The only time I have mentioned in the CLASSIC COMEDY section a sitcom that is not strictly aged or classic and indeed quite modern, was back in May of last year with Ricky Gervais' Derek. Whilst I did and still do love the character and the show I conceded that, whilst the potential was certainly there, the status of Derek as a definitively classic piece of TV comedy could still be doubtful.
Now after two series, I have no doubt in my mind at all when it comes to the genius of Count Arthur Strong. To me, this is a man, a character and a show that is sheer laugh out loud wonder when it comes to comedy, and should be hailed as such.
On paper, the core of this show and of this remarkable character (created, written and brought to life by the brilliant Steve Delaney) should not work. A deluded and arrogant washed-up variety act who has developed a neurotic penchant for wildly over exaggerated situations and great tendency to mix his words up. Yes you can see how bits and pieces might be funny, but you would be forgiven for thinking that it could amount to nothing more than a few titters and a lot of awkward tragic silence.
And yet the conception and execution of Count Arthur Strong is such that one always feels safe in the hands of the Count, and once he has you sat comfortably he makes you ache with laughter.
To me, Steve Delaney's hard work, attention to detail and vision when it comes to Arthur is sublimely perfect. Without such he would not be able to throw this great character into such an array of situations week-by-week, some far-fetched and some not so, and still come out with awe-inspiring and often side-splitting hilarity. Yes for maybe the first episode you see Arthur Strong can be a bit off putting as a central character, but once you know his form and what to expect, you can just sit back and enjoy what he has to throw at you - which is almost always the work of comedic genius.
If I had one criticism of the show, it would be that the supporting cast are ever so slightly over-shadowed by this comedic tour de force. When the central character is so good, this is no real shame, but it would be nice to see a bit more of the supporting cast fleshed out, as opposed to their bare essentials being played off Count Arthur Strong.
As we have progressed into the second series (which ended brilliantly tonight, though my favourite episode has got to be the penultimate one of the series) this has got better certainly. Rory Kinnear's character of the quiet, shy and now long-suffering Michael has been done very well; often becoming a great counter part to Arthur. The characters of John and Eggy, whilst constant, haven't really been given that much to play with (though again more has been done with them as opposed to the first series) and the Bulent and Sinem characters have progressed too (even if it is just in a slightly two-dimensional fashion).
Yet with a supporting cast that is positively moving to back him up, brilliantly timed and written scripts, and sheer endless amounts of comic character, Steve Delaney's Arthur Strong is a joy to watch. In many ways this story reminds me of Brendan O'Carroll and Mrs. Brown's Boys; a man works tirelessly and with a lot of creative flair to make a success of a great character for years, and finally begins to enjoy prime time success. I am as happy for Delaney and Arthur as I am for O'Carroll and Agnes Brown.
I adore the entire feel of Count Arthur Strong. Utterly hilarious in its genius, and genius in its levels of hilarity. I have loved the first two series, and I certainly hope we get to see more. Regardless, I have no compunction in saying that for me, Count Arthur Strong is truly and definitely a modern comedy classic.
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