User Reviews

I can't imagine this episode being any more perfect than it is. All the characters are purely defined and within themselves, the show moves at a constant up-pace. Cameo by Motorhead is the perfect source music for the groups' scurry thru the tube on their way to University Challenge where its the quintessential match between the snobs and the slobs. See Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry, and Hugh Laurie in early screen appearances. Total lunacy: Vyvyan loses his head, yet later introduces his Pig-Ferret named "Bacon Sandwich", Rick is universally known as the world's stupidest bottom burp, Neil:"Vegetable rights and peace." It doesn't get much funnier than this.

When 'The Young Ones' was repeated six months after its debut in November 1982, it had suddenly grown into one of the most popular sitcoms on air. Such was its popularity that in the summer of the following year, a second series was made and was a sure-fire hit.

The lads are forced to take a trip to the laundrette, following an alarming insult directed at Neil from a stranger at a distance of 100 yards about his odour. The experience for them is mortifying, for a start the washing machine spews out their clothes on account of them being so filthy.

Back home, Neil remembers that they are due to appear on 'University Challenge', competing against the upper class Footlights College from Oxbridge...

'The Young Ones' kick started its second season with this little belter which is, with very good reason, often classed as one of the very best episodes. 'Not The Nine O'Clock News' stars Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones appear here, the former as a security guard at the television studio and the latter as Bamber Gasgoine. Playing the students from Footlights are real life Footlights graduates Ben Elton, Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry, who at this time were all working for Granada Television on 'Alfresco'. Robbie Coltrane ( who also appeared in 'Alfresco' ) and 'Blackadder' star Tony Robinson appear in a spoof of 'The Elephant Man' as a pair of eccentric doctors.

The only negative thing about the episode for me is the performance of 'Ace Of Spades' by Motorhead. Say what you will but I am sorry I just have never been a fan of that band.

Funniest bit - Vyvyan leaning out the window of the moving train, only to be instantly decapitated when the train goes into a tunnel. Vyvyan's headless body then pulls the emergency brake cord, gets out the train and kicks his head up the track!

The funniest ever episode of this cult British comedy. From the characters swapping places, to wash day, the train trip & finally the funniest ever University Challenge. Everyone involved is a comedy genius ..... with the possible exception of Mike (the boring one)