Coogan's Run (1995)

Steve Coogan is best known as Alan Partridge to people of my generation, but he is also an acclaimed impressionist and character actor. Recently he has played a tragic/comic lead role in the drama 'Sunshine' about a gambler trying desperately to hold onto his family life (to much acclaim).

Back in 1995, Alan Partridge was established as a radio chat show comedy, and had just been transferred to TV. 'Coogan's Run' was a chance for Steve to showcase a string of other characters, and prove his versatility as a comedic character actor. It ran for one series and provided 6 individual stories (although certain characters did overlap the episodes).

First off was Paul and Pauline Calf, the brother/sister (both played by Steve) that had already appeared in a few TV comedies and in Steve's stand-up shows. To follow we then had Gareth Cheeseman, a high-flying salesman at a conference (who is almost a clone of Alan Partridge). Next we go back to the 60's for a black and white episode starring 'Ernest Moss' a Handyman who uncovers a plot to turn the local village into an amusement park. Back to the present day for Mike Crystal, a lounge singer who wants his own regular spot at the local social club, and creates an agent called Clint Stallone to boost his standing. Number 5 is the Crump brothers who are obsessed by trivia, and decide to recreate a 70's kid's TV quiz show they lost on, by kidnapping the old presenter and other contestants, and finally 'The Curator' tells the story of the owner of a tiny museum who is pushed a little bit too far by a greedy restaurant builder.

6 very diverse stories, but with Steve Coogan at the helm, not one of them is a disappointment. I suppose for me, the first one (Paul Calf) is the weakest, but I think that is just personal taste as I've never been a fan of that particular character. The way certain minor characters reappear in different stories is a lovely way to link them together, and the supporting cast are all top notch. This series was clearly made with love, by everyone involved and it shows in the performances given.

I'm not sure this could have gone on any further. If another series was made (of 6 more characters) there would be a chance they would start to become watered down. If one character was picked out to have his own series, it would leave you wondering what happened to the remaining ones. For that reason, it is nice that Coogan's Run has remained as it is - as 6 stand alone comedy episodes.

It's worth noting that Ronnie Barker did something identical with the series '6 of one' although that DID end up giving us Porridge and Open all Hours. (review of '6 of One' will follow in a few weeks)

Of course, you can tell by the way I've written this that it gets my thumbs up, but I do it unconditionally. Unlike Sean's Show I don't think you need to be a fan of the star to enjoy this series. I admit Mr Coogan is a greatly talented performer, but the series itself is not great JUST because of him. There is brilliant character development, tight scripts and perfect direction. It's just a shame it seemed almost over looked when it was first broadcast. Well worth checking out if you get the chance.