Ep 1. Manny Come Home

Bernard Black, the proprietor of the Black Books bookshop in London's Bloomsbury neighborhood, has a lot on his plate in the season 3 premiere of this cult-favorite British comedy series. Having accidentally sent his assistant Manny (Bill Bailey) to an asylum abroad, Bernard (Dylan Moran) is struggling to fend for himself while keeping the shop running and dealing with the various eccentric customers who wander in and out. Meanwhile, his friend Fran (Tamsin Greig) is dealing with her own problems, such as the fact that her new boyfriend is a vegetarian who insists on cooking for her, and the fact that her attempts to start a new career as a blacksmith are not going well.

Enter Manny, whose sudden return to London causes all sorts of chaos for Bernard and Fran. Although Manny seems to be his old self at first, it soon becomes clear that something about his time in the asylum has changed him. He's now prone to making strange noises, speaking in a bizarre language, and exhibiting unusual bursts of physical strength. As Bernard tries to figure out what's wrong with his friend, he discovers that Manny's asylum was run by a mysterious cult, and that Manny may have become a convert to their strange beliefs.

At the same time, Bernard is dealing with his own issues, such as the fact that he can't seem to stop drinking, even when it interferes with his ability to run the shop and maintain relationships with his friends. As the episode progresses, things spiral further out of control, with Bernard and Manny teaming up to investigate the cult that may have brainwashed Manny, Fran developing a sudden interest in blacksmithing that leads to some comic mishaps, and the trio getting into all sorts of trouble with the police, including an ill-fated attempt to break into a building that may hold the key to Manny's past.

As with previous episodes of Black Books, season 3 premiere "Manny Come Home" is full of irreverent humor, quirky characters, and unexpected plot twists. While the show can be dark and absurdist at times, it's always grounded by the three lead actors' impeccable timing and chemistry, creating a sense of camaraderie and chaos that feels both authentic and hilarious. Whether you're a fan of British comedies, dark humor, or just enjoy watching hapless misfits bumble their way through life, Black Books is a show worth checking out, and "Manny Come Home" is a great place to start.