The TV Station #14 - Curry & Chips (Pilot Episode)

British TV comedy writer (and legend) Johnny Speight was known for his comedies that didn't shy away from tackling social and political issues, he gave us the Alf Garnett character where he was often the butt of the joke due to his extreme bigoted nature, however Curry and Chips is ultimately a misfire as it's best remember for the fact Spike Milligan wore blackface as a Pakistani immigrant.

Like most of Speight's work the White British characters here are made to look bigoted but again it as white Spike Milligan in BLACKFACE. This sitcom in a way is not the mess a lot of people like to pretend it be has there are some funny stuff in here. One exchange that stuck in my mind was

I'm from Pakistan

Pakistan's not in Ireland, Pakistan's in bloody India mate

oh no Pakistan is not in India. Pakistan is in bloody Pakistan mate

you wouldn't believe how many times I've heard something similar to this spoken in the real world and most of the bigoted comments come from characters who are clearly not the brightest, it seems like it is missing with a strong character to challenge them though.

Overall I keep mentioning it but the blackface was such a poor choice that I can't overlook it, that been said the writing means it deserved better, and probably fits into the category half embarrassment and half hidden gem.

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