Quacks: Season 1 [DVD]

1840. If no public execution to enjoy, people can always pay to see charismatic surgeon Robert Lessing operate. With luck, he may even be severing limbs - determined to beat his own record for speed. Many deaths result of course, but that goes with the job. A surgeon's worth is determined by the amount of blood on his apron and he is London's best - as he assures ladies who converge to admire.Here is dark humour delivered with relish, focus on Lessing and three fellow pioneers. Dentist John delights in testing on himself drugs that can numb, some of the side effects greatly to his liking. Psychiatrist William is not always always appreciated at the asylum by inmates (and jailers) as he tries to draw out their better side. Particularly of note is Lessing's astute wife Caroline - she striving to pave the way for women in the medical profession.For those not easily offended, this is great fun - talented cast making the most of witty scripts full of ironies (as when Lessing declares Florence Nightingale a disgrace to the profession). Apparently much is closer to historical reality than one might expect - including some of the most bizarre aspects.Six episodes. Sit back and enjoy. The bonuses are good too. Prepare to be amazed at the quiz about suggested treatments for certain ailments at the time.A second season please!

Episode one is brilliant...dark humour, sick jokes and a wonderful satire on the male-dominated Victorian medical service.I work for the NHS and I loved it! Many comparisons with modern medicine. Unfortunately it sort of unravels and descends into a Victorian 'Doctor in the House' (you know the ones with Dirk Bogarde and J R Justice), jolly chums getting into naughty scrapes. It lost it's dark side and the jokes became thin on the ground. A great idea, lots of potential, but sort of missed the steam train. When will Brit-coms realise that you need a good team of writers, not one bloke, to deliver the goods.Ok. worth a look.

This is a BBC comedy that never got the airing it should have. Brilliantly scripted, acted and produced it is a great historical comedy, pointing fun at the medical practices of the Georgian period. It's such a shame the BBC did not commission a second series, especially given the unsophisticated garbage they do renew. Therefore, this is a one series hit, now available on DVD. Highly recommended.

A wonderfully satirical portrayal of early Victorian medical life, this show is the funniest I have watched in a very long time. The main characters really gel and their ability to convey comedy is of the highest standard. The supporting cast are fantastic, too. From the pub landlord to the members of the viewing gallery, very well acted. I am unbelievably disappointed that a second series wasn't commissioned by the BBC. This is a brilliant piece of work by all involved.

So funny and so underrated. Brilliantly written and acted. If you grew up with horrible histories and loved ghosts then this is another one to watch

A friend recommended the series to me having missed it when on TV.It is funny, clever and silly so right up my street. The actors are well cast.

If you haven't yet watched this show, you're seriously missing out!It's funny, it's witty. It's pure awesome.It looks fantastic and the cast are amazing.I binge watched it all in one day- absolutely loved it!Give it a go.

Good funny and brilliantly presented British comedy. It’s historically correct and the characters portray exactly the kind of persona seen during that era. If only we had more quality like this! A good £10 worth of anyone’s money.