Ep 6. A Nice Change

Bernard, the curmudgeonly owner of Black Books, is in a particularly bad mood as "A Nice Change" begins, as he's stuck inside the store while a street fair takes place outside. Worse yet, he's been given a painting to hang up in the window, which he can't seem to get straight. Things aren't any better for his employee Manny, who's feeling left out of the festivities and complaining about his job. Enter Fran, Bernard's friend and fellow boozer, to provide some reassurance and encouragement. She convinces Manny that working at the bookshop is a worthwhile pursuit, and the three end up having a drunken night together.

All this leads to some hilarious and unexpected twists and turns, as the episode takes on a surreal and dreamlike quality. Bernard's crankiness turns into delirium, and he imagines himself on an epic quest to find a rare book. Manny finds himself trapped in a bizarre alternate dimension, while Fran confronts some of her own demons and makes a shocking confession. All of this culminates in a finale that's both absurd and touching, as the characters come to some realizations about their lives and relationships.

One of the standout elements of "A Nice Change" is its surreal, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The episode creates a sense of disorientation that's both disconcerting and funny, as the characters find themselves in strange situations and encountering bizarre people. There's a sense that anything could happen at any moment, which keeps the viewer engaged and on edge. The show's use of music and visual effects is particularly effective here, as it heightens the dreamlike quality of the proceedings.

At the same time, the episode doesn't skimp on character development and emotional resonance. Bernard, Manny, and Fran all have moments of genuine vulnerability and introspection, as they confront their fears and anxieties. There are some surprising revelations, particularly from Fran, that add depth to the characters and give the episode a sense of weight. It's not all laughs and absurdity; there are some genuinely poignant moments here, too.

The acting is uniformly excellent throughout, with Dylan Moran, Bill Bailey, and Tamsin Greig all giving standout performances. Moran in particular is a joy to watch, as he fully embraces Bernard's grumpiness and cynicism while also allowing him to show a softer side. Bailey's comedic timing is impeccable, and he brings a genuine warmth and sincerity to Manny's character. Greig, meanwhile, has some of the episode's most challenging scenes, and she rises to the occasion beautifully.

Overall, "A Nice Change" is a standout episode of Black Books that showcases the show's unique blend of absurdist humor, emotional depth, and surreal imagery. It's a great example of how the series can create a memorable, distinctive episode that stands out from the rest of the season while still staying true to its core themes and characters. Fans of the show are sure to love it, while newcomers will find it a great introduction to the series' quirky and irreverent style.