Flight of The Conchords
Most comedies try to be edgy or controversial in some way. Flight of The Conchords however manages to be the complete opposite, being one of the cuddliest shows out there.
Starring New Zealand comedy duo Bret McKenzie and Jermaine Clement, Conchords centres on a pair of struggling musicians in New York. Basically a caricature of themselves, Bret and Jermaine continuously fail in making their dreams come true, a situation not helped by their terrible management and underwhelming musical styles.
But what might sound on paper a dour experience, is in fact the most joyous bout of melancholy you’ll probably find.
Conchord’s has a completely relaxed atmosphere. It’s stories never get past anything even resembling a trot and it’s central duo react to every situation in the most laid back way possible, even arguments are done in slow motion.
Never even getting to spilled milk levels of drama, with all disputes solved wither by a hug or a song, gleefully sidesteps threat and loss for just more silliness with guitars. Such a wonderfully light touch makes all the difference then the pair are wandering into jokes about male prostitution and hallucinogenics.
Those songs are the absolute highlight, never seeming to drop below giggle-inducing. Whether it be a homage to David Bowie, a love song sang in fake French or a rap about a hip-hop hippo, the songs are wonderfully woolly and ridiculous.
With McKenzie having gone on to work on the fantastic, Oscar winning soundtrack for the recent Muppet film, the genius is blueprinted here.
These are made even better by the brilliantly low-fi music videos that accompany them. Whether it’s Bret and Jermaine in terrible robot costumes or simply them gently swaying in a white room while their manager sings a love song about a co-worker, they absolutely typify the show’s rustic charms and a great sense of innocence.
The duo throughout are a delight. Opposite yet equal, they’re an effortless comedy team helped more than ably by Rhys Darby as their inept manager and Kristen Schaal as the band’s obsessive fan. When comedy seems to come this easily, why try stressing it any further,
Essential viewing for any fans of the recent Muppet film, offbeat comedy or simple the Kiwi accent, Flight of The Conchords is the perfect antidote to a dull, rainy day.
FemaleFirst Cameron Smith
Tagged in TV Hidden Gems