This is my truth

Fatty Owls

opening shot of Fawlty Toers, with sign changed to FATTY OWLS BBC
The hotel's signage was changed in the show's opening sequence, as if messed with by passers-by. Fatty Owls is the one that's always stuck in my mind.

John Cleese has announced that, in a fit of uncreativity, he's reviving Fawlty Towers after more than forty years. I'm not sure how I feel about it to be honest.

The original was undoubtedly a comedy classic, but it was commissioned by an old-skool BBC which accepted irreverence when done right. Old Auntie Beeb has since become progressive—a euphamism for having a stick up her arse—and gets antsy over anything that might offend anyone other than heterosexual, able-bodied Anglo-Saxons.

The new series is being commissioned by an independent production company, Castle Rock Entertainment, which gives some hope for comedic freedom. But it still has to find an outlet to audiences. Preferably one that's more liberal than the politburo at the People's Republic of Portland Place.

I'm not suggesting that comedy has to offend, but it should have room to explore and test the boundaries without fear of upsetting the snowflakes. What was acceptable in the '70s, couldn't be done now. If Auntie had problems with highly offensive language,* she'd crap herself when faced with the wrath of the Royal National Institute for the Deaf.

Some things are best left in the past. (oldman)

* Major Gowen (s1e6 The Germans): The strange thing was that throughout the morning, she kept referring to the Indians as niggers. No, no, no, no, no, I said. Niggers are the West Indians, these people are wogs! No, no, no, no, she said, all cricketers are niggers.

The funny (strange) thing is that it's not particularly funny (humorous)…IMO.