Ep 6. Mr. Jolly Lives Next Door

Mr. Jolly Lives Next Door is the season 2 finale of The Comic Strip Presents and follows the escapades of two down-on-their-luck brothers, Richard Richard and Eddie Hitler. The episode kicks off with the duo lost and stranded in the English countryside, with nothing but a broken-down ice cream van to their name.

Their luck seems to change when they stumble across a mansion in the woods, owned by the mysterious, recluse Mr. Jolly. Desperate for a place to stay, they decide to knock on the door and beg for shelter for the night. However, they soon realize that Mr. Jolly is not as hospitable as they had hoped.

The episode takes the form of a classic horror movie, with Mr. Jolly as the menacing antagonist and Richard and Eddie as his hapless victims. The tension mounts as the brothers uncover the true nature of the eccentric and sinister homeowner.

What follows is a dark and twisted adventure through the labyrinthine mansion, complete with hidden passageways, secret chambers, and deranged servants. As Richard and Eddie attempt to escape with their lives, they encounter a range of bizarre and terrifying obstacles, including a marble statue that comes to life and a sinister game of Russian roulette.

Throughout the episode, the humour is black and twisted, with a strong vein of absurdity running throughout. The episode also features a number of nods to classic horror movies, such as Psycho, with Mr. Jolly being a clear homage to Norman Bates.

The performances of Adrian Edmondson and Rik Mayall as Richard and Eddie are as brilliant as ever, with their zany energy and grotesque physical comedy perfectly complementing the horror-inspired storyline. Imelda Staunton is also excellent as the unhinged Mrs. Jolly, adding a touch of madness to an already unsettling tale.

Despite its dark subject matter, Mr. Jolly Lives Next Door remains one of the most beloved episodes of The Comic Strip Presents, a testament to the incredible storytelling and comedic talent of the entire cast and crew. Whether you're a fan of horror movies, black comedy, or both, this episode is not to be missed.