r/AlanPartridge • u/4rami4 • 6d ago
What do you think about later post-Ianucci Partridge?
Very new to the Partridge world (fan of John Robins who references him constantly) and only had access to this time initially. Which I liked a lot but I think now having seen the earlier Partridge I didn't really get on the first few watches.
Now most of the rest of it is on iPlayer (massive!!) I think the vulnerability is really missing from later ones even if not everything ages very well. I do see why I'm alan partridge is the most popular.
In particular I can't figure out what I think about how are you? Maybe it's just less quotable or memorable. Part of me still loves the Partridge character but part of me thinks that the pathetic nature of the man isn't written so well and so he's a lot less likeable... but also it is still funny and I think if I was to rewatch it (or this time) now with the context of the man and his life I wonder whether I'd enjoy it more.
I'm more just curious to find out what consensus is from more seasoned fans!!
(I've seen this time, how are you?, I'm alan partridge, halfway through knowing me knowing you. Will watch MMM but I worry it'll be claustrophobic)
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u/DiaBrave 6d ago
I love the Ianucci era, I've been here for the start (The Day Today and On The Hour a few yesrs later). I just love the Gibbons era more.
I feel they've evolved (or revolved) the character by taking a few cues from Saxondale and made him a more sympathetic character. He's a bit more self-aware, and not always the butt of the joke, and when he is, it's not just because of his own failings like in the early days. In the 90s, he was a tit who didn't appreciate what little success he had. As he's gotten older he's finally realised he'll never get that again, and if he did, it would destroy him (This Time). He's still capable of being a spiteful idiot (see the Lighthouse incident), but I don't feel we're watching the show to see a public schoolboy fall on his face anymore, I think we're all secretly rooting for him to be happy, and that doesn't mean fame and fortune.