The Vicar Of Dibley, Sitcom with resident zoo

Last night saw the screening of the final episode of this long-running & very popular sitcom in UK. (It had the highest viewing figures of any programme over
the holiday period).
I haven't seen it mentioned here - maybe I missed it - but throughout it's 10 years or so one of the main characters has been very openly zoo/beastie. It's hard to decide quite which as he declares his love for his animals, but also takes pleasure in butchering them when necessary (and sometimes when not!)

The interesting thing is how this programme has used breaking the taboo consistently for comic effect, and in so doing has exposed the public to our type of activities in a positive way. The zoo character, Owen, is a respected member of the village community & council, and though seen as eccentric, is very likeable, and his activities are seen as normal for him. The humour comes from his staggering openness, without a hint of guilt or embarassment, as he drops sex with his cow into a conversation with the lady vicar or members of the council.

Of course this is a comedy programme, and doesn't reflect real attitudes, but over this period of time it may affect real attitudes to see complete acceptance of zoo behaviour from much loved characters.

In last night's show, as best I can remember, Owen made a statement to this effect "People think we farmers are heartless b******s, that we don't care for our animals, but that's not true. We have real feelings for them, and form an emotional bond. Any bed action is a bonus!" In that context it was funny, but I couldn't help thinking that exact sentiment is posted here every day. Strange to hear it on prime time TV.

In another episode a different character had to chair a debate on the local radio station. He chose as his subject "Is sex with poodles always wrong?" (big laugh)
He was asked "and did you find anyone to speak in favour?" "Oh, yes!" interrupts Owen.

I'll be watching the repeats for the next 10 years.

Ive noticed that also.. whats his name...? "trigger from only fools and horses"... :D

yes his character in vicar of dibley is very open minded about him 'love' for his farm animals, especially his cows and sheep.. ;) ^_^

Luv esther x

N-N-N-N-N-N-No, yes, I love that show :lol:

Now I would have reaimed my satalite dish for that..
I love British TV

Rus

*sits there...blinking..clueless... in the dark*

I wish I had access to that sorta' show. :( I've never even heard of it.

Umm. . . Funny, yes, but I don't think that qualifies as progress. The way you described him, he kind of reminds me of Glenn Quagmire from Family Guy; it's no secret that Quagmire is a disgusting pervert, but once the audience accepts that as his routine, the audience stops being disgusted by him and later will find him funny.

It sounds like the same is true of Owen -- that eventually you come to expect bestial references from him, it's easier to laugh at.

This post has been edited by Blue Cat on Jan 3 2007, 10:46 PM

As usual, leave it to the Europeans to show the US how to approach something maturely and still have a bit of fun with it :D Love the show by the way....what few clever bits I have picked up here and there.

This post has been edited by Custodian on Jan 3 2007, 11:05 PM

Watched it with much sadness as it was the last one but what a bloody laugh :lol:

I think you've highlighted why I think it's progress Blue Cat. Owen was never seen as a "disgusting pervert". He was likeable from the start and was always fully accepted within the show with no more than a very mild disapproval. Dibley is where every zoo would want to live!
Constant exposure of the public to this attitude can only be good. (and bloody funny!)

But I guess you had to be there. Maybe the series will be available internationally on DVD.

:w00t: I saw that program too! couldnt believe my ears at the time! :P If comedy and stuff drop beastiality into conversation as blatant as that then mebe its just a matter of time before our love for the beasties becomes more largely accepted by the masses......as long as peeps dont go and hump a donkey in the middle of a field in the daylight.....with trains goin past......that dont help the zoo community none...

A 10 vote for Vicar of dibley me thinks ( well the zoo guy at least) ^_^

You know I have only ever watched it once and that was at christmas, must pay more attention next time its on :bad bad user: :bad bad user:

Ya know, if you switch a couple of the letters around it them becomes "The Dicar of Vibley" which somehow seems a much more appropriate name for a show with zooey characters. :P

It is available on dvd but I think only for region 2

Region 2's fine by me :P (love my multi-region player :wub: )

Must admit I missed the zoo element of the character's dialogue 'cos I just thought he was hilarious. And I'm the kind who is constantly looking for sexual or otherwise undercurrents. I missed the final show too, but will no doubt catch up as it will be repeated somewhere and is the sort of show you can put down and pick up and not miss a thing. Each episode a gem.