Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson have been British comedy legends for 30 years, particularly with their work on The Young Ones and Bottom, but in 2003 they parted ways after the fifth Bottom stage show, "Weapons Grade Y-Fronts". However, it looks like the anarchic double-act will reunite after almost a decade working on solo projects. Fans will be delighted to hear this will involve the return of Richie and Eddie, in a TV series based on their Bottom show "Hooligan's Island"—where their alter egos found themselves marooned on a desert island.
The news came to light thanks to Edmondson's Twitter, shortly after he tweeted a photo of Mayall saying "writing with this complete bastard today..." After some enquiries by fans, Edmondson later confirmed "we are trying to write a series of 'Hooligan's Island' - basically Richie & Eddie marooned on a desert island..."
It's not yet known if the BBC's asked for a new Mayall/Edmondson sitcom, or if they're simply writing one speculatively with the hope of selling it. But I hope it gets made, speaking as a huge fan of their work. Nobody does slapstick violence, sexual innuendo, and live-action cartoon mayhem like this pair.
That said, I think there was a good reason for their split in 2003. The Bottom live shows weren't great, although perhaps they worked better if you were there in person. I saw them all on VHS (yes, VHS) and were struck by how desperate and dull they felt. 1997's "Hooligan's Island" was one of the better ones, but only because the location allowed for more creativity. It doesn't surprise me that they've decided to try and turn that stage show into a TV series, really. But I think I'd prefer another series of Richie & Eddie simply living in their dingy flat, or perhaps taking their poorly-received 1999 movie Guest House Paradiso to the small-screen (where the pair ran a crappy hotel on the edge of a cliff). There have been rumours of a Bottom revival with an aged Richie & Eddie misbehaving in a retirement home, which also feels more fitting given it's been 21 years since Bottom debuted. Okay, so this would put the characters in their pre-OAP fifties, but it would still be amusing to see.
What are your thoughts? Are you glad Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson are working together again? Is it disappointing they're just going to revive Richie & Eddie again, or would you hate it if they attempted something brand new? And is the "Hooligan's Island" concept a good basis for a new TV show?
Update (23/08/12): the BBC have confirmed a six-episode series has been commissioned.
[source: British Comedy Guide]
You can watch the entirety of the "Hooligan's Island" show on YouTube, too. (NSFW)
