Ep 6. It's a Living

It's a Living is the sixth episode of the second season of Monty Python's Flying Circus - a satirical sketch comedy show that aired from 1969 to 1974. The episode was first aired on November 9, 1970, on BBC One, and is known for its irreverent and sometimes surreal humor.

The episode opens with a sketch in which a man (played by John Cleese) enters a pet shop and asks to buy a parrot. The shopkeeper (played by Michael Palin) tries to sell him a dead parrot, insisting that it is only "resting". Cleese's character becomes increasingly frustrated and exasperated, leading to a hilarious confrontation.

In another sketch, Terry Jones plays a man who has a long conversation with himself in a mirror, while his wife (played by Carol Cleveland) tries to get his attention. The sketch is notable for the way it explores themes of self-doubt and self-reflection in a comedic way.

Another standout sketch sees Graham Chapman playing a man who is trying to finish a crossword puzzle. However, every time he thinks he has the right answer, a group of violent gangsters burst into his apartment and beat him up. The sketch is a witty take on the frustrating experience of trying to solve a difficult puzzle.

Other sketches in the episode include a parody of a news program, in which the anchor (played by Eric Idle) reports on increasingly absurd and nonsensical stories, and a sketch in which a group of upper-class gentlemen sit around discussing their various health problems and injuries.

One of the most memorable sketches in It's a Living is a musical number called "The Lumberjack Song". The sketch features Michael Palin dressed as a lumberjack, who sings about his life and his love for "pressing wild flowers". The sketch is a playful send-up of traditional folk songs and is one of the most iconic moments in the history of Monty Python's Flying Circus.

Overall, It's a Living is a classic episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus, filled with witty writing, inventive visual gags, and memorable performances from the entire cast. Like other episodes of the show, it relies on a combination of wordplay, absurdity, and social satire to create a unique and hilarious comedy experience.