Last night, the first two episodes of the ninth (and final, sob) series of Peep Show were previewed at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Yup, turns out BAFTA is a place as well as a glitzy awards ceremony. I have walked past the unassuming entrance on Piccadilly a hundred times, so chances are you have too.
After the obligatory reception for drinks and mingling, we were ushered into the Princess Anne Theatre. Phil Clarke, Head of Comedy at Channel 4, asked us to keep a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ not to reveal any spoilers from the episodes we were about to see. Now, technically this does not apply to me, being a lady and all. However, I have decided to forgive Phil his verbal lapse and will not be giving any spoilers away.
Obviously, it is very, very funny. The first two episodes definitely retain the dismal Britishness and atmosphere of previous series. The scenarios set up and punchlines delivered are as good, if not better, than we have all come to expect from writers Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong.
We re-join Jez and Mark in Croydon, six months after the unfortunate incident in the field. Dobby is in New York and Super Hans has something to celebrate – but what is his real name? Mark has a new flatmate called Jerry who is worryingly into William Morris documentaries. Jez wastes no time in attempting to wheedle his way back into Mark’s good books – and back into the flat.
After the screening, we had a Q&A session with David Mitchell, Robert Webb, Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain. From trying to maintain consistency in the characters’ opinion of Ainsley Harriott and Jeremy’s medical history to pranks pulled by indignant caterers, the four gave us a sweetly self-effacing run down of the last 13 years of Peep Show. It transpires that both David and Robert have the same favourite scene that they enjoyed filming the most. Remember the bit at Sophie’s wedding when Jez wets himself? Apparently they both laughed for hours and nearly didn’t need any special effects.
It was heavily suggested that although series nine marks the end for Peep Show in its current incarnation, we may see a revival in good time. When asked if they were leaving the end of the series open for further episodes at some point in the future, it was revealed that that Mark and Jez “do not apparently die”. Oh damn, I was so determined not to give away any spoilers. Sorry!
Peep Show airs on Channel 4 on Wednesday 11th November at 10pm.
