John Inman dies

March 8, 2007

I read the news today, oh boy. “Are You Being Served?” is one of my all time favorite programs. Yes, it’s stupid. Yes, it’s silly. I don’t care. The first 5 seasons are some of the best comedy I’ve ever seen, or likely ever will. The writing was corny, but something about the chemistry of the original cast just clicked, and the results were something which won’t likely be repeated. Many of you are probably thinking “thank goodness!” I know, but there are a number of us who continue to think it’s one of the best shows out there.

I never got to meet John personally, but I did see him up close at our local mall in 1999. He was in town for a PBS drive and was signing autographs at the local mall. I went, hoping I’d be the only one to know who he was, but the line to meet him was over 3 hours long! They wouldn’t actually let anyone else join the queue, else I’d have joined and waited 3 hours! Lesley (my wife), who is from the UK, couldn’t understand it. Apparently, back in the UK, AYBS is not terribly popular, and John Inman isn’t that much of a celebrity. Since AYBS? was picked up on PBS years ago, it’s become more than a cult favorite over here. The Detroit PBS station showed these programs for years Monday to Friday. Not sure if they still do (I’d guess so) - our local affiliate only shows one episode a week on Saturday night, so I’ve been weaned off a bit the last couple years. I may have to go get the box sets now.