Monty Python: Almost The Truth Season 1 Episode 2

Ep 2. The Much Funnier Second Episode

  • October 19, 2009
  • 8.0  (112)

The Much Funnier Second Episode continues the ambitious journey through the history of the Monty Python phenomenon, a journey that began in the first episode of Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut). A title like this naturally sets high expectations for laughs, and the episode aims not to underdeliver, providing an in-depth, often irreverent look at the comedic escapades of the Python troupe as they built their legacy. This episode delves deeper into the creative alchemy that made Monty Python's Flying Circus a revolutionary comedy show that has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.

Our humor-guided tour begins by whisking the audience back to the late 1960s, when the Pythons were just starting to gel together as a group. With interviews and archival footage, we get a glimpse into the world of the British entertainment industry and the various paths the six members–Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin–navigated before coalescing into the comedic juggernaut known as Monty Python.

The episode explores the roots of the troupe's humor, the individual comedic styles each member brought to the table, and how their dynamic interactions and collaborations fostered an environment ripe for the kind of surrealist, absurdist humor that would become their trademark. The Python members discuss their inspirations and influences, such as the Goon Show and the satirical edge of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, all while infusing their reflections with the same wit that made their work so enduring.

A particular focus is given to the early sketches and the defining principles of their comedy that began to take shape. These principles defied the conventions of the time, often leaving punchlines by the wayside and instead reveling in the absurdity and incongruity of their scenarios. Without giving anything away, viewers will learn about the inception and development of some of Monty Python's most iconic sketches and how the group's unique style of comedy evolved over time.

Notably, this episode pulls back the curtain on the creative process, showing how the Pythons worked collaboratively to produce their show. Included are insights into the writing sessions, the often-democratic approach to selecting material, and the occasionally heated debates that shaped what ultimately made it to the screen. The camaraderie and conflicts alike are illuminated, suggesting that the comedy was born from a mix of genius, serendipity, and even a little tension.

"The Much Funnier Second Episode" also explores the shift from writing to performance, with a look at how the Pythons approached the characters they played. It delves into the challenges they faced, such as censorship, public perception, and the limits of television at the time. In this light, the Pythons were not merely comedians but pioneers, pushing boundaries of taste and what was considered acceptable in mainstream media.

The show takes care to provide a comprehensive understanding of the context in which Monty Python's Flying Circus aired. It reflects on the cultural and social environment of the UK in the late '60s and early '70s, considering the impact that such a radical form of comedy had on its audience and the television landscape.

Interviews with contemporaries, critics, and comedians who were influenced by Monty Python are interspersed throughout the episode, underlining the vast reach of the group's influence. They discuss the reception of Monty Python in different countries and how the humor transcended cultural barriers to resonate with a global audience.

The episode spotlights the emergence of die-hard fans and the beginnings of what would become the troupe's cult following. It takes a look at how the show's success sparked other ventures, including albums and merchandise, which allowed fans to take a piece of Python with them into their everyday lives.

As the retrospective journey continues, viewers will find a treasure trove of classic Python moments, recounting stories behind the sketches and providing anecdotes from both behind and in front of the camera. The episode manages to maintain an air of nostalgia while also providing new insights and preserving some of the mystery and magic that makes Monty Python's work so timeless.

By the episode's end, the audience is left with a rich tapestry of the Pythons' early years, portraying a group of creative minds at the vanguard of comedy. "The Much Funnier Second Episode" is not just a collection of reminisces but an homage to the iridescent spark of Monty Python, which continues to inspire laughter and admiration from generation to generation.

Description
Watch Monty Python: Almost The Truth - The Much Funnier Second Episode (s1 e2) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Monty Python: Almost The Truth, Season 1 Episode 2, is available to watch and stream on Sundance Channel. You can also buy, rent Monty Python: Almost The Truth on demand at Netflix online.
  • First Aired
    October 19, 2009
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.0  (112)