Come Fly With Me

Come Fly With Me is a unique British mockumentary series aired by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) America in 2010-2011. This lively, laugh-out-loud comedy satire brings together the exceptional comedic pair of David Walliams and Matt Lucas as they portray numerous eccentric characters. The diversity of the cast of characters depicted in this show sets it apart as a singularly unique and compelling viewing experience for fans of British humor.

The series is a light-hearted spoof of the day to day running of an airport, as seen through the eyes of a trio of documentary filmmakers. Drawing inspiration from real-life airlines and airports, Come Fly With Me humorously showcases the highs and lows of air travel and the interesting people involved in it.

The show is set at an unspecified airport in the United Kingdom, where viewers are treated to an intimate look at the bustle and occasional chaos that goes on behind the scenes of such a busy hub of international travel. The myriad behind-the-scene activities are humorously presented to portray the world of aviation in a way rarely seen by communal TV viewer.

David Walliams and Matt Lucas, who rose to prominence with Little Britain, both put on a masterclass in character acting in Come Fly With Me. The duo portrays over 50 characters throughout the show, from the management to ground staff, flight attendants, pilots, and passengers. Their ability to effortlessly transition from one character to the next while maintaining the fluidity of the storyline is nothing short of remarkable.

In one episode, you might see Walliams as the officious and mildly xenophobic manager of a low-cost airline who’s always looking to cut corners. In the next, he might transform into a pleasantly old-fashioned British Airways stewardess who’s somewhat stuck in her ways, or a coffee kiosk employee at the airport. Lucas shines equally by becoming a gadget-fascinated pilot, check-in staff, and many more.

Together with the well-drawn characters, a big part of the charm of this series lies in the incredible scripting. The wit and humor of the dialogues are razor-sharp, leading to some hilarious exchanges that will leave viewers cackling with laughter. Come Fly With Me has an uncanny ability to weave its humor into ordinary situations, sometimes with a comedic twist that defies expectations.

Every episode of this show is built around the different flights departing and arriving, and the unique set of challenges that come with them. Over the course of the show, you witness humorous interactions with passengers, the rigours of airport security and the trials of operational management. The scripted reality-style of mockumentary makes you feel almost part of their working day.

Moreover, the show does not shy away from dealing with real issues such as racial and ethnic stereotypes, bureaucracy, incompetence, and efficiency in a comic construct. Though set in an airport, it is ultimately about people and the ways they interact and cope with one another in a complex, high-stakes environment.

The production values of this series are also commendable. A great amount of detail is put into crafting the airport setting to be as authentic as possible. This, coupled with the creative use of documentary-style filming, gives a sense of realism that works well in contrast to the comedic chaos unfolding on screen.

In conclusion, Come Fly With Me is a hilarious and eye-opening look at the day-to-day workings of an airport, brought vividly to life by Walliams and Lucas. Its humor is well-crafted, its characters are unforgettable, and its setting is refreshingly original. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or someone who's simply fascinated by the idea of what goes on behind the scenes at an airport, this show is a must-watch.