A Bit of Fry & Laurie: Season One; A Bit of Fry & Laurie: Season Two

American viewers already know Hugh Laurie as House, M.D., and some might recognize Stephen Fry as the doomed TV host in the recent V for Vendetta, but these incredibly talented performers have long been favorites in Britain for their late ‘80s BBC sketch-comedy show, a devilishly witty concoction of inspired comic bits that they wrote as well as performed. These two collections—each running roughly three hours—compile outstanding routines from shows aired between 1987 and 1990 (including the 1987 Christmas special that served as the series pilot). Squarely in the tradition of Monty Python, although without the heavy reliance on slapstick, Fry and Laurie delight in the presentation of absurd comic situations distinguished by snappy, startlingly original wordplay. The pair adopt the roles of regular characters, too: talk-show hosts Digby and Jeremy, the hilariously profane but high-powered executives John and Peter, and feckless MI5 agent Tony Murchison and his coffee-wired boss Control. Many of the sketches contain topical references, some of which are likely to have little resonance for American audiences, but the writing here is never less than brilliant and the duo's comic timing is impeccable. DVD extras on the second season set include “Footlights: 100 Years of Comedy”—a 56-minute documentary featuring early material from Fry and Laurie. Highly recommended. (E. Hulse)