The genius of this show
Is that you are engaged so much in the characters that even an episode featuring only Victor (The Trial), is hilarious and well done, nothing like you would see in any other sitcom.
shareYes, it is an unpredictable show, where anything can happen anywhere. "The Trial" is a tour-de-force for Victor (rather, Richard Wilson). The same can be said for other episodes that took place in a single setting, such as the ones in a bedroom ("Timeless Time," Season 2), a car stuck in traffic ("The Beast in the Cage," Season 3) and in a solicitor's waiting room ("Rearraging the Dust," Season 5.)
They are all masterpieces of writing that take full advantage of the characters' foibles and the actors' skills.
David Renwick's scripts always stay true to the characters, unlike the scripts for other shows, which are slapped together by assorted hacks and lack continuity and soul.
I read somewhere that Renwick insisted that his lines be spoken as written, without improvisations, and that his insistence on fidelity to the script antagonized some performers. Well, judging from the results, he was right. He created the characters, so he knew how they would and should behave.
Very well said, and with outstanding observations.
Well, if there's anything to add from the speechless among us, perhaps this show's very capable and professional performers also leave audiences spellbound, as they very effectively control the screen before us, but I think that you've already pointed that out very nicely, as well.
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