Ep 2. Episode 2

Not the Nine O'Clock News was a popular British sketch comedy television series that aired from 1979 to 1982. Known for its irreverent and satirical humor, the show tackled various social and political issues of the time, pushing the boundaries of comedy and capturing a wide audience. Season 1 Episode 2 of Not the Nine O'Clock News, simply titled "Episode 2," continues the tradition of delivering sharp and witty sketches that challenge the status quo.

In this episode, the talented cast members - Rowan Atkinson, Pamela Stephenson, Mel Smith, and Griff Rhys Jones - present a diverse range of sketches that lampoon various aspects of British culture, politics, media, and everyday life. The episode opens with a hilarious sketch titled "The Antiques Roadshow," a parody of the popular television program of the same name. The characters in the sketch comically assess mundane and worthless everyday objects, adding a surreal and absurd twist to the concept.

Following this, the show moves on to tackle political themes with sketches like "Enoch Powell in the Dock." In this satirical portrayal, Powell, a controversial British politician of the time, faces a court trial for his divisive and racially charged speeches. Through comedic exaggeration, the sketch puts a spotlight on the power of political rhetoric and the public's response to it.

The episode also features musical performances, with Griff Rhys Jones showcasing his singing talents in a witty song titled "An Absolute Bastard." Set in a country pub, the song humorously explores the struggles and insecurities of the male psyche, eliciting laughter and nods of recognition from the viewers.

Not the Nine O'Clock News was known for its ability to deliver social commentary through sketches while maintaining a light-hearted and entertaining tone. In a sketch titled "Into the Trees," the show humorously addresses the issue of deforestation and environmental conservation. The actors create a fictional disease called "Tree Flu" that only affects trees, resulting in the absurd and comical notion of tree hospitals and attempts to save sick trees.

Expanding its scope beyond political and social issues, the episode also dives into the realms of pop culture and media. In a sketch titled "News for Parrots," the show parodies the sensationalism and superficiality of news reporting by presenting a news program tailored specifically for parrots. The absurdity of delivering news to animals highlights the triviality and spectacle often found in media coverage.

One of the highlights of this episode is a recurring sketch known as "Constable Savage," a bumbling and inept police officer played by Rowan Atkinson. Through slapstick humor and Atkinson's impeccable physical comedy, the sketch satirizes the incompetence and absurdity sometimes associated with law enforcement. "Constable Savage" became one of the most beloved and memorable characters from the series.

Not the Nine O'Clock News Season 1 Episode 2 continues to showcase the comedic prowess of its cast and the clever writing that made the show a hit. With its blend of satire, parody, and slapstick humor, the episode offers a comedic perspective on the issues and events of the time, inviting viewers to laugh, reflect, and perhaps question the world in which they live.

The sketches in this episode challenge conventions, dismantle stereotypes, and expose the absurdity that often lies beneath the surface of everyday life. "Episode 2" of Not the Nine O'Clock News delivers sharp and witty social commentary packaged in a rib-tickling comedy that has stood the test of time. Tune in for a dose of unfiltered, irreverent humor that will leave you laughing and pondering long after the credits roll.