It's a revolution! It's a revolution!
169 00:09:36,120 00:09:38,960 Hi, kids! Hi, kids!
170 00:09:39,060 00:09:41,446 'What was good about the characters in The Young Ones was 'What was good about the characters in The Young Ones was
171 00:09:41,447 00:09:45,220 that although they were massively overblown,' that although they were massively overblown,'
172 00:09:45,220 00:09:47,027 they did have a root in truth. they did have a root in truth.
173 00:09:47,328 00:09:50,860 I mean, we'd all just been students fairly recently I mean, we'd all just been students fairly recently
174 00:09:51,060 00:09:53,089 and the characters that you meet at university, and the characters that you meet at university,
175 00:09:53,090 00:09:56,340 particularly Rik, the sort of desperate wannabe lefty particularly Rik, the sort of desperate wannabe lefty
176 00:09:56,740 00:09:59,558 who's actually deeply reactionary at heart who's actually deeply reactionary at heart
177 00:09:59,559 00:10:02,320 and the minute he graduates will immediately revert to type... and the minute he graduates will immediately revert to type...
178 00:10:02,520 00:10:06,760 You'll be hearing from my solicitor! I'm going to write to my MP. You'll be hearing from my solicitor! I'm going to write to my MP.
179 00:10:06,760 00:10:09,161 You haven't got an MP. You're an anarchist. You haven't got an MP. You're an anarchist.
180 00:10:09,662 00:10:13,880 Ah...I shall write to the lead singer of Echo And The Bunnymen! Ah...I shall write to the lead singer of Echo And The Bunnymen!
181 00:10:13,880 00:10:16,720 Vyv! Eat the telly! Vyv! Eat the telly!
182 00:10:17,020 00:10:20,560 The sort of "I hate everything and I'm gonna eat it" character, The sort of "I hate everything and I'm gonna eat it" character,
183 00:10:20,560 00:10:23,301 which is Vyvyan. You do see those at university. which is Vyvyan. You do see those at university.
184 00:10:23,502 00:10:25,280 I'm sure you see them everywhere. I'm sure you see them everywhere.
185 00:10:26,080 00:10:32,080 CHURCH BELLS Shut up, you bastards! It's only 11 o'clock! Oh, wow! CHURCH BELLS Shut up, you bastards! It's only 11 o'clock! Oh, wow!
186 00:10:32,080 00:10:34,400 Oh, heavy, heavy, heavy! Oh, heavy, heavy, heavy!
187 00:10:34,400 00:10:39,880 Another house-mate given to labelling his lentils was Nigel Planer's Neil, Another house-mate given to labelling his lentils was Nigel Planer's Neil,
188 00:10:39,880 00:10:44,560 who'd lost his hat since Boom Boom, but still had suicidal tendencies. who'd lost his hat since Boom Boom, but still had suicidal tendencies.
189 00:10:44,560 00:10:50,560 I thought you were dead! Well, that's no reason to hassle me on the toilet! I thought you were dead! Well, that's no reason to hassle me on the toilet!
190 00:10:52,560 00:10:54,693 When Rik and Vyvyan weren't terrorising Neil, When Rik and Vyvyan weren't terrorising Neil,
191 00:10:54,994 00:10:57,472 or killing each other, they spent their time looking up or killing each other, they spent their time looking up
192 00:10:57,573 00:11:00,740 to the short guy with the shades and the business plan, Mike. to the short guy with the shades and the business plan, Mike.
193 00:11:02,040 00:11:05,252 Mike the cool person really was written for Peter Richardson, Mike the cool person really was written for Peter Richardson,
194 00:11:05,253 00:11:07,720 the fourth person in the Comic Strip gang. the fourth person in the Comic Strip gang.
195 00:11:08,520 00:11:13,000 It was a great character, and Chris did an unbelievable job with it. It was a great character, and Chris did an unbelievable job with it.
196 00:11:13,000 00:11:15,398 Get lost! I AM lost! That's why I'm here. Get lost! I AM lost! That's why I'm here.
197 00:11:15,999 00:11:18,380 There's no chance of using your toilet, is there? No. There's no chance of using your toilet, is there? No.
198 00:11:18,480 00:11:21,660 I thought not. That's why I pissed in your garden. I thought not. That's why I pissed in your garden.
199 00:11:26,400 00:11:31,480 The other regular characters who came into the house via unorthodox means, The other regular characters who came into the house via unorthodox means,
200 00:11:31,480 00:11:35,240 'were all played by Alexei Sayle.' Let me in, boys! 'were all played by Alexei Sayle.' Let me in, boys!
201 00:11:35,240 00:11:39,800 As the Balowski Family, he hijacked the programme every week. As the Balowski Family, he hijacked the programme every week.
202 00:11:39,800 00:11:42,880 Greetings from South Africa. AGH! Greetings from South Africa. AGH!
203 00:11:42,880 00:11:46,960 What am I now? Come on, quick, quick! A pain in the arse. What am I now? Come on, quick, quick! A pain in the arse.
204 00:11:46,960 00:11:51,200 Alexei's style of delivery and type of humour Alexei's style of delivery and type of humour
205 00:11:51,200 00:11:54,760 wasn't really the same as Rik and Ade's. wasn't really the same as Rik and Ade's.
206 00:11:54,760 00:11:57,080 BELL TINKLES BELL TINKLES
207 00:11:57,080 00:11:59,920 Excuse me, is this the cheese shop? No, sir. Excuse me, is this the cheese shop? No, sir.
208 00:11:59,920 00:12:02,160 That's that sketch knackered then, innit? That's that sketch knackered then, innit?
209 00:12:02,160 00:12:04,090 Although he was part of the movement, Although he was part of the movement,
210 00:12:04,091 00:12:07,240 his career sort of went off on a different way from the rest. his career sort of went off on a different way from the rest.
211 00:12:07,240 00:12:09,480 They all talk about me behind my back. They all talk about me behind my back.
212 00:12:09,480 00:12:12,320 I hate him. He drinks like a fish. I hate him. He drinks like a fish.
213 00:12:12,320 00:12:15,080 He's got no talent. Alexei who? He's got no talent. Alexei who?
214 00:12:15,080 00:12:17,889 So I think, probably, that is a sign of the fact So I think, probably, that is a sign of the fact
215 00:12:17,990 00:12:21,380 that he wasn't really as integrated as the rest were with the scene. that he wasn't really as integrated as the rest were with the scene.
216 00:12:24,020 00:12:26,467 If Alexei Sayle seemed an alien invader, If Alexei Sayle seemed an alien invader,
217 00:12:26,568 00:12:29,780 it may have been because the other four were a classic tight-knit group. it may have been because the other four were a classic tight-knit group.
218 00:12:29,980 00:12:31,947 As word got round about The Young Ones, As word got round about The Young Ones,
219 00:12:32,048 00:12:35,080 and millions of kids discovered the existance of BBC 2, and millions of kids discovered the existance of BBC 2,
220 00:12:35,280 00:12:37,993 the show started attracting the fanatical support the show started attracting the fanatical support
221 00:12:37,994 00:12:40,120 that's usually reserved for rock bands. that's usually reserved for rock bands.
222 00:12:42,040 00:12:45,482 Schoolyards buzzed with the exploits of Rick, Vyvyan, Neil and Mike, Schoolyards buzzed with the exploits of Rick, Vyvyan, Neil and Mike,
223 00:12:45,483 00:12:49,320 and people started to read meanings into their relationship. and people started to read meanings into their relationship.
224 00:12:49,720 00:12:52,560 A lot of people likened The Young Ones to a family, A lot of people likened The Young Ones to a family,
225 00:12:52,560 00:12:56,570 with Neil as the mum, and Mike as the dad, with Neil as the mum, and Mike as the dad,
226 00:12:57,071 00:13:01,080 and Rik and Ade as the naughty children - and Rik and Ade as the naughty children -
227 00:13:01,280 00:13:03,020 Rik as the little girl. Rik as the little girl.
228 00:13:05,560 00:13:07,980 It's incredible - I'm not a girl at all! It's incredible - I'm not a girl at all!
229 00:13:08,780 00:13:10,958 If they are a family, The Young Ones must be If they are a family, The Young Ones must be
230 00:13:10,959 00:13:13,760 the most dysfunctional, not to say homicidal, ever. the most dysfunctional, not to say homicidal, ever.
231 00:13:14,160 00:13:18,920 The show seemed to be smashing up all the rules of sitcom. The show seemed to be smashing up all the rules of sitcom.
232 00:13:18,920 00:13:20,920 I'm sorry, Vyv. I'm sorry, Vyv.
233 00:13:31,920 00:13:36,000 That's OK, Neil. It was bound to happen sooner or later. That's OK, Neil. It was bound to happen sooner or later.
234 00:13:37,800 00:13:40,880 On the face of it, this was a completely different planet On the face of it, this was a completely different planet
235 00:13:40,880 00:13:43,920 to the one inhabited by Terry And June and The Good Life. to the one inhabited by Terry And June and The Good Life.
236 00:13:43,920 00:13:47,240 No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No!
237 00:13:47,240 00:13:52,360 We are not watching The flaming Good Life! Bloody, bloody, bloody! We are not watching The flaming Good Life! Bloody, bloody, bloody!
238 00:13:52,360 00:13:55,120 Of course, it falls into the rules of sitcom, Of course, it falls into the rules of sitcom,
239 00:13:55,120 00:13:58,240 because we had sets and characters and a situation. because we had sets and characters and a situation.
240 00:13:58,240 00:14:03,400 Dad's Army is probably a more weirdly original idea. Dad's Army is probably a more weirdly original idea.
241 00:14:03,400 00:14:05,680 I mean, ours was in a house, on a sofa! I mean, ours was in a house, on a sofa!
242 00:14:05,680 00:14:07,480 Bloody hell! Bloody hell!
243 00:14:07,980 00:14:12,860 No room for me on the sofa as usual! I have to sit on the rickety chair. No room for me on the sofa as usual! I have to sit on the rickety chair.
244 00:14:12,960 00:14:16,072 The fact that it was regularly set on fire or eaten by a hamster The fact that it was regularly set on fire or eaten by a hamster
245 00:14:16,073 00:14:17,640 doesn't really make any difference. doesn't really make any difference.
246 00:14:17,640 00:14:20,600 Christ! Bo-ring! Christ! Bo-ring!
247 00:14:20,600 00:14:24,560 What it was saying was surreal, but it looked like an ordinary sitcom. What it was saying was surreal, but it looked like an ordinary sitcom.
248 00:14:24,560 00:14:26,485 Look, Rik, it's only five minutes. Look, Rik, it's only five minutes.
249 00:14:26,486 00:14:29,740 "Rik, it's only five minutes!" Tell that to Roger Bannister! "Rik, it's only five minutes!" Tell that to Roger Bannister!
250 00:14:31,040 00:14:34,200 Roger, it's only five minutes! Oh, really? How interesting. Roger, it's only five minutes! Oh, really? How interesting.
251 00:14:34,500 00:14:36,914 The surreal demands of The Young Ones The surreal demands of The Young Ones
252 00:14:36,915 00:14:39,700 made it a dream for the special effects department. made it a dream for the special effects department.
253 00:14:41,000 00:14:42,840 Special effects loved you. Special effects loved you.
254 00:14:43,040 00:14:44,760 That's just typical! That's just typical!
255 00:14:44,760 00:14:47,263 You'd say, "I need a piano to fall through the floor." You'd say, "I need a piano to fall through the floor."
256 00:14:47,264 00:14:49,440 "Yeah, sure! Tomorrow or this afternoon?" "Yeah, sure! Tomorrow or this afternoon?"
257 00:14:49,840 00:14:54,800 These guys were fantastic. So we were playing, as we've always been. These guys were fantastic. So we were playing, as we've always been.
258 00:14:58,680 00:15:00,486 Paul Jackson said to us, Paul Jackson said to us,
259 00:15:00,487 00:15:03,320 "Don't worry about the budget, let me worry about the budget. "Don't worry about the budget, let me worry about the budget.
260 00:15:03,420 00:15:06,220 Just write anything you want to write." Just write anything you want to write."
261 00:15:08,020 00:15:10,740 Rik would bring a certain hint of madness, Rik would bring a certain hint of madness,
262 00:15:10,740 00:15:13,449 a certain understanding about what the actors could do a certain understanding about what the actors could do
263 00:15:13,450 00:15:15,240 and what the stage acts were about. and what the stage acts were about.
264 00:15:15,240 00:15:17,260 Neil, your bedroom's on fire! Neil, your bedroom's on fire!
265 00:15:17,560 00:15:19,640 I thought this was my bedroom! I thought this was my bedroom!
266 00:15:20,240 00:15:22,560 Oh, no! Oh, no!
267 00:15:22,560 00:15:27,280 Lisa tended to bring the weirder stuff, the wilder stuff. Lisa tended to bring the weirder stuff, the wilder stuff.
268 00:15:27,280 00:15:31,440 It's a bloody game, innit? What is? It's a bloody game, innit? What is?
269 00:15:31,440 00:15:33,400 Chess. Chess.
270 00:15:33,400 00:15:36,240 Mice and rats talking to each other. Mice and rats talking to each other.
271 00:15:36,240 00:15:40,920 Eaten any good books lately? 'I never liked the talking rats and things.' Eaten any good books lately? 'I never liked the talking rats and things.'
272 00:15:40,920 00:15:44,193 It was OK, but I wasn't so into that side of it. It was OK, but I wasn't so into that side of it.
273 00:15:44,194 00:15:47,600 I liked Vyvyan's talking socks at the launderette. I liked Vyvyan's talking socks at the launderette.
274 00:15:47,600 00:15:51,680 Get back in the sack, sock! I'm not going back in there. It stinks! Get back in the sack, sock! I'm not going back in there. It stinks!
275 00:15:51,680 00:15:56,000 If you can't keep control of your socks, you shan't be allowed any. If you can't keep control of your socks, you shan't be allowed any.
276 00:15:56,000 00:15:58,952 It was seat-of-the-pants stuff. That was how it had to be done. It was seat-of-the-pants stuff. That was how it had to be done.
277 00:15:58,953 00:16:01,360 Because without it, it wouldn't be the series. Because without it, it wouldn't be the series.
278 00:16:01,385 00:16:02,359 When somebody says, When somebody says,
279 00:16:02,360 00:16:05,120 Sometimes I really wish I was a fly on the wall. Sometimes I really wish I was a fly on the wall.
280 00:16:05,120 00:16:07,360 We cut to a fly crawling up the wall. We cut to a fly crawling up the wall.
281 00:16:07,360 00:16:10,000 Who are you? Who are you?
282 00:16:10,000 00:16:14,400 We're just the fly-on-the-wall documentary film crew, OK? We're just the fly-on-the-wall documentary film crew, OK?
283 00:16:14,500 00:16:16,933 We're just making a short film about We're just making a short film about
284 00:16:16,934 00:16:19,660 what it is really like to be a fly-on-the-wall. what it is really like to be a fly-on-the-wall.
285 00:16:20,560 00:16:24,920 It was our desire to do this in front of an audience for shock value. It was our desire to do this in front of an audience for shock value.
286 00:16:25,920 00:16:29,503 The audience would see people cutting off their fingers The audience would see people cutting off their fingers
287 00:16:29,504 00:16:32,320 and seeing the spurts of blood. So it all had to work. and seeing the spurts of blood. So it all had to work.
288 00:16:32,520 00:16:34,360 Brilliant, eh? Brilliant, eh?
289 00:16:37,080 00:16:38,920 Oh, dear. Oh, dear.
290 00:16:39,120 00:16:40,920 Wrong finger. Wrong finger.
291 00:16:41,120 00:16:45,496 Then it was further complicated by the fact that Paul Jackson told us that Then it was further complicated by the fact that Paul Jackson told us that
292 00:16:45,497 00:16:50,300 if we did it in variety rather than in comedy, we got a bigger budget. if we did it in variety rather than in comedy, we got a bigger budget.
293 00:16:50,500 00:16:55,300 So to qualify for variety, we thought we'd have a variety act every week. So to qualify for variety, we thought we'd have a variety act every week.
294 00:16:55,600 00:16:59,760 The fact that there would be a band on each show got established, The fact that there would be a band on each show got established,
295 00:16:59,760 00:17:02,680 and it added something to the show. We quite liked it. and it added something to the show. We quite liked it.
296 00:17:05,040 00:17:07,640 House Of Fun - we were playing in a pub, House Of Fun - we were playing in a pub,
297 00:17:07,640 00:17:09,920 The Kebab And Calculator. The Kebab And Calculator.
298 00:17:09,920 00:17:13,360 Good morning, miss Can I help you, son? # Good morning, miss Can I help you, son? #
299 00:17:13,360 00:17:17,000 And I utter the immortal line, And I utter the immortal line,
300 00:17:17,000 00:17:19,280 You hum it, I'll smash your face in. You hum it, I'll smash your face in.
301 00:17:19,280 00:17:22,320 "You hum it, I'll smash your face in." "You hum it, I'll smash your face in."
302 00:17:22,320 00:17:24,920 Funnily enough, people still stop me in the street, Funnily enough, people still stop me in the street,
303 00:17:24,920 00:17:26,880 and if I had become a stand-up comedian, and if I had become a stand-up comedian,
304 00:17:26,880 00:17:29,600 that possibly would have been my catch phrase but unfortunately that possibly would have been my catch phrase but unfortunately
305 00:17:29,600 00:17:31,040 I never made it that far. I never made it that far.
306 00:17:31,040 00:17:32,240 MUSIC! MUSIC!
307 00:17:36,880 00:17:41,280 We were able to pick our own bands, which was great. We had Motorhead. We were able to pick our own bands, which was great. We had Motorhead.
308 00:17:41,280 00:17:44,400 Wherever you are, Lemmy... Hi. Wherever you are, Lemmy... Hi.
309 00:17:46,400 00:17:48,140 The Young Ones became a huge hit. The Young Ones became a huge hit.
310 00:17:48,440 00:17:50,466 And its fans weren't just confined to the kids And its fans weren't just confined to the kids
311 00:17:50,467 00:17:52,260 and the special effects department. and the special effects department.
312 00:17:56,120 00:17:59,880 The music's too loud! The neighbours have been complaining. The music's too loud! The neighbours have been complaining.
313 00:18:00,580 00:18:03,068 The most surprising thing for us was The most surprising thing for us was
314 00:18:03,069 00:18:05,560 that it was very popular with the police. that it was very popular with the police.
315 00:18:05,960 00:18:09,720 We had seen it as kind of politically left-wing. We had seen it as kind of politically left-wing.
316 00:18:09,720 00:18:13,680 The bathroom's free! Unlike the country, under the Thatcherite junta. The bathroom's free! Unlike the country, under the Thatcherite junta.
317 00:18:13,680 00:18:15,320 Anti-police... Anti-police...
318 00:18:16,500 00:18:19,260 That's white man's electricity you're burning, ringing that bell. That's white man's electricity you're burning, ringing that bell.
319 00:18:19,261 00:18:22,400 That's theft. I've got your number so hold out your hand. That's theft. I've got your number so hold out your hand.
320 00:18:22,500 00:18:25,780 Officer, I represent Kellogg's Cornflakes car competition. Officer, I represent Kellogg's Cornflakes car competition.
321 00:18:27,280 00:18:31,260 Oh, sorry, John. I thought you was a nigger. Oh, sorry, John. I thought you was a nigger.
322 00:18:31,560 00:18:35,540 Every time any of us would come across anyone in the police force, Every time any of us would come across anyone in the police force,
323 00:18:35,540 00:18:38,705 they would say, "We all love it! It's our favourite show. they would say, "We all love it! It's our favourite show.
324 00:18:38,706 00:18:41,520 We're always playing it down the police station." We're always playing it down the police station."
325 00:18:41,920 00:18:47,200 The Young Ones, in its first series, did exactly what we hoped it would. The Young Ones, in its first series, did exactly what we hoped it would.
326 00:18:47,500 00:18:49,982 It became clear to us really pretty quickly It became clear to us really pretty quickly
327 00:18:49,983 00:18:52,780 that it was becoming a cult amongst the audience it was targeted at. that it was becoming a cult amongst the audience it was targeted at.
328 00:18:52,780 00:18:55,820 Clearly it was targeted at a young audience. Clearly it was targeted at a young audience.
329 00:18:56,120 00:18:59,080 Although I didn't set out to make a cult show, Although I didn't set out to make a cult show,
330 00:18:59,081 00:19:02,040 the intention was that your mum would hate it. the intention was that your mum would hate it.
331 00:19:02,040 00:19:04,843 Like rock'n'roll, you didn't want parents to like it. Like rock'n'roll, you didn't want parents to like it.
332 00:19:04,944 00:19:08,120 You wanted them to be worried you were watching it. You wanted them to be worried you were watching it.
333 00:19:08,720 00:19:12,600 It's a bloody outrage. It's a waste of the licensing fee. It's a bloody outrage. It's a waste of the licensing fee.
334 00:19:13,500 00:19:17,480 When series one of The Young Ones ended in December 1982, When series one of The Young Ones ended in December 1982,
335 00:19:17,480 00:19:21,325 it had become so popular that it was repeated inside six months. it had become so popular that it was repeated inside six months.
336 00:19:21,426 00:19:23,780 And another series was immediately commissioned. And another series was immediately commissioned.
337 00:19:23,980 00:19:27,560 But now it was the BBC who had to wait, because The Young Ones team But now it was the BBC who had to wait, because The Young Ones team
338 00:19:27,560 00:19:30,780 were everything Rik Mayall had dreaded only four years earlier - were everything Rik Mayall had dreaded only four years earlier -
339 00:19:30,980 00:19:32,820 successful and famous. successful and famous.
340 00:19:33,220 00:19:35,411 Nigel Planer had gone over to the other side Nigel Planer had gone over to the other side
341 00:19:35,412 00:19:38,620 to play the Mike-lile character Lou Lewis in Shine On Harvey Moon. to play the Mike-lile character Lou Lewis in Shine On Harvey Moon.
342 00:19:39,020 00:19:42,216 And as Neil, he released a cover version of Hole In My Shoe, And as Neil, he released a cover version of Hole In My Shoe,
343 00:19:42,417 00:19:44,440 which went to number two in the charts. which went to number two in the charts.
344 00:19:44,940 00:19:47,425 In 1983, he and the rest of the cast In 1983, he and the rest of the cast
345 00:19:47,526 00:19:49,860 toured a stage version of The Young Ones. toured a stage version of The Young Ones.
346 00:19:50,460 00:19:53,957 Ben Elton co-wrote Alfresco, an ITV sketch show, Ben Elton co-wrote Alfresco, an ITV sketch show,
347 00:19:53,958 00:19:55,840 where he also tried his hand at acting, where he also tried his hand at acting,
348 00:19:55,840 00:19:59,600 with the bright young things from the Cambridge Footlights. with the bright young things from the Cambridge Footlights.
349 00:19:59,600 00:20:01,720 You haven't spoken. You haven't spoken.
350 00:20:01,720 00:20:05,800 Well, sir, I know some of the fellows think I'm cock-eyed. Perhaps I am. Well, sir, I know some of the fellows think I'm cock-eyed. Perhaps I am.
351 00:20:05,800 00:20:07,549 But I'm the only chap in this room But I'm the only chap in this room
352 00:20:07,550 00:20:10,800 who can look in two different directions at the same time. who can look in two different directions at the same time.
353 00:20:12,400 00:20:13,720 Charlie? Charlie?
354 00:20:13,720 00:20:19,000 Alfresco may not have been a hit, but Ben Elton added acting to his CV, Alfresco may not have been a hit, but Ben Elton added acting to his CV,
355 00:20:19,000 00:20:24,280 and duly turned up in the eagerly-awaited second series of The Young Ones. and duly turned up in the eagerly-awaited second series of The Young Ones.
356 00:20:24,280 00:20:28,160 We've been picked to go on University Challenge tonight! We've been picked to go on University Challenge tonight!
357 00:20:32,060 00:20:33,915 The first show of series two, The first show of series two,
358 00:20:33,916 00:20:36,800 and probably the best-remembered of all The Young Ones episodes, and probably the best-remembered of all The Young Ones episodes,
359 00:20:37,000 00:20:39,546 pitted our radical alternative comedians pitted our radical alternative comedians
360 00:20:39,547 00:20:42,360 against Ben Elton's posh new best friends. against Ben Elton's posh new best friends.
361 00:20:42,560 00:20:45,600 We're going to smash the oiks! We're going to smash the oiks!
362 00:20:47,800 00:20:50,149 In the second series, we were lucky enough to win a BAFTA, In the second series, we were lucky enough to win a BAFTA,
363 00:20:50,150 00:20:51,920 and the BAFTA-winning episode was Bambi, and the BAFTA-winning episode was Bambi,
364 00:20:52,920 00:20:56,720 so called because of Bamber Gascoigne, the host then, of University Challenge. so called because of Bamber Gascoigne, the host then, of University Challenge.
365 00:20:57,720 00:21:00,240 Welcome to another edition of University Challenge. Welcome to another edition of University Challenge.
366 00:21:00,240 00:21:03,680 Interestingly, these new red-brick alternative comics Interestingly, these new red-brick alternative comics
367 00:21:03,680 00:21:05,808 had very quickly started to meet had very quickly started to meet
368 00:21:05,809 00:21:09,000 the then generation of the Cambridge Revue people. the then generation of the Cambridge Revue people.
369 00:21:09,000 00:21:11,480 What is the chemical equation...? What is the chemical equation...?
370 00:21:11,480 00:21:13,640 I've got a Porsche. I've got a Porsche.
371 00:21:15,880 00:21:19,960 Ah...ah...ah... # Ah...ah...ah... #
372 00:21:22,600 00:21:26,440 If the first series of The Young Ones caused a bit of a stir, If the first series of The Young Ones caused a bit of a stir,
373 00:21:26,440 00:21:29,640 the second was a smack to the bland face of comedy on TV, the second was a smack to the bland face of comedy on TV,
374 00:21:29,640 00:21:31,120 followed by a mugging. followed by a mugging.
375 00:21:31,120 00:21:33,120 The cult audience of the first series The cult audience of the first series
376 00:21:33,120 00:21:35,600 swelled to mainstream proportions. swelled to mainstream proportions.
377 00:21:35,600 00:21:39,720 The Young Ones was a huge success because it wasn't just about students. The Young Ones was a huge success because it wasn't just about students.
378 00:21:39,720 00:21:45,560 If you were young in 1980s Britain, you knew a Rik or Vyvyan or Neil. If you were young in 1980s Britain, you knew a Rik or Vyvyan or Neil.
379 00:21:45,560 00:21:49,600 Neil, how are you keeping that plant pot up? Neil, how are you keeping that plant pot up?
380 00:21:49,600 00:21:52,240 Everyone who watched The Young Ones can quote lines from it, Everyone who watched The Young Ones can quote lines from it,
381 00:21:52,240 00:21:54,480 often doing the voices, unfortunately, often doing the voices, unfortunately,
382 00:21:54,480 00:21:57,240 and everyone has a favourite scene. and everyone has a favourite scene.
383 00:21:57,240 00:21:58,760 Open up, it's the pigs! Open up, it's the pigs!
384 00:22:00,720 00:22:02,520 Knob end! Knob end!
385 00:22:02,520 00:22:07,880 Oh, Vyvyan! What repartee! Sticks and stones may break my bones! Oh, Vyvyan! What repartee! Sticks and stones may break my bones!
386 00:22:07,880 00:22:11,120 That is the first sensible thing you have said all day! That is the first sensible thing you have said all day!
387 00:22:14,880 00:22:18,840 My favourite moment is Vyvyan doing the thing on the train. My favourite moment is Vyvyan doing the thing on the train.
388 00:22:18,840 00:22:21,364 They go on the train to get to the studio, They go on the train to get to the studio,
389 00:22:21,465 00:22:23,520 and Vyvyan is walking along the corridor and says, and Vyvyan is walking along the corridor and says,
390 00:22:23,520 00:22:28,100 "Why can't you stick your head out of a train window when it's moving?" "Why can't you stick your head out of a train window when it's moving?"
391 00:22:28,500 00:22:32,480 "Do not lean out of the window." I wonder why? "Do not lean out of the window." I wonder why?
392 00:22:33,080 00:22:35,320 He sticks his head out and, of course... He sticks his head out and, of course...
393 00:22:35,320 00:22:37,060 AGH! AGH!
394 00:22:37,060 00:22:38,897 ..another train comes and knocks his head off, ..another train comes and knocks his head off,
395 00:22:38,898 00:22:41,540 and he runs down the track kicking his head in front of him. and he runs down the track kicking his head in front of him.
396 00:22:41,540 00:22:44,325 It was the clip we showed at BAFTA the night we won It was the clip we showed at BAFTA the night we won
397 00:22:44,326 00:22:46,760 and it's probably one of my favourite clips. and it's probably one of my favourite clips.
398 00:22:47,760 00:22:49,560 Over here! Over here!
399 00:22:49,760 00:22:53,000 Over here! Hurry up about it, will you?! Over here! Hurry up about it, will you?!
400 00:22:54,520 00:22:56,840 You took your time, you bastard! You took your time, you bastard!
401 00:23:00,920 00:23:04,360 At the end of the second series, we'd done 12. At the end of the second series, we'd done 12.
402 00:23:04,360 00:23:07,600 Rik, particularly, but all of them, writers and performers, Rik, particularly, but all of them, writers and performers,
403 00:23:07,600 00:23:11,040 had in their mind that there'd only been 12 Fawlty Towers. had in their mind that there'd only been 12 Fawlty Towers.
404 00:23:11,040 00:23:13,720 So the basic idea was get out while you're winning. So the basic idea was get out while you're winning.
405 00:23:13,720 00:23:15,960 I'm completely bloody sick of this! I'm completely bloody sick of this!
406 00:23:15,960 00:23:18,960 The main reason for stopping was that we'd done everything we could. The main reason for stopping was that we'd done everything we could.
407 00:23:18,960 00:23:21,520 It was about surprise and we couldn't surprise them any more It was about surprise and we couldn't surprise them any more
408 00:23:21,520 00:23:23,640 cos they'd be expecting surprise. cos they'd be expecting surprise.
409 00:23:23,640 00:23:25,160 Hands up who likes me? Hands up who likes me?
410 00:23:27,080 00:23:31,160 When the creative talents say that to you, you need to listen. When the creative talents say that to you, you need to listen.
411 00:23:31,160 00:23:34,240 The BBC tried to get them to come back, but they were right. The BBC tried to get them to come back, but they were right.
412 00:23:34,240 00:23:38,600 The Young Ones had a phenomenal influence on British TV. The Young Ones had a phenomenal influence on British TV.
413 00:23:38,600 00:23:42,420 By 1986, the comedy map had been redrawn. By 1986, the comedy map had been redrawn.
414 00:23:42,420 00:23:45,032 The old guard of Tarby and Brucie were relegated The old guard of Tarby and Brucie were relegated
415 00:23:45,033 00:23:47,100 to game shows and the golf course, to game shows and the golf course,
416 00:23:47,200 00:23:51,080 and new wave, alternative comedians moved into the mainstream. and new wave, alternative comedians moved into the mainstream.
417 00:23:51,080 00:23:55,120 Our young anarchists became the new television establishment. Our young anarchists became the new television establishment.
418 00:23:55,120 00:24:00,320 After Harvey Moon, Nigel Planer went on to Roll Over Beethoven, After Harvey Moon, Nigel Planer went on to Roll Over Beethoven,
419 00:24:00,320 00:24:03,760 Chris Ryan appeared in a sitcom, A Small Problem, Chris Ryan appeared in a sitcom, A Small Problem,
420 00:24:03,760 00:24:07,960 while Rik and Ade regularly performed their double act the Dangerous Brothers while Rik and Ade regularly performed their double act the Dangerous Brothers
421 00:24:07,960 00:24:11,400 on a show that became the flagship of alternative comedy. on a show that became the flagship of alternative comedy.
422 00:24:11,400 00:24:14,040 Saturday Live was produced by Paul Jackson Saturday Live was produced by Paul Jackson
423 00:24:14,040 00:24:17,280 and featured a familiar shiny-suited compere. and featured a familiar shiny-suited compere.
424 00:24:17,280 00:24:19,320 British comedy is the best in the world. British comedy is the best in the world.
425 00:24:19,320 00:24:22,360 British telly is its crowning glory. We've all seen Saturday Live. British telly is its crowning glory. We've all seen Saturday Live.
426 00:24:22,360 00:24:23,840 Very funny. Fair enough. Very funny. Fair enough.
427 00:24:23,840 00:24:29,080 In 1986 Ben Elton was brought in to co- write the second series of Blackadder. In 1986 Ben Elton was brought in to co- write the second series of Blackadder.
428 00:24:29,080 00:24:32,200 Rik Mayall appeared in it as Lord Flashheart, Rik Mayall appeared in it as Lord Flashheart,
429 00:24:32,200 00:24:35,240 and The Young Ones reformed as a one-off for Comic Relief. and The Young Ones reformed as a one-off for Comic Relief.
430 00:24:35,240 00:24:39,000 Their single, Living Doll, with Cliff Richard, went to number one. Their single, Living Doll, with Cliff Richard, went to number one.
431 00:24:42,240 00:24:44,480 A year later, A year later,
432 00:24:44,480 00:24:47,414 Rik, Nigel and Ade were reunited with Ben as writer Rik, Nigel and Ade were reunited with Ben as writer
433 00:24:47,415 00:24:50,400 for six fleeting episodes of Filthy Rich And Catflap. for six fleeting episodes of Filthy Rich And Catflap.
434 00:24:51,000 00:24:54,540 The Young Ones was a swipe at youth culture. The Young Ones was a swipe at youth culture.
435 00:24:54,640 00:24:57,280 And lots more. And lots more.
436 00:24:57,280 00:25:00,311 And then, we had a little bit of fame thrust on us And then, we had a little bit of fame thrust on us
437 00:25:00,312 00:25:03,200 and so that's what we attacked next. It was showbiz. and so that's what we attacked next. It was showbiz.
438 00:25:03,400 00:25:07,480 Showbiz I'm in showbiz! # Showbiz I'm in showbiz! #
439 00:25:07,480 00:25:09,800 Despite being a critical success, Despite being a critical success,
440 00:25:09,800 00:25:13,320 the show only ran for one series, and has never been repeated. the show only ran for one series, and has never been repeated.
441 00:25:13,320 00:25:18,200 I think there was a sort of, what a band would call musical differences. I think there was a sort of, what a band would call musical differences.
442 00:25:18,200 00:25:22,280 There was some sort of shift in the creative power, There was some sort of shift in the creative power,
443 00:25:22,280 00:25:24,596 and so I think that's really the reason and so I think that's really the reason
444 00:25:24,597 00:25:27,060 why there weren't any further Filthy Rich And Catflaps. why there weren't any further Filthy Rich And Catflaps.
445 00:25:27,060 00:25:31,000 It's just Rik and Ben going off in their own directions. It's just Rik and Ben going off in their own directions.
446 00:25:31,400 00:25:33,880 A shame for me, 'cause I fell through the middle. A shame for me, 'cause I fell through the middle.
447 00:25:33,880 00:25:37,200 Look, look, stop it, boys! Shut up, shut up. Look, look, stop it, boys! Shut up, shut up.
448 00:25:40,160 00:25:45,000 After playing Richie Rich, Rik Mayall embraced the world of Thatch, After playing Richie Rich, Rik Mayall embraced the world of Thatch,
449 00:25:45,000 00:25:47,880 starring as Alan B'stard in The New Statesman. starring as Alan B'stard in The New Statesman.
450 00:25:47,980 00:25:49,764 Both he and Ade Edmondson appeared Both he and Ade Edmondson appeared
451 00:25:49,765 00:25:52,600 in Blackadder Goes Forth, co-written by Ben Elton. in Blackadder Goes Forth, co-written by Ben Elton.
452 00:25:53,500 00:25:56,505 Rik and Ade returned to their drama roots in 1989, Rik and Ade returned to their drama roots in 1989,
453 00:25:56,506 00:25:58,880 for Waiting For Godot in the West End. for Waiting For Godot in the West End.
454 00:25:58,980 00:26:01,056 While Nigel Planer sent up luvviedom While Nigel Planer sent up luvviedom
455 00:26:01,057 00:26:04,220 as Nicholas Craig on BBC 2 in The Naked Actor. as Nicholas Craig on BBC 2 in The Naked Actor.
456 00:26:05,420 00:26:08,571 In 1991, Rik and Ade brought their slapstick In 1991, Rik and Ade brought their slapstick
457 00:26:08,572 00:26:13,280 to a new level of sophistication, as the TV show Bottom was born. to a new level of sophistication, as the TV show Bottom was born.
458 00:26:13,280 00:26:17,040 If you had the common decency to go out and get yourself a proper job, If you had the common decency to go out and get yourself a proper job,
459 00:26:17,040 00:26:20,220 and not hang around the flat like some vast slug, and not hang around the flat like some vast slug,
460 00:26:21,020 00:26:24,140 then perhaps I would have the opportunity to take my top off, then perhaps I would have the opportunity to take my top off,
461 00:26:24,140 00:26:27,080 and wash it without the risk of you seeing my nipples! and wash it without the risk of you seeing my nipples!
462 00:26:27,080 00:26:29,050 With Bottom, Rik and Ade returned With Bottom, Rik and Ade returned
463 00:26:29,051 00:26:31,040 to the double act they'd developed as students, to the double act they'd developed as students,
464 00:26:31,240 00:26:33,500 and they'd been honing throughout their careers. and they'd been honing throughout their careers.
465 00:26:33,500 00:26:36,692 They'd been together so long, their relationship predated The Young Ones, They'd been together so long, their relationship predated The Young Ones,
466 00:26:36,793 00:26:38,580 and it has post-dated The Young Ones. and it has post-dated The Young Ones.
467 00:26:38,580 00:26:42,840 I'm sure when they're 90, they'll still be doing jokes about bottoms, I'm sure when they're 90, they'll still be doing jokes about bottoms,
468 00:26:43,440 00:26:46,160 and finding it very funny. As will everyone else. and finding it very funny. As will everyone else.
469 00:26:49,000 00:26:51,914 In 1999, Rik and Ade brought their double act In 1999, Rik and Ade brought their double act
470 00:26:51,915 00:26:54,900 to the big screen with a movie, Guesthouse Paradiso. to the big screen with a movie, Guesthouse Paradiso.
471 00:26:55,000 00:26:57,847 Undeterred by the critical bottom burp it received, Undeterred by the critical bottom burp it received,
472 00:26:57,948 00:27:00,800 this year, Rik is back working with Peter Richardson, this year, Rik is back working with Peter Richardson,
473 00:27:01,000 00:27:03,780 on the feature film, Churchill - The Hollywood Years. on the feature film, Churchill - The Hollywood Years.
474 00:27:04,280 00:27:08,120 Nigel Planer, once again, has Ben Elton's words to speak. Nigel Planer, once again, has Ben Elton's words to speak.
475 00:27:08,120 00:27:13,800 One starring in, and the other writing, the Queen musical We Will Rock You. One starring in, and the other writing, the Queen musical We Will Rock You.
476 00:27:13,800 00:27:18,280 Chris Ryan has appeared in several series of Absolutely Fabulous. Chris Ryan has appeared in several series of Absolutely Fabulous.
477 00:27:18,280 00:27:23,440 And Ade Edmondson has tried and failed to save the NHS in Doctors And Nurses. And Ade Edmondson has tried and failed to save the NHS in Doctors And Nurses.
478 00:27:23,440 00:27:27,600 But our four middle-aged Turks will always be remembered for their roles But our four middle-aged Turks will always be remembered for their roles
479 00:27:27,600 00:27:32,400 in what can claim to be the most influential TV comedy of the last 25 years. in what can claim to be the most influential TV comedy of the last 25 years.
480 00:27:32,400 00:27:34,354 They're forever The Young Ones, They're forever The Young Ones,
481 00:27:34,355 00:27:38,080 riding on the freedom bus with a one-way ticket to oblivion. riding on the freedom bus with a one-way ticket to oblivion.
482 00:27:38,080 00:27:40,720 This is it! It's really happening! This is it! It's really happening!
483 00:27:40,920 00:27:43,253 One of the lovely things about doing The Young Ones was One of the lovely things about doing The Young Ones was
484 00:27:43,454 00:27:46,220 I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time,
485 00:27:46,420 00:27:48,412 to have met very early in their careers to have met very early in their careers
486 00:27:48,413 00:27:51,360 this group of people who so clearly were multi-talented. this group of people who so clearly were multi-talented.
487 00:27:51,560 00:27:55,040 We're all going on a summer holiday. # We're all going on a summer holiday. #
488 00:27:55,040 00:27:57,680 I was just lucky enough to have walked into a room I was just lucky enough to have walked into a room
489 00:27:57,680 00:28:00,520 where all these people were sitting, and nobody else was looking. where all these people were sitting, and nobody else was looking.
490 00:28:00,520 00:28:05,000 We can do exactly whatever we want to do! And do you know why? We can do exactly whatever we want to do! And do you know why?
491 00:28:05,000 00:28:08,640 Because we're Young Ones! Bachelor Boys! Because we're Young Ones! Bachelor Boys!
492 00:28:08,640 00:28:12,880 Crazy, mad, wild-eyed, big-bottomed anarchists! Crazy, mad, wild-eyed, big-bottomed anarchists!
493 00:28:12,880 00:28:14,920 Look out! Look out!
494 00:28:14,920 00:28:16,680 Cliff! Cliff!
495 00:28:24,880 00:28:29,160 There was no plan, except to have a good fucking time. There was no plan, except to have a good fucking time.
496 00:28:29,160 00:28:33,640 Now that's what I call anarchy! Now that's what I call anarchy!
496 00:28:29,160 00:28:33,640 Now that's what I call anarchy! Now that's what I call anarchy!