Parrot Sketch Not Included: 20 Years of Monty Python

Parrot Sketch Not Included: 20 Years of Monty Python from Python (Monty) Pictures is a thrillingly unconventional and unapologetically absurdist television special event. It took flight in 1989 as part of a celebration marking two decades of the Monty Python troupe's influential and pioneering contribution to television comedy. Produced by the troupe's own production company, Python (Monty) Pictures, the show pays tribute to the distinctive brand of humor that has made Monty Python a canonical name in the comedy world.

Acclaimed actor and comedian Steve Martin, famed for his diverse comedic roles and considered a colossal figure on Saturday Night Live, is the host of this special celebration. A declared enthusiast of the Pythons, Martin's palpable love and appreciation for the troupe shines through as he expertly navigates through the very best sketches selected from Monty Python’s Flying Circus, their award-winning television series. He offers an enthusiastic yet critical perspective on Monty Python, enhancing the narrative with his wit and humor.

The crux of the show rests on highlighting the most cherished and emblematic sketches of Monty Python. It carefully curates a assortment of hilarious, thought-provoking and often surreal scenes that embody the slapstick, wordplay and black comedy that Monty Python has come to represent. This includes a wealth of material from the original series, helping both newcomers and devout fans appreciate the breadth and depth of Python’s creative genius.

However, it isn't a mere reel of favored sketches. One of the unique characteristics of this special is that it offers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at Monty Python. Martin takes us on a tour of the conception, development, execution and public reception of some of the show's most iconic skits. In offering this sneak peak behind the curtain, it generates an appreciation for Monty Python beyond its face value — one which pertains to the performance, writing, production and profound cultural impact of their distinctive comedic style.

Parrot Sketch Not Included: 20 Years of Monty Python is also enhanced by the inclusion of some very special guests. It features a host of familiar faces from the Python universe, as well as other admirers from the realm of comedy and entertainment who have been influenced by the troupe. They add their own insightful commentary on the influence and legacy of Python, placing their sketches in a larger context of television history.

From its title, one can deduce the trademark Python humor, as it ironically highlights that one of their most recognized sketches – the 'Dead Parrot Sketch' – is famously absent from the special. It is the sort of playful and mischievous detail that captures the essence of Monty Python, acknowledging lifelong fans, while also drawing in newcomers with its hinted unpredictability and wittiness.

However, despite its riotous nature, the special also evokes a sense of nostalgia and appreciation as it commemorates the evolution of Monty Python over twenty years. It harks back to a groundbreaking show that not only challenged conventions of comedy but also dared to hold a mirror to society, all while making people laugh. While the special induces rollicking laughter, it also prompts reflection on Monty Python's enduring relevance, making it a compelling viewing experience.

Parrot Sketch Not Included: 20 Years of Monty Python is an unmissable spectacle for fans of the comedy troupe and those interested in the history of television comedy. Those who have loved the Pythons will relish the opportunity to celebrate their legacy while those unfamiliar with the group will discover the unique blend of humor that Monty Python embodies. This is more than a trip down memory lane, or a history lesson in comedy; it’s a genuine celebration of the mind-bending genius and extraordinary longevity of the Pythons' influence in the world of comedy. It is a testament to their legacy, demonstrating that their brand of humor has stood the test of time, and continues to inspire laughter, contemplation, and above all, an uproarious sense of fun.