Bottom - Review

“Still, at least we got the duck” – A review of Bottom. 

Some comedies are subtle, with jokes that can fly over your head if you’re not paying attention. Others, like Bottom, are just chaos on a screen.

Bottom follows two men, Eddie and Richard, who live in a grimy flat and are just trying to survive. They’re at the bottom of the social ladder quite literally, hence the title, and the pair must live off each other, resulting in funny but disastrous consequences. Every week, the two would try and fail to change their circumstances through any means necessary, and underneath the slapstick and abrasive humour a question remained – what does society do with the most vulnerable?

The show came out under the shadow of a new Tory government, and there are little digs at the political landscape throughout. Yes, this is a show full of escalating violence and slapstick comedy, and sure, you can’t really talk about narrative depth, but underneath the humour is two men who are living without friends or family, with next to nothing to their names, who are just trying to survive and somehow, against the odds, they do.

Bottom is certainly absurd, and it perhaps isn’t the most nuanced of comedies, but the sheer energy and chemistry between Mayall and Edmondson cannot be ignored. Explosive arguments and not very subtle sarcasm are key to a show that simply refuses to take itself seriously. Supporting cast members are rare, and the two really are the beating heart of the series.

If you like subtle, intellectual humour, Bottom isn’t for you. There are physical gags, lots of crude language and plenty of violent slapstick to be found. This isn’t the kind of show I’d usually enjoy, yet there’s something really endearing about it; Bottom pushed the boundaries of comedy, refused to pander to anyone and revelled in silliness. It’s chaotic, relentless, and well worth a watch.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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