Paul Evans I was a huge fan of this series, I love the original too, but the new version felt like a totally different entity altogether. It was hugely entertaining, crazy, wonderfully unique, it boasted zany special effects and a host of wonderful guest stars.Vic and Bob did a fantastic job with this, they were so funny, their timing was great, still my favourite show from the duo. Having Tom Baker as Wyvern was a genius move, his zaniness fitted in so well, the show was as crazy and eccentric as he was. Emilia Fox showed what an incredibly diverse and talented actress she was throughout this series, she was brilliant in episode 'Whatever possessed you,' showing she has a funny side too.It boasted some great guest performances, among the most memorable being Elizabeth Spriggs, George Baker and David Tennant's, with my favourites coming from Eleanor Bron and John Michie in the utterly awesome finale 'Two can play that game.'It had a totally brilliant theme, the song by Nina Persson was great, and who could forget the lager bubbles on the opening credits.When I'm asked what series ended before its time, this would be in my top three. Definitely deserved a third series. A forgotten gem, 9/10

ShadeGrenade In the autumn of 1991, B.B.C-2 enjoyed surprising ratings success with networked repeats of Gerry Anderson's 'Thunderbirds'. They followed this up with 'Stingray' and 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.', as well as several shows from the I.T.C. stable, including 'U.F.O.', 'The Champions' and 'Randall & Hopkirk ( Deceased ). It was to tap into this vogue for retro action telly that inspired 'Fast Show' creator Charlie Higson to revive the latter. He made several changes, such as turning Jeannie into Marty's girlfriend instead of his wife, and giving a ghostly world for Hopkirk to inhabit, presided over by the all-wise spirit mentor 'Wyvern' ( Tom Baker ). When I heard that Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer had been cast as the leads, my blood ran cold. To make matters worse, they had ( so I felt ) been given the wrong roles - Reeves would have made a superb 'Jeff', while Mortimer should have been 'Marty'. I was not really looking forward to the show. But I changed my mind after viewing the first episode. 'Drop Dead' was loosely based on 'My Late Lamented Friend & Partner', but had more humour. Vic and Bob were better than expected, though not actors as such. The gorgeous Emilia Fox set the television alight as 'Jeannie' though. Guest-stars in the series included Sir Derek Jacobi, Charles Dance, Gareth Thomas, David Tennant, Hugh Laurie, and Jessica Stevenson. Thanks to the miracle of modern technology, the late Mike Pratt made a cameo in one episode! I think what Higson really wanted to do was to essentially remake 'The Avengers'. It explains why his version of 'Randall & Hopkirk ( Deceased ) had the the same quirky surrealism as Steed and Mrs.Peel's adventures combined with a dose of supernatural fantasy. After an excellent first series, 'R & H ( Dec ) returned a year later, but the stories were less amusing and inventive. Viewers lost interest quickly. However, it can now be seen as having paved the way for Russell T. Davies' successful 2005 revival of 'Dr.Who'.

scramble Stories are good, effects are great, I love the slightly over saturated colours (or is that just my old TV?) and great soundtrack all make this series feel totally unique. With Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer in the main roles you'd expect lots of humour and to the credit of everyone involved this isn't so evident as you might expect. There is humour but it's much lower key as to what you'd normally expect from these two. I've just got the DVD and will be watching it alot.

Han_Sola Granted, the first episode was a bit of a mess, but from then on out it has only got better. It's a mad, mad world that R and H is set in, an eccentric mix of luxury, leather jackets and very fine-looking cars with more than a dash of 60s style. What other show can boast this? Vic and Bob have both settled into their roles well, Bob especially doing well in the scene where he was posessed by Marty. I admit the will-they-won't-they 'tension' between Jeff and Jeannie is way overplayed, but it's a laugh. The scripts are good enough by the standards of a sketch writer who I have no doubt will improve his plotting skills as the series goes on. Regarding the second series, it has already been commissioned on the strength of initial ratings, so let's sit back, relax and enjoy the madness while it lasts, and take it for what it is - a quirky, funny, often touching melodrama featuring a pair of very funny men acting their socks off, all topped off by the best effects since sliced bread.