The Green Wing should be put in the psychiatric wing, but thats why its good. (Green Wing)

Member Name: ianoir

Product:	Green Wing
Date:	11/06/09 (9 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very funny, tight script, orignal style and quirks, great cast

Disadvantages: May not be some peoples taste, particularly if you don't like more surreal comedy

Green Wing was a UK comedy based on the relationships of a group of doctors and various hospital staff. Only running for two series and a Christmas special that seemed to tie together some of the loose ends from the end of series two was both a blessing and a curse in my opinion. It was a curse since it meant that there wouldn't be any more of it, but it was a blessing since it left at the peak of its style and comedy, meaning that jokes couldn't get stale or old and that the writers didn't run out of jokes which often happens with very long running series.

So its set in a hospital, but thats only the backdrop, hardly any of the jokes or storylines actually have anything to do with medicine, theres only one I can think of and thats the start of season two (but I don't want to give that away). Most of the story is about the various relationships and personalities shown on screen. Its part soap opera, so for it to be understood has to be watched in order, and part mad sketch show format with jokes and situations often jumping between each other. Its all very surreal. Part of the show are sped up, and parts slowed down, the timing of these is very nicely done and used to great effect.

Just starting at the hospital is Dr Caroline Todd (played by Tamsin Greig who also appeared in Black Books), she is introduced to a collection of charcters that are just one step off lunacy, the constantly competing Guy Secretan (its Swiss) and Dr Macartney (played by Stephen Mangan and Julian Rhind-Tutt), Dr Alan Statham and his "secret" lover Joanna (Mark Heap and pippa Haywood) and a universally loved character, Susan White (played by Michelle Gomez), who single handedly manages to make the show even stranger.

The script is tight, with lots of visual and verbal gags used, and the actors really do play up to the characters, especially Susan. Susan is the staff liason, and as such often "helps" characters out with potential issues. However, she is a bit mad which means her scenes tend to be some of the funniest.

If trying to buy on DVD, I'd suggest going for the big eight disc complete set, each series takes three discs then the other two are filled with deleted scenes and special features.

If Casualty or Holby is too serious for you, take a trip down to the Green Wing for some surreal humour therapy.

Summary: A great British comedy show thats a joy to watch again and again.