Come with us now on a journey through time and space...
Allow me to join the growing chorus of fans in saying that the Boosh is not for everyone. On the basis of the first episode in this first season set, I was convinced I wouldn’t like the show. It felt scattershot and yet predictable, with an over-the-top fantasy number that just didn’t register. The reviewer’s job is to stick it out though, and I reluctantly continued to watch. Imagine my surprise when I discover what most of the U.K. and a small cult of American fans have been partaking in for about 5 years – witty, irreverent comedy, anchored by intensely watchable performances from a growing and increasingly talented cast.
The brainchild of writers and stars Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding, The Mighty Boosh is difficult to shoehorn in a single comedy sub-genre. In the States, it will no doubt be compared to The Flight of the Conchords, an equally theatrical, oft-deadpan, largely inoffensive musical comedy, although the Boosh has been around since the late 90s. It’s a credit to Barratt and Fielding that it still perseveres, rarely belabored with the humor which comes at an impressively consistent rate
Slap-bass enthusiast Howard Moon (Barratt) and Mick Jagger-devotee Vince Noir (Fielding) are zookeepers at the under-funded, practically empty Zooniverse, run by the frequently dimwitted Bob Fossil (Rich Fulcher). This basic premise that opens the show allows Howard and Vince to engage in the rapid-fire banter that grows on you quicker than you would expect. They are joined by a large cast of side characters, many of whom are played by either Barratt or Fielding, displaying an admirable range of accents and an immensely talented make-up team.
There’s a sense of playful, creative freedom that propels the show and makes it so memorable. Howard and Vince’s adventures often change locales mid-episode (the underworld and the arctic make an appearance), and keep things fresh by introducing a variety of inexplicable creatures. The show often ends with a musical number, dipping into electro, rap, jazz, and heavy metal.
The first season of The Mighty Boosh does feature some sub-par episodes (“Killeroo” and “Hitcher” are pretty uneven and tend to drag a bit), but most of what’s on the screen is top-notch comedy. Howard and Vince are easy to like in spite of their neuroses and once you get an idea of the mood of the show, you know what to expect but can still walk away surprised. Barratt and Fielding take a chance in keeping episodes unpredictable and avoiding a traditional plot.
There are running jokes but they are often drawn from the personalities of the characters (Rich Fulcher is particularly good at making an ass of himself). The sets are very artificial but that’s part of the charm and the homemade feel of the show. Despite the complexities of the many costumes, the production does not feel pretentious but very homely, easy to settle into and appreciate. In the end, this season has me looking forward to the next, and isn’t that what good television is all about? The Mighty Boosh comes strongly recommended. Give this one a try.
DVD Bonus Features
The DVD does not skimp on the extras, which are done in character by the cast and most of the crew and include the following: "Inside the Zooniverse" which delves into the challenging process of building the varying sets for the show; "History of the Boosh", a featurette on the variety of performances that led to the television show; "Boosh Music" which helpfully includes all the musical numbers of the show in one place; a blooper reel of outtakes; a brief picture gallery; and commentary by the creators on episodes "Bollo", "Tundra", "Electro" and "Hitcher", also in character and throwing out a wealth of in-jokes.
"The Mighty Boosh: The Complete Season 1" is on sale July 21, 2009 and is rated NR. Comedy, Fantasy, Musical, Sci-Fi, Television. Directed by Paul King, Steve Bendelack, Various. Written by Julian Barratt, Noel Fielding. Starring Julian Barratt, Michael Fielding, Noel Fielding, Rich Fulcher.
