Have you ever noticed a programme in the TV listings and thought to yourself "Nah, it looks crap, I'll give it a miss" only to stumble across it anyway and actually realise how bloody good it is?
For me, that moment arrived at around 10.40pm yesterday. Having revelled in the sheer crapness of the current midweek Nationa Lottery draw - especially it's graphics, which make the current News at Ten look positively space aged - I had meant to hunt out something else instead of watch The Visit, BBC 1's new comedy.
What had put me off was the description. How could a comedy set entirely in the visiting room of a prison be at all funny? The answer became obvious quickly: A bloody good script.
The idea is so simple it is incredible. Rather like the way The Royle Family began life solely in the living room of the Royle's house, each episode centres around a visiting time at the local prison. In many ways, the fact so little happens is what makes it so great, as it gives the writers the time to really develop the characters through the script.
As a result, it goes a bit like this: "Michael has taken the rap for a jewellery robbery; his refusal to grass meaning that he’s the one to get locked up while the real culprits remain free. But at least he has the support of his family – when his Dad’s not conducting a one man crusade against speed bumps, he’s always on hand to give dubious advice.
Nana is determined to save young Michael's soul, but tends to inhabit her own curious world of crucifixes and diabetic socks.
Michael’s brother Stevie is the real ne'er do well of the family. With no particular grasp on life other than soft drugs, he has a peculiar knack of attracting a never-ending string of girlfriends.
Gambling addict, Clint is desperate to prove his machismo but what chance has he got when his own wife - the long-suffering Bev - can’t take him seriously? And why is his nine-year old son suddenly taking an unhealthy interest in dolls, skipping and stage musicals? Clint’s ability to say the wrong thing and upset those around him is becoming legendary. Still, a big dose of denial keeps his dream alive.
Meanwhile, boredom reigns among the Prison Officers, except for megalomaniac Mark who wants to be in charge but thinks all prisoners are lying scum. Russell passes the time by winding Mark up (it’s so easy) and skiving, while newcomer Rachael soon learns the importance of doing the bare minimum to get the job done, making good use of the time to catch up on her reading."
Sounds Bobbins, doesn't it? Take from me, it's not. Keep 10.40pm next Wedneday in your diary clear.
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