Clatterford: The Complete Season One

Absolutely Fabulous creator Jennifer Saunders demonstrates with this scabrously funny new British sitcom that she hasn't lost her touch. Clatterford, which debuted in fall 2006 on BBC America, may not be quite as good as Ab Fab, but it's still head and shoulders above the average American comedy series. Recently widowed Sal Vine (Sue Johnston) joins the local Ladies Guild, which she has studiously avoided in the past, only to find that the group behind the knitting, bake sales, and holiday-picture slideshows is a fairly colorful bunch. Ostensible leader Eileen Pike (Maggie Steed) takes her responsibilities a little too seriously; fading sexpot Delilah Stagg (Joanna Lumley) wears flamboyantly inappropriate clothes but has trouble keeping her ill-fitting false teeth in place; and wealthy jet-setter Caroline Martin (Saunders) flits about pretentiously when she's not dining with Madonna. The characters are neatly drawn, the dialogue is sharp, and the ensemble cast is well-nigh perfect. Compiling all six first-season episodes and a Christmas special on a two-disc set, this is highly recommended. (E. Hulse)