The Flip Side

Hugh Laurie

And really, who can blame him?  Lots of people don’t like interviews, but Hugh’s coming clean about it.  I’m just glad we get to see him on TV and in films.  It’s fine with me if he doesn’t do interviews.

From icydk.com:

He says, “Obviously you are in a very vulnerable position (when you give an interview). You are putting your testicles on a chopping board. I get anxious about a lot of things, that’s the trouble. I get anxious about everything. I just can’t stop thinking about things all the time. And here’s the really destructive part - it’s always retrospective. I waste time thinking of what I should have said or done. I can’t bear going through the same f***ing dance of despair.”

Hugh Laurie and Forest Whitaker

“Street Kings” is a crime thriller about a disgraced cop who discovers corruption inside a police department and sets out on a mission to redeem himself. (Yeah, so not a terribly original idea, but I bring it up because of this cast.

Keanu Reeves

Hugh Laurie (can’t get enough of him)

Chris Evans

Common

Cedric the Entertainer

Forest Whitaker

Jay Mohr

And that’s just to name a few.  The film opens on April 11^th. 

Orlando Bloom

The cast of Blackadder Goes Forth (4th Season) from top left clockwise:  Tim McInnerny, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson

Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson)

Blackadder ranks right up there with the best of the best comedies on planet Earth.  The show focuses on the misadventures of Edmund Blackadder and his man-servant, Baldrick.  Each season represents a different period in history with descendents of the original characters.  Each descendent of Blackadder becomes more intelligent with less social status while each descendent of Baldrick becomes less intelligent with poorer hygiene.  From wikipedia:  Each Blackadder is similar in that they are all cynical cowardly opportunists concerned with maintaining and increasing their own status and fortunes in life, regardless of their surroundings. In each series, however, Blackadder is usually a cynical (almost modern) voice puncturing the pretensions and stupidity of those around him, and what might - through modern eyes - be seen as the more ludicrous and insane follies of history.  Oh the lovely sarcasm.  He’s truly a master.

Baldrick (Tony Robinson) season one

This show featured some wonderful characters and wonderful actors to play them.  In season one, Peter Cook played Richard III while Brian Blessed played Blackadder’s father, Richard IV.

Richard III (Peter Cook) and Richard IV (Brian Blessed)

Miranda Richardson played Queen Elizabeth I (referred to as “Queenie”)

“Queenie” (Miranda Richardson)

Stephen Fry played both Lord Melchett and General Melchett in seasons two and four respectively

General Melchett (Stephen Fry)

Tim McInnerny played both Lord Percy and Captain Darling

Lord Percy (Tim McInnerny)

And of course, the very talented Hugh Laurie played Prince Regent George in Season Three and Lt. George in the final season.

Prince Regent George (Hugh Laurie)

This comedy also featured an impressive list of guest stars including Rik Mayall (Lord Flashheart), Nigel Planer (Lord Smedley), Adrian Edmondson (The Red Baron), Chris Barrie (evil revolutionary), and many others.  For you Brit-com fans out there, I know you recognize a lot of those names.

So, if it’s been a while, and like me, you miss this show, and you like my excessive use of commas, then “I have a cunning plan”.  Go to Amazon without delay and buy the DVDs.  You won’t be sorry.

Dr. House is one very popular doctor on American T.V.  I love the show to be sure.  However, I long for the Brit-coms featuring Hugh Laurie.  As the foil for Rowan Atkinson’s “Blackadder” and Stephen Fry’s “Jeeves”, his comedic timing is impeccable and his facial expressions are so funny that I don’t recommend indulging in any illicit substances while watching as you may pull something that even Dr. House can’t repair.  Check out his seasons on “Blackadder” specifically “Blackadder the Third” and “Blackadder Goes Forth” (http://www.amazon.com/Black-Adder-Complete-Collectors-Set/dp/B00005A1SX/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-3359700-3424456?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1184880925&sr=1-1) and the “Jeeves and Wooster” series (http://www.amazon.com/Jeeves-Wooster-Complete/dp/B00006AVRK/ref=pd_bbs_sr_7/105-3359700-3424456?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1184880785&sr=8-7).  Oh, and he has written a few novels for you too.  I plan on reading those ASAP.  And the press has yet to bad-mouth Dr. House.  Well played, Hugh.