Ep 3. The Money Programme

Monty Python's Flying Circus season 3 episode 3, titled "The Money Programme," follows the usual format of the series with disjointed sketches and absurd humor. However, this episode has a specific theme that ties the sketches together: money.

The opening sketch features a man walking into a bank to withdraw 5 pounds, but the transaction takes an unexpected turn when the bank teller offers him a wide range of advice on how to spend the money. This sketch sets the tone for the rest of the episode, as money becomes the central focus of many of the sketches.

One of the standout sketches in this episode is the "Money Programme" itself. The sketch is a parody of BBC's "The Money Programme," a popular British television series that covers finance and business news. In the parody, the hosts of "The Money Programme" discuss how to become rich by stealing. The sketch is both hilarious and uncomfortable, and is a commentary on the lengths people will go to achieve financial success.

Another sketch that deals with the theme of money is "The Chartered Accountant Dance." The sketch features a group of chartered accountants who put on a performance that is best described as strange. The absurdity of the sketch is heightened by the fact that the accountants are all wearing suits and ties, making the dance even more ridiculous.

"The Money Song" is another highlight of the episode. The sketch features the entire Monty Python crew dressed in top hats and tails, singing a song about how money makes the world go round. The lyrics are both witty and catchy, making the sketch memorable long after it ends.

In "Mr. Neutron," a man has invented a machine that can create unlimited amounts of gold. However, the machine requires a vast amount of energy to run, and when he turns it on, it ends up blowing up the entire world. This sketch is a commentary on the dangers of capitalism and the pursuit of wealth at all costs.

Throughout the episode, there are also shorter sketches that deal with money in various ways. For example, "The Man Who Collects Birdwatchers" focuses on a man who makes a living by collecting birdwatchers for a museum, while "The Spanish Inquisition" features a group of Inquisitors who demand money from unsuspecting citizens.

Overall, "The Money Programme" is a standout episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus. Its theme of money allows for a range of sketches that cover a variety of topics, from the pursuit of wealth to the dangers of capitalism. The humor is absurd and clever, and the sketches are both entertaining and thought-provoking.