Ian D Denyer
I do not write reviews.... Why? Well, partly because I have a busy life, but mainly, despite being as much of a self-opinionated and self-obsessed show-off as the next man/woman, I don't have the motivation... However.....This month I finally caught up with both series of Galavant (led to it by Youtube clips); and have been inspired by this breath of fresh air in the stale and predictable current television world (plus the unsurprising discovery that,another, newly discovered jewel has been axed by the suits) to tap the keyboard - thanks to the sheer pleasure that comes from stumbling across a well-made tale with great characterisation, a cracking ensemble cast, a script dripping with subversive comedy, darkness, fun and LOL silliness, filled to the brim with self-aware, joyful exuberance.. (*Meanwhile the unimaginative disgrace of game shows, mindless angst-fest soaps, "talent" and "reality" dross trundles on unabated). The script, like the best of television, requires "settling into" - as different ideas, tropes, wit, character types, topsy-turvy contradictions, puns, jokes, silliness, "poor" taste and cruelty all combine in a Pythonesque/Family Guy/Blackadder/Music Hall/Knight's Tale/Horrible Histories melange that you have to keep up with to get the most of.. But my goodness it's worth it (again, like the best TV). I am not myself the greatest fan of musicals, but the varied mix of parody, subversive wit, dark and even (yes, I said it) sweet musical numbers had me hooked from the start (British viewers; imagine Blackadder - with songs. And a heart..). Some of the numbers are serious ear worms, with well-thought out, apt lyrics - and knock spots off the offerings from many Broadway & West End "hits"..The cast are superb in the actual casting, characterisation and performance; from the "stars" to the most minor of minors, and their own enthusiasm and love for the show comes across in spades.. It "feels" like a happy show - and is a true ensemble piece; made up of, to me, mainly "new faces" which added to the freshness (naming names is invidious in a production like this, but sometimes cannot be avoided - Timothy Omundson, Mallory Jansen and Darren Evans were particular "discoveries" for me). The generally well-chosen, mainly British, "guest stars" do not jar, for once (apart from maybe Rutger Hauer, who seemed to be "coasting" a bit: but then, he is getting on, bless 'im.. And one-trick Gervaise, doing his usual shtick) and enter the fun with gusto (Matt Lucas is a particular joy, as is Robert Lyndsay). The productions values in terms of costumes (to die for. Seriously..), locations and sets are magnificent (I admit it. I'm biased. I'm a British medievalist who also loves fantasy) and there is a real feeling of care and quality throughout.. Other reviews give you the plot & outline, so I won't... This is a message just to say If you like fun, light-hearted and good-hearted, cleverly witty, subversive, self-aware and occasionally dark comedy (with historical, topical and movie/cultural allusions & "in jokes", plus the breaking of the 4th wall thrown in), clever, apt and well crafted lyrics and ear-worm tunes, the twisting of tropes and plots (that mean you need to pay attention a tad, but no bad thing), glitz, high production values and the pleasure of revelling in the sheer joy of good, enthused performance then this is the show for you... If not, well, there's plenty of mindless drivel or joyless angst to stare at....One more series would, perhaps, have been enough (one can have too much, even of a good thing) but the ratings for this show apparently killed it (which says so much about TV audiences and suit-led TV companies - unless it was just scheduling incompetence, which wouldn't be the first time) and talk of a third series has apparently finally fizzled out as Joshua Sasse/Galavant* has moved on to other projects..(* Thought: the Galavant/Isabella story had been pretty much wrapped up anyway.. But a Blake-less "Blake's 7" ran and ran... Anyone for "The Galavant Seven" for one last series to wrap up the other loose ends..?? ;) ) However, I predict that this show WILL become one of those "why did they cancel it" cults - and thus a blot on the history of ABC, rather than one of the jewels in its crown it deserves to be........Galavant was one of the freshest items to appear on the TV comedy menu in recent years. So far it does not look like there are no plans to release it on DVD. Catch it while you can.....P.S. Oh, and can somebody please do something about the philistine, unimaginative (expletive deleted) at ABC who thinks idents for other programmes popping up on screen mid show are, in any world, a good idea.... You know it makes sense...
Catherine Bulling
Firstly (having read other reviews I feel the need to make this extra clear) - this is a MUSICAL COMEDY - if you don't like musicals (and/or you have no sense of humour) you may be better off perhaps doing something else with your time.If you're a fan of Monty Python, Blackadder, Robin Hood (Men in Tights) then this is for you. You'll be physically incapable of NOT loving it.The songs are short and catchy, the comedy is rather British and the story, while being very 'fairytale', isn't a story you'll have seen before. It's unique and brilliantly told.The wittiest, prettiest, funniest, most polished show I've seen in decades.And just when you think the comedy may be running dry you'll get kicked in the feels by a genuinely heartfelt moment. Utterly perfect.
