Keywords:
	Surreal comedy Misanthropy British eccentricity

STARRING:
Dylan Moran -	Bernard Black
Bill Bailey -	Manny Bianco
Tamsin Grieg -	Fran Katzenjammer

Season

1 2 3

Transmitted:	Sep 2000- April 2004	Seasons:	3
Overall Rating:		Last Updated:	8th January 2010

Brilliantly eccentric British comedy focusing on the antics of three so-called friends in London. Bernard Black is a book shop owner, a man so riddled with neurosis and hatred of humanity that he is utterly incapable of functioning in day to day life. Constantly angered by the presence of customers in his shop - he simply can't understand why they keep on bothering him for books, even though he chooses to run a bookshop - he is kept in check by the ministrations of his only friend Fran, and his single employee Manny, played with relish by the wonderful Bill Bailey. Surreal plotlines, acid fuelled humour and a great chemistry between the three leads adds up to a comedic master piece. Seldom does visual comedy make me so much as smile, but this show even manages that, with wonderfully bizarre visual gags to compliment the viciously sharp scripts. The series takes a slight dip in series 3, although this is only down to the relentlessly high standards set by the first two, and I for one am glad that they put it out of its misery before its reputation was tarnished. A fantastic addition to the comedy canon, highly recommended to fans of such fare as Blackadder and Peep Show. Enjoy.

Season 1	Season Rating:
Cooking the Books	Bernard is compelled to do his own taxes after his own accountant flees from the long arm of the law. Manny enters the shop, an accountant in need of a job. The needs of the two seem to dovetail beautifully.
Manny's First Day	Waking up with the usual hangover, Bernard is horrified to discover he inadvertently employed Manny the day before.
Grapes of Wrath	When staying in a friend of Manny's while the book shop is being dealt with by The Cleaner, Manny and Bernard accidentally drink a hugely expensive bottle of wine.
The Blackout	After a marathon viewing session of The Sweeney, Manny accidentally winds up working as a detective for real.
		Back to top
The Big Lock Out	The new security system at the shop seems secure enough. So secure, in fact, that Bernard can't get in and is forced to spend a night on the streets, whilst Manny is himself locked inside the shop, with only a bottle of Absinthe and a collection of dead bees for company.
He's Leaving Home	Manny finally tires of Bernard's rudeness and quits, heading to the bright lights of the big city where Omid Djalili turns him into a glamour star.
Season 2	Season Rating:
The Entertainer	Fran tries to learn piano with the aid of a strict Russian master. Manny can play the piano by instinct alone, having never played previously, and is persuaded to help Bernard get a date using his new found powers.
Fever	The walls of Fran's flat appear to be closing in. Bernard gets a date with a lovely, summery woman. Manny worries about his 'Dave's Syndrome' which only strikes when the temperature gets above 88 degrees.
The Fixer	Not a great episode, here, featuring a shadowy underworld figure called Gus, who agrees to get Fran a job. Inevitably, everything is not as straight forward as it would first appear.
Blood	Fran discovers she has roots tied to Eastern Europe, and becomes involved with a family of 'her people.' The book shop is infested by some form of creature.
		Back to top
Hello Sun	Fran takes up Yoga in a bid to find fitness, but can't resist her own overpowering urges to indulge all of her vices. Bernard teases Manny relentlessly about his various ailments and neuroses.
Nice Change	While the next door building is being renovated, the trio decide to head off for a holiday, but they can't decide what type of holiday to choose.
Season 3	Season Rating:
Manny Come Home	When Manny gets a job in a terrifyingly efficient book shop, Black Books starts to fall apart in his absence.
Elephants and Hens	Fran has a hen party from hell. Bernard and Manny try to write a children's book.
Moo-ma and Moo-Pa	Manny's parents come to stay. Rubbish, really.
A Little Flutter	Bernard and Manny become embroiled in the shady world of back street, high stakes poker.
		Back to top
The Travel Writer	Black Books holds a book launch for the well-travelled but despicable Jason. The worst episode of the series entire run.
Party	The fab three attend a house party. A pretty disappointing end to something of a disappointing final season.