The fact that it takes so long for such a short and meaningless "punchline" is the only example I can think of of something being both frustrating and hilarious.
To me this sketch has always seemed like a comment on how these days every little quirk or personality trait that differs from the norm is pathologised into something that has to be treated by professionals. The guy seems fairly normal and polite if extremely shy, yet the doctor treats his ridiculous 'problem' completely seriously and offers him a strange way to dispel silences. The chat with the receptionist is the better way for him to improve, but it's rejected in the sterility of the office.
The repetition of this scenario makes it particularly disquieting, the way that a recurring dream might signal a blocked traumatic memory or a cul-de-sac of thought. The calm, jolly music in this one seems to suggest that everything will be different this time, like a fresh start had been made, which somehow makes it all the more crushing.
Would say that it's also a reference to the intimidation, inferiority and awkwardness felt in the presence of professionals by much of society, and how perhaps we rely on them too much when it comes to getting on with our lives.
I always viewed this as a satire of those strange folk that anyone who has ever worked in a public area has dealt with. Some people are just completely unable to interact with people and struggle with very basic decisions. A little bit like Asperger's Syndrome.
@PubliusDiamond I wouldn't of thought so. I dont think Morris would of targeted people with a disability just for the likes of comedy. See the Comment near the top for a more likely purpose.
It's hard to tell who wrote what in Jam but I have a feeling that Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews are responsible for the Mr. Bentham bits. They're the only sketches that aren't depraved in some way. Great show though.
@AlephNeil I think also the dove part says something about asinine small talk, like in another where Mark Heap comments about a knee operation. We latch on to things we see or (think) we remember to try and strangle out conversations with people we barely no. The finger bell to remove awkward silences also ties in quite well with that notion.
hey that's great! thanks very much for uploading this, it's just how i remembered it, i just love his facial expression when he says 'see a play' haha!
I want a fingerbell!!!
CelticReject 3 weeks ago in playlist COMEDY
The fact that it takes so long for such a short and meaningless "punchline" is the only example I can think of of something being both frustrating and hilarious.
SamCropper 5 months ago
To me this sketch has always seemed like a comment on how these days every little quirk or personality trait that differs from the norm is pathologised into something that has to be treated by professionals. The guy seems fairly normal and polite if extremely shy, yet the doctor treats his ridiculous 'problem' completely seriously and offers him a strange way to dispel silences. The chat with the receptionist is the better way for him to improve, but it's rejected in the sterility of the office.
Roosterking64 7 months ago
@Roosterking64
I think you've got it.
Beck436 19 hours ago
The repetition of this scenario makes it particularly disquieting, the way that a recurring dream might signal a blocked traumatic memory or a cul-de-sac of thought. The calm, jolly music in this one seems to suggest that everything will be different this time, like a fresh start had been made, which somehow makes it all the more crushing.
mmmikeg 7 months ago
Would say that it's also a reference to the intimidation, inferiority and awkwardness felt in the presence of professionals by much of society, and how perhaps we rely on them too much when it comes to getting on with our lives.
librariesgaveuspower 9 months ago
@Kohdii Agreed, Julia Davis is not only gorgeous but also has wonderful comic timing :)
captainwungf 1 year ago 5
I always viewed this as a satire of those strange folk that anyone who has ever worked in a public area has dealt with. Some people are just completely unable to interact with people and struggle with very basic decisions. A little bit like Asperger's Syndrome.
PubliusDiamond 1 year ago
@PubliusDiamond I wouldn't of thought so. I dont think Morris would of targeted people with a disability just for the likes of comedy. See the Comment near the top for a more likely purpose.
fatmike01 10 months ago
does anyone know any obscure ambient sketches simular to this?
vegunited06 1 year ago
@vegunited06 Get the Jam DVD, obscure ambient sketches aplenty.
alexvegas 1 year ago
@vegunited06 plus also Big Train - maybe not as far out but still unsettling at times
oh and the Harry Enfield / Paul Whitehouse sketches of the Landlady and the Writer
belisariusorb 1 year ago
how can I help you?
um, it's about this saturday evening
..yesss?
um, i'm not quite sure what to do....
.riiiiiighhht
lol! love that bit haaha
vegunited06 1 year ago
always handy to dispel a nasty silence... haha you british are alright
MickyG4444 1 year ago 5
genious
zaftra 2 years ago
It's hard to tell who wrote what in Jam but I have a feeling that Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews are responsible for the Mr. Bentham bits. They're the only sketches that aren't depraved in some way. Great show though.
TulseLuper 2 years ago
This has always been one of my favourites from Jam.
More than just amusing or nauseating, it seems to be saying something profound, only I'm not quite sure what...
Perhaps the stupidity of a society full of 'experts', where no-one knows how to do anything any more.
AlephNeil 2 years ago 14
@AlephNeil I think you just nailed it, sir
warriorofwrestling 1 year ago
@AlephNeil I think also the dove part says something about asinine small talk, like in another where Mark Heap comments about a knee operation. We latch on to things we see or (think) we remember to try and strangle out conversations with people we barely no. The finger bell to remove awkward silences also ties in quite well with that notion.
NickStedmon 2 months ago
Mark Heap is just so beautiful.
hello4daisy 2 years ago 5
Handsome-looking woman
stevebritgimp 3 years ago 2
Oh dear.
rubylulu 3 years ago 3
theres quite a pretty dove on the balcony..its gone now...oh dear...shall i err..shall i sit down?
soupdragon27 3 years ago 2
hey that's great! thanks very much for uploading this, it's just how i remembered it, i just love his facial expression when he says 'see a play' haha!
vegunited06 3 years ago