Ep 6. Five Go Mad on Mescalin

Five Go Mad on Mescalin is an episode from the first season of the British television series The Comic Strip Presents. The show was created by comedians Adrian Edmondson and Rik Mayall, who also starred in some of the episodes alongside other British comedy actors.

This particular episode is a parody of the beloved children's book series The Famous Five by Enid Blyton. Instead of going on a wholesome adventure, the five characters - Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and their dog Timmy - decide to take a psychedelic trip on mescaline. As the title suggests, things quickly spiral out of control.

The episode begins with the group arriving at Kirrin Cottage, their usual holiday spot. However, this time they are in possession of a large stash of mescaline, which they plan to take throughout the weekend. Despite some initial reservations, they all devour the hallucinogenic substance and soon find themselves transported to an alternate reality.

What follows is a series of surreal, hilarious, and sometimes disturbing events. The group encounters a talking statue, a giant baby, a cow with a machine gun, and a maniacal caretaker who tries to kill them. At one point they even end up in a black and white silent movie, complete with intertitles and slapstick humor.

As the effects of the mescaline intensify, the group's relationships begin to break down. Julian and Dick become violent and paranoid, George becomes hysterical, and Anne is traumatized by everything she sees. Timmy the dog is the only one who seems to be having a good time, running around and barking at imaginary creatures.

Despite the chaos surrounding them, the group remains determined to solve a mystery and apprehend the villain. This leads to a climactic scene in which they confront the caretaker in a twisted game of Cluedo. However, even this ultimately proves to be a delusion, and the group is left wandering aimlessly in the woods.

Five Go Mad on Mescaline is a subversive and irreverent take on a beloved childhood classic. The episode is a prime example of the anarchic and absurdist comedy that The Comic Strip Presents became known for. It features standout performances from all the actors, particularly Nigel Planer as Julian and Jennifer Saunders as George.

Although it may not appeal to everyone's taste, Five Go Mad on Mescaline is a must-watch for fans of British comedy and anyone with a fondness for Enid Blyton's Famous Five. The episode is a hilarious and surreal romp that will leave viewers questioning their own sanity.