Thursday
morning’s a time I look forward to, as the episode of Hancock’s Half Hour that
was broadcast that week becomes available to listen to on iPlayer, and
consequently becomes the soundtrack to my bath. Today was no different, with
this week’s instalment being the frighteningly appropriate ‘The Election
Candidate'.
In the episode,
Tony is convinced to stand for parliament as a celebrity candidate (*cough*
Donald Trump *cough*) and while it’s definitely one of the best - though let’s
face it, pretty much all programmes that exist have stood the test of time
wonderfully - my favourite moment has to be when Hancock is asked who’ll he’ll
vote for, before he’s convinced to through his own hat in the ring.
“Neither of
them,” he replies. “I shall show my contempt by going down to the polling
booth, taking my form, crossing both their names out and writing ‘get knotted’
in”.
(Some things
never change.)
The episode was
first broadcast nearly sixty years ago, but the general consensus is still pretty much the same. So many are disillusioned by what a potential MP
can offer, or if they want to vote for them. Elections are also still
heavily influenced by celebrity candidates and endorsements; the only thing different
in real life is the lack of a tuba riff breaking up conversation.
Notwithstanding
the topical nature of this week’s show, I’d heartily recommend delving into HHH
if you’ve never listened to it. It’s a masterpiece in comic writing and performance
that’s remarkably still so very relevant. You should join me for my Thursday
morning ritual (though we're not sharing a bath).