#this time with alan partridge

[babycaker]

Love how whenever they have British guest stars, Tash has done some random series with them.

Steve Coogan (Laszlo's father) as Alan Partridge, where Tash plays a small role as the the hair and makeup artist Tiff.

[shelikesthosefunnypeople]

I will never be over Alan's hair being that bit browner and thicker in series 2 of This Time.

[the-casbah-way]

i am ALWAYS saying how criminally underrated comedy actors are. i feel like because comedy isn't taken seriously as a genre a lot of people don't fully appreciate just how talented you have to be to give a solid, convincing performance in a comedy. it's why so many actors who gain popularity through comedy then go on to give a 'serious' performance, and everyone acts surprised by how good it was because they though they were 'just a comedy actor'

[starleska]

so if i said Alan Patridge is kinda fine. what then

[24-hourpartypeople]

Some people are so boring when they talk about Alan saying stuff like "he's been milking it" or "isn't it time to put it to rest" or complaining because he's changed and I Am Alan Partridge was funnier (spoiler: Series 2 certainly wasn't) and I just wanna scream SHUT THE FUCK UP CAN'T YOU SEE THIS IS UNPRECEDENTED?

Yes Steve has been doing it for 30+ years but that makes it special. Him and the writers have kept the quality sooo consistent and it's great how they've embraced new media and the evolution of politics and applied Alan to it all. They've built such a rich and detailed universe for the character as if it was a Marvel movie but set in Norwich and found a way to make it funny in its own right but also make it interact with the real, ever-changing world. No one has managed to this in comedy and I believe people will realise how incredible it all is only when they kill Alan off.

[johnkatsmc5]

Jeff St. John The Id ‎"Big Time Operators" 1967 + Jeff St. John ‎"So Far So Good"1978 + Jeffrey St. John* & The Embers "Will The Real Jeff St. John Please Stand Up" 2001 +  Jeff St. John & Michael Gray "The Invisible Years Volumes 1 & 2" 2007 +  Jeff St. John "Rare and Live: 1966 - 1985" 2016 Compilation, Australia Prog,Psych,Garage,Beat,R & B,Soul,Funk,Blue Eyed Soul

full spotify

https://open.spotify.com/album/2mjlnVKPHmr71ZCK3OQmSb

https://open.spotify.com/album/0UW3ICipOWAM5nv66Ou91k

https://open.spotify.com/album/5EyzkRihrFdQkMuJnR8mIK

https://open.spotify.com/album/6PASUMa62EL55pfC5H9MAB

Jeff St. John "Rare and Live: 1966 - 1985" 2016 Compilation full mixcloud

https://www.mixcloud.com/johnkatsmc5/jeff-st-john-rare-and-live-1966-1985-2016-compilationaustralia-progpsychgaragebeatr-bsoul/

Groups The Syndicate aka The Wild Oats (1965)

Jeff St John (lead vocals) Peter Anson (guitar) David Bentley (organ) Shane Duckham (harmonica) John Helman (bass) Don McCormack (drums) The Id (1966-67)

Jeff St John (lead vocals) Peter Anson (guitar) Bob Bertles (tenor sax '67) King Fisher (trumpet) John Helman (bass) Bruce Johnson (tenor sax, flute) Don McCormack (drums 1967) Dave Montgomery (drums 1966) Ian Walsh (organ) Jeff St John & Yama (1967-68)

Derek Brooks (?, 68) Ross East (guitar, vocals) Virgil East (bass) Allan English (sax) Peter Figures (drums) Lloyd Hardy (?, 68) Murray Hill (sax, flute) Keith Jenkins (trumpet) Wayne ‘Groove’ Myers (organ) John Phillips (?, 68) Jeff St John & Copperwine (1969-72)

Jeff St John (lead vocals) Harry Brus (bass 70-72) Ross East (guitar, vocals) Peter Figures (drums) Alan Ingram (bass, vocals 69-70) Barry Kelly (keyboards, vocals) Glyn Mason (vocals, guitar) 1972 Wendy Saddington (co-lead vocals 70-71) Phil Wooding (guitar 69) Jeff St John Band (1972-73)

Jeff St John (lead vocals) Tony Ansell (piano) Ron Barry (guitar, vocals) Peter Figures (drums) B. J. (bass) Red Cloud (1975-76)

Jeff St John (lead vocals) Neil Bamford (drums) Tony Lyon (bass) Russell Moran (guitar)

Jeff St. John The Id "Big Time Operators" 1967

Tracklist 1 The Id (4)– You Got Me Hummin' 2 The Id (4)– Papa's Got A Brand New Bag 3 The Id (4)– If I Had A Ticket 4 The Id (4)– In The Midnight Hour 5 The Id (4)– Big Time Operator 6 The Id (4)– Watch Out 7 The Id (4)– Tag 8 The Id (4)– Sister's Got A Boy Friend 9 The Id (4)– Devil Got My Woman 10 The Id (4)– Feel Awright 11 The Id (4)– How Much Pressure (Do You Think I Can Stand) 12 The Id (4)– Parchman Farm 13 The Id (4)– The Jerk Bonus Tracks – Mono Singles 1966/67 14 The Id (4)– Lindy Lou (Single A-Side As The Id) 15 The Id (4)– Somebody To Love (Single B-Side) 16 Geoff St. John & The Id*– The Jerk (Single A-Side As Geoff St. John And The Id) 17 Geoff St. John & The Id*– Take This Hurt Off Me (Single B-Side) 18 Jeff St. John And The Id– Black Girl (Single A-Side As Jeff St. John And The Id) 19 Jeff St. John And The Id– Eastern Dream (Single B-Side) 20 The Id (4) Featuring Jeff St. John– Sunoroid '67 Vocal (Single A-Side As The Id Featuring Jeff St. John) 21 The Id (4)– Sunoroid '67 Instrumental (Single B-Side) 22 Jeff St. John And The Yama*– Nothing Comes Easy (Single A-Side As Jeff St. John And The Yama) 23 Jeff St. John And The Yama*– Everybody's Gone (Rode Away On Horses) (Single B-Side) 24 The Id (4) Featuring Jeff St. John– Stupidity (Live, The Id Featuring Jeff St. John)

Jeff St. John "So Far So Good"1978

Credits Backing Vocals – Alison McCallum* (tracks: A2, A4, B2, B3, B4), Cheryl Black (tracks: A2, A4, B2, B3, B4), Janice Slater (tracks: A2, A4, B2, B3, B4), Jeff St. John, Kerry Miles (tracks: A1), Sharon Sims (tracks: A1) Bass – Barry Sullivan (tracks: A1), Jim Rattray (tracks: B5), John Young (17) (tracks: B1 - B3), Tim Partridge (tracks: A2 - A5,) Drums, Percussion – Steve Hopes Guitar – Peter Walker (tracks: A1, A3, A5, B1 - B4), Tim Piper (tracks: A2) Horns – Bob Bertles (tracks: B1 - B3, B5) Keyboards – Rex Bullen Piano – Tony Ansell (tracks: B4) Tracklist A1 Rock 'N' Roll Man A2 Love Is Forever (What Do You Think Of A Love Like That) A3 Starbrite A4 Hold On A5 Redneck Friend B1 High Life B2 I Can Heal You B3 The Dreamer B4 Putting My Heart On The Line B5 Fool In Love

Jeffrey St. John & The Embers "Will The Real Jeff St. John Please Stand Up" 2001

Tracklist 1 Some Enchanted Evening 2 Lullaby Of Broadway 3 Embraceable You 4 (I've Got My) Love To Keep Me Warm 5 Lullaby Of Birdland 6 One For My Baby (One For The Road) 7 Misty 8 Fascinatin' Rhythm 9 People Will Say We're In Love 10 S'Wonderful 11 You Can't Do That 12 Birth Of The Blues

Jeff St. John & Michael Gray "The Invisible Years Volumes 1 & 2" 2007

Tracklist 1-1 Sign Up 1-2 Share 1-3 Free Again 1-4 In The Absence Of A Miracle 1-5 Armageddon Mechanica (Cookout At Substation One) 1-6 I Am A Bell 1-7 In Love Again (For The Very First Time) 1-8 The Price Of Freedom 1-9 The New Centurions 1-10 Love 1-11 The River 1-12 Fan The Flame 1-13 Babe 1-14 Time's A Thief 1-15 Denying My Music 1-16 True Love 1-17 It's Alright 1-18 Movers And Shakers 1-19 Home Tonight 1-20 Racin' 1-21 Breathe 2-1 Olympia 2-2 The Last Jaunts 2-3 Sunday Jaunts 2-4 Flying Too Close To The Sun 2-5 Lost In Your Eyes 2-6 In Love Again 2-7 Midnight Rain 2-8 Love Won't Die 2-9 Dare 2-10 Dark Angel 2-11 How Can You Love Again (If You Don't Let Go) 2-12 I Think We've Fallen In Love 2-13 Racin' 2-14 Sign Up 2-15 Rainbow

Jeff St. John "Rare and Live: 1966 - 1985" 2016 Compilation

Track Listing 01 Introduction On Bandstand (00:46) 02 The Work Song (03:38) 03 It's Gonna Work Out Fine (02:43) 04 Stupidity (02:48) 05 Humming Bird (04:40) 06 Teach Me How To Fly (02:17) 07 Peter Figure's Drum Solo (03:39) 08 Days To Come (03:06) 09 Teach Me How To Fly #2 (04:20) 10 The New Centurions (Poem) (02:16) 11 Only A Woman Like You (05:42) 12 I Can Hardly Wait For Summer (03:59) 13 Introduction (00:59) 14 Big Time Operator (02:38) 15 Sandman (04:20)

Discography

Singles Jan. 1966 "Lindy Lou" / "Somebody To Love" (Spin EK-1220) Apr. 1966 "The Jerk" / "Take This Hurt Off Me" (Spin EK-1328) July. 1966 "Black Girl" / "Eastern Dream" (Spin EK-1446) Dec. 1966 "Big Time Operator" / "Sister's Got A Boyfriend" (Spin EK-1606) Apr. 1967 "You Got Me Hummin'" / "Watch Out" (Spin EK-1730) Oct. 1967 "Nothing Comes Easy" / "Everybody's Gone" (Spin EK-2016) Feb. 1970 "Cloud Nine" / "Days To Come" (Spin EK-3576) Nov. 1970 "Teach Me How To Fly" / "Freedom Blues" (Chart CR-214) Aug. 1971 "Hummingbird" / "Keep On Growing" (Infinity INK 4365) Oct. 1972 "Yesterday's Music" / "In The Window Of Your Love" (Infinity INK-4852) Apr. 1973 "Yesterday's Music" / "Lady Of Ginger" (A&M (US release) May 1975 "Mr Jones" / "Acapulco Lady" (Infinity) Oct. 1975 "Blood Brother" / "Reach Out And Touch Me" (Infinity) EPs Feb 1967 Big Time Operator (Spin) May 1967 You Got Me Hummin' (Spin) May 1970 Sing A Simple Song (Spin) Albums March 1967 Big Time Operators (Spin) March 1970 Joint Effort (Spin) Available on CD with bonus tracks, through Vicious Sloth Jan. 1971 Wendy Saddington & Copperwine Live (Infinity) (recorded without Jeff St John) 1972 The Best Of Jeff St John (Spin) May 1974 Jeff St John Live (Infinity) 1977 Survivor 1965-1975 (Infinity) Compilations The 3-CD reissue of So You Wanna Be A Rock ‘n' Roll Star (Spin D89931, 1998), features remastered recordings of the Id's "Lindy Lou", Yama's "Nothing Comes Easy" and Copperwine's "Cloud Nine". Golden Miles – Australian Progressive Rock 1969-1974 (Raven RVCD 39) includes "Fanciful Flights Of Mind", from Copperwine's studio album. A live recording of Copperwine's "Hummingbird" is included on the various artists' compilation CD of Hoadley's Battle Of The Sounds performances, Live, Loud And Sweaty!, put out by Canetoad 

Jeff St. John ‎ “Jeff St. John Live"1974 Australia Rock Soul,Funk

Jeff St. John “Survivor” 1965-75: 1977 Compilation Australia Psych,Funk,Soul,Blues Rock

Jeff St. Copperwine. “Joint Effort” LP Spin Label 1970 Australia Prog Psych

Jeff St. John The Id ‎"Big Time Operators" 1967 + Jeff St. John ‎"So Far So Good"1978 + Jeffrey St. John* & The Embers "Will The Real Jeff St. John Please Stand Up" 2001 +  Jeff St. John & Michael Gray "The Invisible Years Volumes 1 & 2" 2007 +  Jeff St. John "Rare and Live: 1966 - 1985" 2016 Compilation, Australia Prog,Psych,Garage,Beat,R & B,Soul,Funk,Blue Eyed Soul

https://johnkatsmc5.tumblr.com/post/771922763164401664/jeff-st-john-the-id-big-time-operators-1967

[a3poify]

I have come to the conclusion that Alan Partridge is my favourite fictional character of all time. I don't think any other fictional character has been so fully realised over the course of 30+ years to the point where I almost consider him and Steve Coogan separate people. In my head I think of Partridge as like any other mid tier celebrity living out his life somewhere as if he really exists.

[shelikesthosefunnypeople]

You know I am really not sure. He's sending mixed signals on this one. 🤔

do you think he cares about the pedestrianisation of norwich city centre

[jaytaycee]

On an Alan Partridge bender atm, rewatching kymkywap for the first time in years and I totally forgot what a little bitch he is early on

[notsoterriblymisanthropic]

2023 favorites

tagged by @godzilla-en-mexico

Albums

This list is a lot shorter if I confine myself to just stuff from 2023. Some albums what are new this year what I liked are:

Algiers - Shook Protomartyr - Formal Growth in the Desert Wednesday - Rat Saw God Boygenius - The Record Mandy Indiana - i’ve seen a way Death & Vanilla - Flicker New Pornographers - Continue as a Guest White Poppy - Sound of Blue Home Front - Games of Power Bruise Control - Useless for Something

Also special mentions for Jeanines - Don't Wait For a Sign, Lande Hekt - House Without a View, Ex-Void - Bigger Than Before, Ribbon Stage - Hit With the Most, The Beths - Expert in a Dying Field and Clear Channel - Hell, which are all really fun albums from 2022 except the Clear Channel one which is from 2020, and all of which I only heard this year. They would've been among my best of 2022 if I knew about them at the time.

Books

I think I actually read four books that are new for 2023 this year, Anything That Moves by Jamie Stewart, Our Trade Unions by Nigel Flanagan, Dance Your Way Home by Emma Warren, and Vehicle by Jen Calleja. As for what my actual favourite books of the year were, probably Vehicle, What We Don't Talk About by JoAnn Wypijewski, The Baudelaire Fractal by Lisa Robertson, Umastered by Katherine Angel, Devil House by John Darnielle, Disnaeland by DD Johnston. Oh, and I have like extremely mixed feelings for complicated reasons about Pearls From Their Mouth by Pear Nuallak, but mostly positive about that one. Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead and Life is Elsewhere by Milan Kundera were really good as well.

Film

Killers of the Flower Moon is my favourite new film of 2023 cos I think it's the only new film I've watched this year. Other than that, think I watched Bodies Bodies Bodies, River's Edge, Halloween, Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, Picnic at Hanging Rock, Do the Right Thing, Death of Stalin, Videodrome and But I'm a Cheerleader for the first time this year, all those films have their merits.

Tagging uh @thewomanwithmissingfingers @orpheusdrinkinga40inadeathbasket @ultroid2068 @svankmajerbaby @poetickrogan @ashtrayfloors and indeed anyone else who wants to play

[whatstruthgottodowithit]

Here You Come Again [Part Nine]

Fandom: Elvis Presley, RPF, American Actor

Pairing: Elvis Presley x Original Female Character

Characters: Elvis Presley, Addison Goodwin, Original Female Characters, Priscilla Presley, Colonel Tom Parker, Vernon Presley, Gladys Presley, Minnie Mae Presley, Marci Cunningham, Jerry Schilling, Red West, Sonny West, Marty Lacker, Joe Esposito, Charlie Hodge, Lamar Fike, Alan Fortas, George Klein, Memphis Mafia

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 5072

Summary: When Addison Goodwin was seventeen years old her life was turned inside out after a chance encounter with her past. Now, fifteen years later her life is the best it’s ever been. She has a home, a good job and a daughter she loves more than anything in the world but will all that remain when an old familiar face rolls into town.

Tags: Angst, Fluff, Graceland, Las Vegas, The International Hotel, Elvis In Vegas, 1970s, 1970s Elvis, Friends To Lovers, Rekindled Romance, Parenting, Time Line is Sketchy, Guilt, Betrayal, Teenage Pregnancy, Hawaii, Hidden Pregnancy, Jealousy, Sex, Absence of Parent, Single Motherhood, Trauma, Oral Sex, Tension

Notes: Honestly FCK tumblrs new post editor its a load of fckin shite

Anyway here's a small one. An additional Addie/Elvis fic will be out this week.

LINK TO ALL PARTS // LINK TO AO3 // LINK TO PINTEREST

The ride back to the hotel was a quiet one. All the excitement of the day had seemed to catch up on everyone meaning that all were now tired and hungry and so spent most of the drive listening to the radio or in half-hearted conversation. Even Lisa, who had been the life and soul of the party, had waned as she fought to keep her little eyes open though eventually fell asleep tucked up between Elvis and Jess. 

Elvis however was wide awake, everything that Addison had told him churning around inside him. He had been longing to know what had happened in their lives since the majority of it was still fuzzy with bits filled in here and there from Jess. And whilst he was glad she had Marci, that overall she hadn’t been on her own, it also reassured him to know that she had loved him. That as he lay in the depths of despair after his mother’s death she had wanted to come back. Yet the more he thought of that the more anger he felt at the Colonel. With one callous act, he had robbed them both of so much.

When they got to the hotel the four of them headed back up to the suite whilst the others went to their own rooms to get ready for dinner as planned. However, Elvis hadn’t yet mentioned the dinner idea to the girls so as they headed inside Jess and Lisa flocked to the TV whilst Addison gathered their various souvenirs, coats and candy so she could put them away. As the girls watched an episode of ‘The Partridge Family’, with Jess laughing along and Lisa laughing a fraction of a second later once she heard Jess’ giggle, he stood behind the couch pretending he was watching too though he kept glancing at Addison.

He watched as she stacked all the toys and teddies Lisa had managed to get him to buy in the gift shop neatly on the bench in the dining room where they were tidy but still accessible. He watched as she disappeared into the kitchen taking the mountains of candy the girls had begged for and not eaten with her, no doubt saving it for later. And he watched and she folded Lisa’s fur-trimmed jacket coat over her arm and then hung it neatly in the hall closet. It was all normal stuff and yet it felt alien to watch her do it. After all, he never really had to do mundane normal things like that anymore.

For a moment he wondered if he would’ve been more like that if they were still together. It wasn’t that he had lost touch with reality, but Addison had always seemed to ground him in a way as if he was tethered to her. If they were still together now would he be a bit more normal? Or would his life have pulled her with him? At that thought he had to fight a snort. He doubted it. Even now she wouldn’t let him show off or buy her things, that damn pride in the way. Though he supposed she was right they didn’t technically need new things. He didn’t need to spoil the kids as he had today, yet he wanted to and had done so though under her watchful gaze it had been more within reason. No, she wouldn’t have been pulled with him if anything she would’ve brought him a little more down to earth.

Once she was finished she came to stand beside him looking at the girls as she said, ‘so what are we doing for dinner?’

‘Ooh, can we get pizza?’ Jess asked tearing herself away from the screen.

‘I want pizza too!’ Lisa said excitedly. Addison looked at Elvis as though she was waiting for him to give the go-ahead, but he paused.

‘Actually, I’ve arranged for us to go to dinner,’ he said clearing his throat nervously.

‘Oh? You didn’t say,’ Addison said wondering why he hadn’t mentioned it.

‘Must’ve slipped my mind,’ he lied, he hadn’t mentioned it because he hadn’t wanted to give her any wiggle room. Addison observed him curiously but said nothing.

‘I just thought what with it being Lisa’s last night in town we could do a big,’ he was going to say ‘a family thing’ but he couldn’t bring himself to, so instead he skipped over it, ‘get together sorta thing. Daddy, the boys, and some other friends. I mean if that’s alright?’

‘Um sure,’ she said before she added hesitantly, ‘like in public?’

‘Uh private suite,’ he said, ‘and there’ll be plenty of folks there so…’

‘Yeah…right,’ Addison nodded looking at the girls who were watching them, ‘you two okay with this?’

‘Yeah, fine by me,’ Jess said.

‘Me too,’ Lisa smiled.

‘Well looks like we’re going out for dinner,’ Addison said with a smile as she looked back at him, ‘where did you have in mind?

‘Golden Steer,’ Elvis said making Addison’s face fall into shock.

‘Golden Steer? As in exclusive booked out for months Golden Steer?’ she asked.

‘That’s the one,’ Elvis smiled, ‘table is booked for eight.’

‘Wait what?’ she said grabbing his wrist and looking at the watch on it, ‘that’s in thirty-five minutes.’

‘So?’ he asked.

‘So? I’m not exactly dressed for a place like that,’ she said.

‘Huh,’ Elvis said as if he hadn’t noticed. She had been going through her options in her head but at his faux naivety, she paused, her eyes narrowing as she watched him.

‘You bastard,’ she whispered shaking her head, ‘you did this on purpose didn’t you?’

‘I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ Elvis said with a smug smile, ‘oh girls you should probably get changed. It’s kind of a nice place.’

‘Okay,’ Jess said eyeing her mother who was still pouting before she climbed up off the couch and headed to her room, followed by Lisa.

‘I can’t believe you,’ Addison said, her tongue in her cheek at the sheer idiocy of her thinking he wouldn’t try and win their little bet.

‘Like I said I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ Elvis said with a little smile as he moved away from her heading towards the door.

‘You know I don’t have anything to wear,’ she said following him.

‘Wear that,’ he said, ‘I mean you wouldn’t want me buying you something new, right? That’d be showing off.’

‘Fine I will,’ she said folding her arms across her chest.

‘Great,’ he smirked, ‘I’m gonna go get changed.’

‘You do that,’ she said coolly.

‘Oh I will,’ he chuckled as he headed to the door though as he opened it he paused, looking back at her in the entrance hall, still pouting with her arms folded across her chest, ‘though if you do change your mind, there might be something you can wear in your room.’

And with that he threw her a wink and headed out into the hall, closing the door quietly behind him. Addison watched him go, a mix of irritation and foolishness for not anticipating him trying to win the bet. In all honesty, she hadn’t thought it was a serious thing but she should’ve known he’d do something like this. He always was stubborn. Then again so was she.

But now he had her over a barrel. She had teased him because buying something new just to go to the zoo seemed extravagant, but this wasn’t the zoo. It was a fancy, high-end restaurant, one that was normally booked out for weeks. She couldn’t exactly roll up in jeans and a shirt, but she didn’t want him to think he was getting away with it either. She had seen the way he had thrown his money around today and though she knew it was because he wanted to make the girls happy, she worried about it. She worried about him. She had never been interested in the money but that didn’t mean others weren’t. She just hoped he realised that those that mattered didn’t want fancy cars or high-end clothes. They just wanted him, the real him.

Still, as she made her way into the room and spotted the outfit that had been laid out on her bed she couldn’t help but feel in awe. The dress was gorgeous with an air of simplicity and though its tight black velvet material made it look sexy it still felt elegant. As she ran her fingers across it she wondered who had chosen it. After all, she couldn’t see him rifling through any boutique clothing rails, he didn’t have the time, but it was so her she couldn’t see how he didn’t pick it out. She looked down at her outfit. It wasn’t bad but it definitely wasn’t fancy restaurant material and so with a sigh she started to get changed and as she looked at herself in the mirror she couldn’t help but curse him. The dress fell like water against her skin enhancing every curve and even the shoes weren’t too awkward or painful to walk in. He truly had bested her this time.

Fortunately she didn’t have time to dwell on her loss or her new physique as she heard chatter out in the suite meaning she needed to grab her purse and head out the door. As she got to the entrance hall though she found she was the last one there. Elvis, Red, Sonny, Jerry and the girls were all sitting in the lounge waiting for her. Jess however was the only one that heard her approach and she looked up as she heard her heels clacking against the marble floor.

‘Wow Mom you look pretty,’ Jess said watching her with awe. Jess knew her mother was pretty, it was something she had been told many times – many people likening the pair of them, but the woman in front of her now was stunning.

‘You too sweetheart,’ she said taking in Jess’ new outfit with a smile. As Jess spoke the men looked towards her each looking a little taken aback at the new attire. Elvis felt his heartbeat quicken. When he’d told Patsy what he wanted he hadn’t been too specific but he knew there would only be certain things she would be comfortable with. It was a simple black dress, not too flashy or overstated as his own outfit was, and yet she was the best dressed in the room. Feeling everyone’s eyes on her she shifted, tucking her purse under her arm as she said, ‘you guys ready?’

‘Yeah,’ Red said climbing up out of his seat, ‘you look nice by the way.’

‘Thanks,’ she said, ‘you guys clean up pretty well yourselves.’

‘Have to when he insists on dinin’ at fancy places,’ Sonny chuckled, ‘like he ain’t gonna ask them to cremate a steak anyway.’

As everyone started to file out Elvis climbed out of his seat though his eyes didn’t leave Addison. He didn’t even clock the slight ribbing over his preference of having everything charred within an inch of its life. Instead he followed them, unable to speak as he watched her as conversations carried on around him. When they got to the door she paused, holding it open for everyone until he was the last one out.

‘Addie,’ he said capturing her attention as she stroked Lisa’s hair as she passed, her hand in Jerry’s. As he neared her she rolled her eyes, an action that caused a fire to brim inside his lower belly.

‘Don’t say anything,’ she said with a smile, ‘you won, okay? No need to rub it in.’

‘I wasn’t going to,’ he said in a somewhat serious manner that threw her joking tone off, making her eyebrows knit together, ‘I was just gonna say…you look beautiful. Really.’

‘Oh,’ she said a blush creeping up her neck, ‘uh thanks.’

He nodded suddenly feeling his own blush creeping in on him and before she could see it he fled past her out into the hall following the others down towards the elevator. She appeared beside him in an instant, something that must have been a feat given the height of her shoes and tucked her arm into his offering him a small smile as she did so. They were still behind everyone, and he was sure once they got to the elevator she would pull away but until then he was going to enjoy every damn second she offered.

✵✵✵

Dinner went well much to Addison’s surprise. Where she had thought she and Jess might feel exposed she hadn’t as the bonus of a big group meant they melted into the background. There were a few curious glances from those she knew from way back when, ones that told her that Elvis hadn’t yet told them of her position back in his life but she tried not to let them get to her. Not that they had much of a chance to, not since she was having so much fun. Elvis seemed to be on a real high which in turn was creating an atmosphere of merriment. It was a feeling that stayed with Addison throughout the night and it didn’t even wane as they headed back to the hotel even though their party was disbanded as Elvis took to the stage and the group split off into various factions. In fact, the only time it did ebb was when a familiar face appeared.

It was midway through the show, Jess was talking to Vernon about something she couldn’t quite hear which meant she was forced to watch rather than try and join in. He looked amazing on stage. Though he had looked good in the outfit he had worn tonight she couldn’t deny the elaborate suits he had adapted into his stage persona were something to behold. Each one housed intricate details that could mesmerise a person just by looking. She found herself mesmerised as she watched him sing a song she wasn’t familiar with. She thought it was one of his newer ones given that she knew the melody but not the words, probably from hearing Jess play his entire back catalogue upstairs in her room.

She was watching him, her eyes fixated on every movement as his voice rang out purer than ever, which meant she was distracted so much she barely even looked up as someone approached the table, that was until she heard that familiar nasal voice echo out. When she looked up she saw him. The Colonel. He was on the other side of the booth, leaning over and whispering into Vernon’s ear.

It made her blood run cold.

He didn’t even seem to notice she was there; he didn’t even seem to notice anyone else was even at the same table though she supposed they would’ve been insignificant to him seeing as he didn’t need anything from them.

‘I don’t know. I’ll have to ask him,’ she heard Vernon say tightly. The song had ended and though Elvis was now speaking, his voice echoing through the speaker system, she couldn’t hear him. Her ears were fixated on every word uttered on the other side of the table.

‘Well see that you do,’ the Colonel said, ‘it’s been over a damn month!’

‘Yeah, uh I’ll do it tonight,’ Vernon said glancing towards Addison, something that made her have a sneaking suspicion whatever issue the Colonel was having somehow coincided with her arrival.

‘You have to,’ the Colonel started though noticing Vernon’s inattention he trailed off glancing towards her. He looked as though he was going to go right back to whatever chastising he had lined up but she could see the cogs click into place after a moment, his eyes going wide as he looked back towards her. She felt knots in her stomach as she took him in but she refused to let them overwhelm her. Instead, she stared at him, her hazel eyes boring into his face which made him straighten up uncomfortably.

‘Colonel, you remember Addison,’ Vernon said quietly after a moment of them staring at one another.

‘Miss Goodwin,’ he said quietly, ‘long time no see.’

‘Not long enough huh?’ she said tightly. He stood more upright at her words, seemingly noticing her attitude wasn’t going to be one of understanding, not that she could see how he could even fathom that would be the case.

‘I didn’t know you and Elvis had…reacquainted,’ he said. It was a laced statement, accusations woven throughout it but she didn’t respond. She didn’t even want to look at him. She didn’t want to tell him anything about her and Elvis. She hoped it was driving him crazy trying to piece everything together. Beside her she could feel Jess’ eyes on her, watching the pair of them but she refused to look in her direction. If she didn’t want him to know anything about her and Elvis she certainly didn’t want him to know about Jess, but her façade was shattered however as she heard Jess say, ‘Mom?’

She glanced towards her, trying to silence her with a look that willed her to ask questions later, but when she looked back the Colonel was watching them bewildered. It was the first time she had seen him falter. The first time she had seen that cold calculating stare break, if only for a second.

‘Uh I’ll tell him to give you a call,’ Vernon said trying to diffuse the palpable tension hanging over the table.

‘What?’ the Colonel asked, ‘oh, uh, sure. Yes. See that you do.’

And before Vernon could respond he scuttled away his mind no doubt boggling at the situation that had unfolded in front of him.

‘Mom who was that?’ Jess asked leaning into her closely.

‘No one baby,’ Addison sighed as she placed her arm around her daughter, pulling her to her side as she kissed the top of her head. Jess seemed taken aback by the sudden act of PDA but she didn’t protest. In fact, she seemed to sense that this display of affection was more for her Addison’s comfort and allowed her mother’s arm to remain around her shoulders. Vernon watched from the side-lines as Addison bit her lip trying to will herself not to cry.

She didn’t know why. Maybe it was because after so many years of anger and fury, after the number of times she had pictured just what she would say to him if she had the chance, she had said nothing. It made sadness flow through her even though she knew it was probably the right thing to do. Going off at the man in a room full of people would only draw unwanted attention but still it felt like she had been cheated. Still, as her daughter cuddled into her side and Vernon placed his hand on the back of hers she was comforted.

After their little meeting however, she couldn’t shake her frustrations. The high of the night had been well and truly stomped out and by the time Elvis came off stage she wanted nothing more than to go home and climb into her own bed. Unfortunately, before that could happen they needed to say goodbye. He knew something was off from the moment they came into his dressing room. He had been expecting to get changed and head upstairs where they could hang out for the night so seeing them emerge through his dressing room door made him nervous, as did the sombre look on his Daddy’s face as he bid his son goodnight.

‘Hey, you enjoy the show?’ he said, pulling Jess in for a hug which she pulled out of quickly, her nose wrinkled at how sweaty he was.

‘Yeah,’ she said though there was an air of doubt in it that made his nerves bubble further.

‘Everything alright?’ he asked, looking at Addison who seemed deep in her thoughts. As he spoke though she looked up and said, ‘what? Oh, yeah fine.’

‘You sure?’ he asked.

‘Yeah,’ she said glibly, ‘we just came to say goodbye that’s all.’

‘You’re going home?’ he asked glancing at Jess who shrugged which only reinforced the notion was something wrong. It had to be if Addison was calling the shots.

‘Yeah,’ she said, ‘I mean Jess has probably got homework and stuff and I’m sure there’s a mountain of laundry waiting for me tomorrow.’

‘Can’t you just go home in the morning?’ he asked. He knew it was dumb of him to push but if he could keep them around, even a little bit longer, he would. Addison shifted uncomfortably. His request wasn’t unreasonable, but it was making her heart ache all the same and tonight that was something Elvis couldn’t help with. Though she had told him so many things she wasn’t sure she was ready to talk about it just yet. To talk about him.

‘You should spend the day with Lisa. She’s leaving tomorrow, I bet she’d like to spend some time just you guys before she goes,’ Addison said with an air of finality in her tone that Elvis knew was better than to fight.

‘Yeah,’ he said, ‘you’re probably right.’

‘We can do something in the week though, right Mom?’ Jess said.

‘Of course,’ she said with a weak smile.

‘Maybe we could do something else like the zoo again?’ Jess asked looking at Elvis who smiled at her.

‘Sure honey,’ he said, ‘I’ll call you tomorrow, okay? We can figure it out then.’

‘Okay,’ Jess said with a smile as she leaned in to hug him, again briefly due to his sweaty nature. Addison however didn’t move in for a hug and instead made a beeline for the door waiting for her daughter. Elvis tried to ignore the disappointment in his stomach as she said goodbye before the two of them headed into the corridor and eventually out of sight.

He flopped down in his chair, watching himself in the large vanity as he did so. His hair was damp and sticking up off his head from where he had pushed it back so he could see and he had slight bags under his eyes from where he had grown tired from a long day of exertion. And yet he was happier than ever. Well, he had been until five minutes ago. He wondered what had happened to make her turn so quickly. Even their little back and forth about the dress hadn’t been a real argument if anything it was kind of well, fun.

He didn’t have long to dwell on what the problem was though as there was a knock on the door which opened before he even had time to tell whoever it was to come in. It was then he knew what had happened as coming into his dressing room with a severe scowl on his face was the Colonel.

He stood in the room as if waiting for Elvis to speak or at least greet him but Elvis didn’t. Instead, he stood up and moved to the small drinks cart in the corner of the room where he busied himself with a glass of bourbon. When he turned back the older man was still watching him.

‘Can I help you?’ Elvis said snarkily.

‘What is going on?’ the Colonel asked sternly.

‘What do you mean?’ Elvis asked.

‘You know what I mean. What is Addison Goodwin doing here?’ he asked. Elvis watched him for a moment taking a sip of his drink as he did before he placed it down on the drinks cart and shrugged, ‘she lives in town.’

‘And you two are what? Back together?’ he asked.

‘What do you care? Thought you didn’t get involved in my personal life,’ Elvis said making the older gentleman hesitate. He could see the cogs turning in the man’s mind, the realisation that he knew everything, that he had for a while dawning hence why he had been refusing to see him.

‘Elvis,’ the Colonel said.

‘What? Are you going to lie to me again? Tell me you didn’t have nothing to do with it?’ he said, ‘because spare me the bullshit.’

‘I thought I was doing what was best,’ he said.

‘And making my daughter grow up without a dad was what was best?’ he spat. He could see the information land, the realisation crossing his face in an instant. Quicker than it had for anyone else in fact. At that Elvis moved towards him staring directly at him whilst he probed further, ‘did you know?’

‘What?’ the Colonel asked.

‘About Jess did you know?’ he asked narrowing his eyes as he scrutinised his face.

‘Of course not,’ the Colonel said. Elvis didn’t seem convinced but he pulled back all the same moving away to take another swig of his drink.

‘My boy-’

‘Don’t you my boy me,’ he said looking back at him, ‘you’re lucky I haven’t shot your ass.’

‘I honestly thought I was doing what was right. I didn’t know about, Jess you said, if I had do you think I would’ve kept it from you?’ he asked. Elvis watched him closely as he moved towards him, placing a hand on Elvis’ shoulder which he looked upon with disdain, ‘this is just as much of a shock to me as it is to you.’

He watched as he looked up at him with eyes that seemed to be begging him to listen. But that was what Elvis had done the last time. He had been lured in, convinced to listen by a man who spewed lies so easily it was hard to figure out which bits were true. A man who through all the love and loss he had had in his life he had clung to, like a second father, a guiding hand that he could trust to navigate him through the best and worst of it.

But that was gone now. Whatever bond they had was gone, extinguished the minute he saw Addison at that club. When he saw how frightened she was at the mere thought of their worlds colliding again because of what he might do. That was why the hand on his shoulder brought nothing to him. He didn’t feel comfort. He didn’t even feel rage. His feelings were now one of disinterest. He didn’t want the Colonel punished he just wanted him gone. Yet the plan he was forming was taking time and he knew that to blow up in his face would do him no favours. He had played this game before and he had made all the wrong moves, this time he was determined not to.

‘Yeah, well you better get used to it,’ Elvis said slipping out of his grasp as he dumped himself back into his seat.

‘You don’t mean to say you’re keeping this girl around?’ he asked.

‘My daughter?’ he asked.

‘My boy, do you think that’s wise? I mean think of the press-’

‘We’re keeping it under wraps,’ Elvis said.

‘And when it gets out?’ he implored as he started to pace, ‘you cannot hide these things forever. Say a nosy reporter gets a hold of the story what then?’

‘They get a front page spread and a promotion no doubt,’ Elvis said.

‘And what do you get? People will be able to work things out you know. A bit of quick math and hey presto. Ticket sales through the floor. God forbid a tour cancellation-’

‘You don’t get it do you?’ Elvis said making the Colonel slow in his tracks as he looked at him. Elvis stood up, coming towards him again as he continued, ‘I don’t care.’

‘But-’

‘I don’t care. Colonel you can moan all you want about ticket sales and merchandising but there is nothing that is going to stop me from seeing my daughter. I’ve missed too much of her life already I ain’t going to miss any more,’ he said.

‘And if it costs you your career?’ he asked.

‘Fine,’ Elvis said, ‘I already lost most of the things that are important to me. My mama, my wife, hell I’ve probably spent about as much time apart from Lisa than I have with Jess and I’ve only known her a month. So I’m not going to bend. I’m doing this my way.’

‘And if they end up hurt?’ he asked making Elvis’ jaw clench. It was a dirty tactic and they both knew it. Yet Elvis didn’t yield. He didn’t allow the man to get in his head and confuse him about what he should be doing, not when he knew what he was doing was what was right. What he wanted.

‘If everyone keeps their damn mouth shut it won’t come to that,’ Elvis said leaning in towards him, ‘so, are you gonna do as I ask? Or are we going to have a problem?’

‘If that’s the way you want to play it,’ the Colonel said coolly.

‘It is,’ Elvis said firmly.

‘Well then I can only hope that you’re right,’ the older man said as he headed to the door.

‘I guess we’ll see,’ Elvis said as the Colonel paused, offering Elvis an understanding look though behind it Elvis could see fire in his eyes. He wasn’t listening to him. He wasn’t bending to his will. And that was pissing him off.

‘I’m sure we will my boy,’ he said and with one last glance he left, closing the door with a slam that betrayed his cool demeanour.

Elvis waited for a moment though he wasn’t unpacking what had just happened he was merely waiting until he was sure the Colonel wouldn’t be lingering by the door. Once he was sure he was gone he moved to his couch, dropping into it with a thud as he dialled Jerry’s number. He had handled it well. He hadn’t been lying when he mentioned shooting the old coot. A month ago he might have but he’d had time to think since then. He didn’t have a doubt that the Colonel would be making his plans. Snakes always protect themselves by attacking others so it wouldn’t surprise him, but he was making his own plans too.

‘EP?’ Jerry said as the line clicked on.

‘Yeah, it’s me,’ Elvis said, ‘Jer I need a favour.’

‘Hit me,’ Jerry said.

‘Get me Mr Kohn,’ he said, ‘tell him it’s important.’

SERIES TAGS

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[panelshowsource]

saved a few anons asking personal questions not all related to panel shows, spamming answers below the cut :)

she/her!

interesting question! first, i think it's very special that you had the opportunity to study at an international university and i am glad to hear you had so many amazing experiences!

i also feel like i need to preface anything i say with... holidays are obviously different from living, and i hope people can trust that i wouldn't base an entire lifestyle decision off, like, being a fan of taskmaster lmao the state of politics, brexit, housing, prejudice, and more make it difficult to say i'd want to commit to life there — plus i really love new york city, where i do feel at home

that said, i would be open to living in the uk for a period of time, yes. i am certainly very motivated to visit a lot of places, particularly in england, and decided last year to start spending a month or two over there every year (this year i think i will be in york! maybe i can post a little about that if people care). the history and motivations behind that decision are really personal to me, but it feels...right. i am really looking forward to my time there this year and treasure being someone who works remotely and can make that happen

living permanently, it's hard to say, but speaking for my interests in history, architecture, art, cinema — it would be wonderful to explore those things more in person, yes!

i really think in the 6+ years of this blog this is the first i've ever been asked about music! which makes sense ofc it just took me by surprise!

hmmm i think this playlist most accurately expresses what i'm listening to a lot of the time + a lot a lot a lot of classical music, some dad rock, and a few balladeers like judy garland and rufus wainwright

i don't claim to be the world's biggest comedy buff or keep up the best with all of the comedy coming out of the uk and american industries — even though i do enjoy it so much! — but growing up i was very interested in comedy writing. in high school, i worked at a dvd store where people could trade in their old dvds for store credit to buy new ones, so we had a HUGE selection of not only new releases but older, sometimes nicher stuff that you typically wouldn't see at a suburban american blockbuster-like shop. i can't stress how formative this was! i would always go through the store and "beautify" the shelves (pulling all the spines up neatly, keeping everything alphabetised, etc) just to constantly look through what we had in stock, grab the old black bar criterion films before some movie buff snatched them up, touch all the special editions (physical releases were more than just steelbooks back then, like stuff like this). each of the employees had a little shelf in the back room where you could store dvds you wanted to buy when you eventually had the money, keeping them off the floor so no customer would see and buy them. i was always reserving 30+ dvds at a time and spent my whole paychecks at work hahaha

anyways, that's how i found a lot of the random british films i ended up loving — by people trading them in or me just running across them at the store: a cock and bull story, death at a funeral, this is england, gosford park, monty python, (particularly holy grail and life of brian), confetti (didn't love this one but it had a lot of actors i really liked in it so i remember watching it quite a few times) and more — but especially withnail and i and in the loop. i was fucking obsessed with in the loop, which i watched on a loop (zing!) and was ultimately how i worked my way backwards to the thick of it as well as shows like the office uk, alan partridge, green wing, fry and laurie, peep show, and more. (the thick of it and peep show were particularly everything to me!) i still have all of the dvds from the dvd store i worked at! lol

in terms of american comedy, i was obsessed with the state and then their groups' projects like wet hot american summer and reno 911 (michael showalter is a great example of a writer/director i don't think is one of the greats but follows his heart & vision, and i really respect that; my fave of his, which is genuinely so good, is hello my name is doris! underrated lil treasure). i also really loved it's always sunny, flight of the conchords, party down, arrested development, jackass and wild boys, and house md, and some of the wild characters on bravo lmao. we had this channel called logo that was my lifeline to queer content before i really had full-time access to the internet outside of a shared family computer, so i was always watching reruns of jeffrey & cole casserole, the big gay sketch show, plus the l word and queer as folk, and they also did syndication of reno 911 (but i already had all the box sets of that 😭). i was never heavy into the judd apatow/bro comedy that was so big in the 2000s, and even the 80s–90s american comedy heavily influenced by the talent at snl wasn't particularly engaging to me; of that, my favourites were probably throw momma from the train and a couple of romcoms

+ every panel show i could get my hands on! and i think because i was really engaged with sketch comedy i was also reading a lot of playwrights, especially alan bennett, harold pinter, and edward albee, who i had (and have!) huge collections of

and, yes, so many of these are at the foundation of my very favourite formats and styles of comedy: mockumentaries , black comedy or dark comedy, existential comedy, stories rooted in reality or plausibility / domestic dramedy. i used to be very engaged by sketch comedy and wanted to crack the science behind writing funny sketches, but i do think i've moved away from that format and filled that void with the improv nature of panel shows (it works for me the way i think the format of podcasts work for so many other people... i wonder if anyone will relate to that comparison)

comedy evolves so much by the decade and i appreciate a lot of the ways in which it has grown, so i don't think of it as a then vs now, which is better, whatever. and like you i can't help but revisit my nostalgic faves often!

i do think eventually he will! but rn he's lapping up that tv money hahaha my very fave is firing cheeseballs at a dog, but they're all genuinely great!

[shelikesthosefunnypeople]

I am still not used to seeing people talk about Steve Coogan, Alan Partridge, or any of Steve's other characters (besides Octavius from NATM, obviously) on here. 😂 Every time it happens I get stupidly happy.

[endingboyhansel]

Welcome back to this whole analysis business. Today we’re talking about Alan Partridge and his repressed bisexuality. He’s definitely an interesting character to talk about when it comes to his attitudes with anyone queer!

I’ve probably missed out other stuff, or gotten things wrong, so if that’s the case, feel free to add on or correct me!

It is no surprise to anyone that has seen the Alan Partridge franchise that Alan in his early days is a bigot. He occasionally followed remarks with “and please don’t write in saying that is [discrimination], it’s not” and has a general very dislikable attitude towards those that are minorities. Later on in the franchise he does adopt a much more polite attitude, though keeps quite a bit of stereotypes when discussing minority groups.

His attitude towards queer people, however, is very interesting. Alan describes himself as a “homoskeptic” - thinly veiling homophobia - and acts negatively towards Glen Ponder when he finds out he’s gay. Alan has also shown transphobia, such as dismissing a trans woman on KMKYWAP - though in more recent shows he seems to have become more relaxed.

However despite this open attitude, Alan has a lot of telling facts about him that hint towards the fact he is heavily repressed in his own sexuality.

Let’s talk first about his attitude to trans people. In the I'm Alan Partridge episode Watership Alan, it is revealed Alan watched a short bit of a porno film titled “Bangkok Chickboys” to which he denies to the staff of the hotel. As the conversation goes on, it becomes more and more obvious that Alan watched this on purpose.

Now it’s important to understand the meaning of “chickboy”. Chickboy in this refers to the term kathoey. In English it has two meanings - trans women or effeminate gay men. In Thailand, the term can also mean being intersex.

Another thing of note is that the term is also named “ladyboy” and this is how they are referred to throughout the series. It is made very clear that the meaning of “ladyboy” to Alan is trans women. Alan seems to express some sexual interest, if the above example and his fascination suffice.

—

One of the biggest mysteries of I'm Alan Partridge is what is in the drawer of Alan’s desk.

Episode 1: Lynn: For example, in this drawer… (opens the drawer and pauses, shocked) You, er… you have, er, things, and um… sometimes, you have too many things. (Later in the conversation) Alan: They were there when I moved in.

While Armando Iannucci says that the contents of Alan’s drawer are of magazines of fat women on the toilet (in Dutch) this doesn’t really seem to make sense given Alan’s disgust of “water sports”.

Steve Coogan, Alan’s actor, says in contrast in the commentary for the show that the contents of the drawer is a plastic cock.

However it should be important to know that it was never decided what was really in the drawer. Honestly it’s completely up to interpretation of the viewer, though it very much leans towards something that implies Alan’s repressed sexuality.

Throughout season 1 of IAP, Alan has daydreams where he is acting as a stripper for someone important, most of the time Tony Hayers. Alan seems perfectly willing to let himself act this way in these daydreams, despite the fact that in the real world he has a clear hatred for these people.

Episode 1: Daydream Alan: Would you like me to lap dance for you? Daydream Hayers: (offers money) Daydream Alan: Nuh-uh. I want a second series.

Alan seems to also have some kind of celebrity crush on Roger Moore. He notes him in KMKYWAP as his favourite Bond actor and keeps a framed picture of him in his room at the Travel Tavern. It is also revealed that he keeps this portrait of Moore in his daydreams.

One thing that’s important to know regarding Alan’s sexuality is his relationship with Michael.

While Michael never refers to Alan other than “Mr Partridge” and Alan treats Michael with some disdain, the two have a notably strong bond, with Alan even calling him a friend.

In This Time, we look at Alan’s photo gallery. While his gallery contains photos of, among several things, pictures of Noel Edmonds and Alan posing with a car, one of the photos in Alan’s gallery is Michael, followed by a drawing of him.

The fact there’s a drawing of Michael is very telling. Michael tended to not have any real friends apart from Alan, so it can be implied this is Alan’s own drawing of Michael. But then, why did Alan draw Michael? It seems a tad odd.

When Alan and Michael finally reunite after the latter being missing for a decade in From the Oasthouse, Alan is clearly very happy to see him.

Alan: Oh my god. It’s ringing. I think I might have solved it. … nah, he’s absolutely going to hate- Hello? Michael: Hello? Alan: Michael? Michael: Aye. Alan: Oh my god, oh my god- Michael… it’s- it’s- it’s Alan. […] Michael: Oh hello Mr Partridge! Alan: Yeah, that’s me! Yeah! I knew you’d remember! Michael: Aye. Alan: I- oh my god, I can’t believe I’m talking to you. Michael: Aye. Alan: I can’t believe I’m actually speaking to you. […] Alan: It’s actually you. You didn’t drown then! Michael: Me? No. Alan: Are you alright? Michael: Aye. Alan: Oh I’m glad because we- we used to have fantastic chats didn’t we? […] Alan (after the call is over): Ah, that was amazing. I got goosebumps again now.

While Alan has had friendships (Simon) and rivalries (Simon & Clifton), Michael is the one friend he’s had permanently over his time in the franchise, and is one of the few main recurring characters - alongside Lynn.

—

Anyway thanks for reading my lil analysis on this silly little pathetic guy /aff. Hope you enjoyed reading, and I hope it gave you something to think about.

[24-hourpartypeople]

I'M ALAN PARTRIDGE S1: I mean, this is not just peak Alan, this is peak comedy. Every other line is a great joke if not a memorable quote yet it all still works in depicting Alan as a three dimensional character and not just a punching bag. It's all slightly exaggerated but gives back a sense of realness because the Alan universe is so perfectly crafted. What's really fascinating is that almost everything you get is from Alan's interacting with other people, but there's a strong underlyining sense of loneliness throughout and that's what makes you sympathetic towards the character. Yes he's opportunistic and arrogant but at times you want him to shut up not because he's annoying but because he's burying himself. Just cringe comedy played perfectly. I also absolutely love how you get comedy out of his little obsessions and pedantry, that's maybe my favourite definying trait of Steve's stuff.

Talking of Steve, he's unreal here. I've said it before but he has the incredible ability to go big while still playing on the subtleties, be it a face expression, the timing of inflection of a phrase or a small gesture. It's quite fitting that one of the most iconic moments of the series has him not speaking a single word. He's completely mastered the character by this point and there's nothing that's off limits for him. But what sticks out is that he's also able to bring the pathos and emotions when needed. Despair, childlike happiness, fear, awkwardness, disgust, it's all perfectly conveyed and even if it's for a laugh there's still another hidden message getting across.

It's very hard to pick a favourite moments but there's 3 quotes that I want to single out because I think in a way they're also either brilliant observations or great character detail.

"Yes, it's an extender". Because as I said I have a soft spot for all these mundane obsessions and they're an integral part of Alan's psyche, he gets worked over all these small, irrelevant things in a way that probably wears people out, or just confuses them. But the reality is, we all sometimes get overexcited about stupid things that bring some comfort to our lives, and your kitchen table being an extender is certainly a plausible candidate for that. It's like when you go to the supermarket and there's a discount on soap or when you come home and your flatmate has already put the bins out. The joys of life.

"At the end of the day you will pay the price if you're a fussy eater". That whole scene is fantastic and works on two level imo. The obvious one is the casual display of ignorance and racism. As the little englander that he is, even without being particularly engaged politically, Alan just looks down on irish people and doesn't even realise that all of his perceptions are based on old, reheashed stereotypes. But then I think the scene also captures something I believe we've all experienced. When you're out for dinner with a group, and there's someone you don't quite know. And that someone will say the most outrageous things without a worry because in his mind the possibilities that he's talking out of his arse, and that the other people sat at the table may not agree with his point of view, just don't exist.

"I just hate the general public". Again, in context, this works because it's just Alan refusing to admit his own defeat and instead blaming someone else, in this case everyone and no one in particular because he can't quite pin down the crowd that was at the event but he still feels they're inferior to him. But it's also such a great line to have come out of a guy that works as a tv presenter, especially a traditional one. He puts on this smiling face and pretends that the audience of the show are this kind of massive extended family when in front of the camera. He works with a different set of guests every time. He talks with executives, producers, collegues, members of crew. His whole career is based on pretending that what he's doing affects the public and keeps them company. And being successful and getting big viewing figures means you're popular with the everymen (and women) down in Bolton or something. Yet he *hates* the general public. Fantastic.

[bunnywand]

zomfg.. just booted up my 3ds for the first time in forever (for unrelated reasons i’m abt to make another post abt) and was messing around w/ a few of the things on there.. and i’d forgot i’d left all my old miis on there and it’s like. a shocking time capsule of 2014 ellie 😅

so from left to right, we have..

a mii of me i probably made sometime around 2017/18 shortly after coming out as trans, and the only one here that isn't Vintage 2014 mii

robert smith of the cure

buffy from buffy the vampire slayer

mulder, and then scully, from the x-files

lana del rey

marina (of the diamonds)

tobias from arrested development

dr. phil???

morrissey

and then alan partridge

and mark, jez and super hans from peep show

..good lird 😆