Really Surprised!

A Disappointing Continuation

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

Ben Elton's comedies are usually "lets bash the Tories through comedy" slanted, but not this one. It's well thought out and written with the atmosphere and language of the day. In short: 100% quality comedy. The only criticism? It's too short.

Why do they have to spoil this by adding canned laughter? It is the most distracting and pointless addition. Even my 13 year old daughter thinks its utterly pointless. In fact I have turned the sound off and watching with sub-titles so I don't have to suffer it.What on earth induces a programme maker think that it adds anything to a viewers enjoyment. Do they think we are all so stupid that we don't know when to find something funny?I thought this sort of thing had been relegated to pre teen American shows on Nickelodeon not the BBC.Come on people, grow up and get rid of it!

I read the first 3 words of Dale R's review and knew immediately that the review was the worst thing ever written. It wasn't even a compete sentence! One might think it was unfair to only read 1/60th of his review - but Dale felt it was fair to judge the entire show based on 1/60th of the first episode . . .Upstart Crow is light, but very enjoyable. Interesting blend of modern humor and 16th century life. Love the casting!It definitely helps if you are familiar with the works of Shakespeare. Otherwise, you will miss many of the references made in each episode.My favorite episode is "Love Is Not Love"

I've read the other (negative) review on here, and I sympathise, I can understand how this show isn't going to be to everyone's taste, but I enjoyed it on second watch, and have enjoyed subsequent episodes. I get the impression that there's been an attempt to recreate Blackadder, the visuals, ideas and setup, are very similar to Blackadder's early years. Naturally Upstart Crow doesn't come close to the great Blackadder, but it's still a worthy attempt, and has certain merits of its own. My main criticism of this is the hideous use of canned laughter, at times it is unbearable, a semi joke, and the audience are laughing hysterically, it doesn't help. I've always been a fan of David Mitchell's brand of comedy, the supporting cast are fun, I think it's quite underrated.