If a TV character is popular for too long or brings the world too much joy, then at some stage someone will try and tear it down. And last week, on his 25th birthday, that’s what the Independent did to Alan Partridge.
It might be fine for some to live in a Partridge-less world, but his true fans struggle when he’s not around. It was pretty hard for them (i.e me) after the second season of I’m Alan Partridge when creators Steve Coogan (The Trip, Philomena), Armando Iannucci (Veep, The Thick of It) and Patrick Marber (Closer) went off to do other things. They were tough times. But help would eventually arrive in the form of sibling writers, Neil and Rob Gibbons, who breathed life into Partridge and brought us the film, Alan Partridge, then the series, Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge. “Back of the net” Gibbons brothers.
So Partridge’s birthday should have been celebrated with fireworks after 25 years of books, radio and TV shows, and a much-loved movie. But, instead, Partridge woke up to a big fat critical think-piece.
“The fact is, Alan Partridge has started to outlive his sell-by date.” - The Independent.
Well, I hope it hasn’t discouraged messrs Coogan, Ianucci, Marber, Gibbons and Gibbons from stepping back on the Partridge pedal in the future. And as an antidote to a cynical world, here are my 10 favourite Partridge lines, starting with the time he was asked to name his favourite Beatles album.
Agree 100%
Thanks for reminding me of some of his comments and vows on different topics.
Love his TV shows and in particular in the movie Alpha Papa (even plays some John Farnhan in the movie).
Cheers,
Garrett