I’m talking about the BBC TV programme: “Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing”, currently showing its seventh series on BBC Two on Sunday evenings.
This is a programme that I came to very, very late. In fact, it was only a few weeks ago that I saw a clip from series 7 episode 1 that made me stop and think “is this actually for me?”.
Bob Mortimer. Paul Whitehouse.
I’ve loved both of these people in their various comedy programmes for many years. Vic Reeves Big Night Out, Shooting Stars, Harry & Paul and The Fast Show are amongst my very favourite sketch/comedy/game shows ever. Indeed, one of the great joys in my life is when Bob Mortimer appears on an episode of “Would I Lie To You”. It’s joyous to hear him recount his tales (regardless of whether they’re true or not), and the joy of watching David Mitchell becoming ever more anxious and frustrated as the story unfolds.
Paul Whitehouse has a great body of work behind him, including the outstanding The Fast Show – even though that was aired in excess of 30 years ago, it is still very funny. The catchphrases are in popular use still in many walks of life, both on the TV and in real life. And especially with me (mush to the confusion of other people, generally).
Which was nice.
But fishing though? You don’t like fishing (or fish)!
It’s not that I don’t like fishing as such, it’s more that I’m squeamish about it. I did try fishing as a youngster for a few times, and although I was OK with the maggots and the tackle, I didn’t like handling the slimy eels (they were the only things we ever caught). It was a very long time ago, but I recall doing a few shudders and hoping someone else would handle the tiddly little things. And I’ve remained squeamish about the look of fish ever since. I can’t say I had any particularly traumatic experiences about fishing (and there was nothing in my childhood to suggest otherwise), I just took a natural squeamish dislike to fish. Even now (although I am getting better!).
Fish – as in edible fish
Yes, I’ve eaten fish and chips a few times (in my youth) but you can count the number on one hand. It’s not that I didn’t like the taste (I used to love fish fingers), I was squeamish about bones. Didn’t like the bones. There weren’t any bones in fish fingers (or fish-based rissoles), so I didn’t mind eating those. The fish in fish and chips at the time was always cod; heaven forfend that I should get anything else especially if you wanted me to eat it! But the cod was almost guaranteed not to have bones in it – which is why I tolerated it. For a while, anyway.
Reluctances
I’ve tried to avoid looking at, or eating fish as much as possible since my youth. I’ve successfully managed to not eat fish since my youth (not that difficult) and I’ve averted eyes when they’ve appeared on the telly. Mostly.
It was this stentorian attitude towards fish that caused this: In 2018, when there was a new programme on BBC2 called “Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing” I completely ignored it. It’s about fishing and I don’t like fish, so that seemed a reasonable thing for me to do.
And it stayed like that until I saw a clip of Bob & Paul sat in a pub, in a trailer for their seventh series on the BBC website. It was only a short clip (that I irritatingly can’t find now!), but it was of Bob asking Paul if he could just drop into any of his Fast Show characters in an instant. To which Paul said yes, then Bob reeled off a few, which Paul executed perfectly.
It was at that point dear reader, that I thought I’d made a mistake in not watching it. I thought I might give this show a go – at least just the first episode – just to see what it was all about. They’re only 30 minutes long, so if it is unbearable to watch (because of the fish) I won’t have to endure it for very long.
Reluctantly and with some trepidation (at the anticipation of fish), iPlayer ensued.
One of my better decisions
Spoiler alert: It was a decision that a) pleased that I watched it and b) angry I didn’t watch it earlier!
It turns out (surprisingly) that it’s not just about fishing. Both Bob and Paul underwent major heart surgeries before the series was made, the show follows them on various fishing trips around the UK as they come to terms with their health and solidifies the friendship between the two. The series combines their love for fishing with reflections on life, friendship, and health, all while sharing laughs and enjoying the beautiful British countryside.
Each episode showcases different fishing spots, usually set in beautiful landscapes, with the pair targeting various types of fish. It’s less about the technical aspects of fishing and more about their conversations, which are often touching, funny, and insightful. Round about series three, Ted the dog is introduced to us – Ted being (Bob’s?) rescue dog, who has a severe under-bite. Hilarity does ensue with Paul’s impressions of Ted during their sessions.
No, it’s not just about fishing. It’s so much more!
We’re treated (“treated” is an understatement) to fabulous cinematography/photography/direction (or whatever you want to call it) as the cameras focus on their surroundings, capturing the glorious sights that Mother Nature has to offer around and above them. From the stunning overhead drone shots to intimate close-ups of insects and animals going about their daily business, to focussing in on Bob & Paul as they chat about life, health and indeed bereavement. Difficult subjects for some, but they discuss them with positive and heartwarming attitudes. We hear about their own personal bereavements, the impact that it had on them and their personal journeys to recover from loss and sadness. With the help of health professionals that visit them down by the riverbank, they chat about subjects such as mental health and men’s wellness – not subjects that you would normally find on any other fishing show!
Featured in every episode are two things: heart-healthy (or maybe not sometimes!) cooking and accommodation. Bob is the resident chef, cooking right there by the riverside on his gas stove. Fajitas, “trapped potatoes” cups of twig-infused tea, all cooked with love and of course the trademark Bob banter. Sometimes, cooking will happen in accommodation: also chosen by Bob. Accommodation that ranges from Gypsy-style vans, to Stately Homes, to an old London Bus, the pair relax in between fishing expeditions and Bob can cook up some more heart-healthy food.
Paul provides the technical fishing knowledge and provides the impressions. From Ted (the dog) to “cockerny-geezas” to a posh butler in a Stately Home, Paul’s there with a voice for all occasions. Not to mention the (usually frustrated) cry of “don’t wind” at Bob, when Bob’s caught a fish. Oooh, he does get frustrated with Bob!
Speaking of fish; they are of course treated with respect once caught and are returned to the river straight away. We even get a camera shot underwater as they are released back, with a cry of “and away” as it swims away at speed.
On the odd occasion, we the viewer are treated to celebrity guests, visiting the pair to either talk about a range of subjects like the environment, for example. Feargal Sharkey pops up now and again, speaking about the poor state of Britain’s rivers and his efforts to try and raise awareness to get them cleaned up. And it wouldn’t be right and proper if the pair didn’t break into an Undertones song, given that he’s there. And they do. With gusto.
It is, dear reader, television gold.
To conclude:
This is a brilliant, heart-warming and funny show. It has superb camera work and is set in a myriad of beautiful locations. If you’re a fan of Bob Mortimer’s whimsical humour, or Paul Whitehouse’s more grounded wit, then this is absolutely the show for you. Regardless of the fishing. And of course, there’s always the views.
This comes highly recommended.