Adam Bloom

Overtrailed, yes, but doesn't 7 do that with everything? And they don't even bother to change the trail so it's about an already broadcast episode. Lazy. For me, his brand of neurosis about everyday social interactions is highly agreeable but it's not the sort of programme which gains much in the repeating because so much depends on the initial surprise of the paths he wanders down - I also heard it on 4 and it's only moderately diverting once you know where it's headed. Good sig tune though - Fats Waller's African Ripples I believe. Possibly an allusion to the ripple effect of others' behaviour on him? Or possibly not.

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You're right. I'm humiliated and ashamed. I wanted to correct myself earlier but pride, like some [insert appropriate simile in final draft] prevented me.

Ah (making quick recovery), but maybe the allusion in the theme toon could then be to a handful of keys provided by Mr Bloom to understanding human interaction.

"One never knows, do one?"

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The way to understand Adam Bloom is also the key to enjoying Larry David's persona in Curb Your Enthusiasm: they are doomed, or have elected, to enact to the full the neurotic responses to apparently trivial incidents we normally suppress in ourselves.

If you have never found yourself full of disproportionate rage (or at least irritation) over some misunderstanding in an interaction with a shop assistant or waiter, and found yourself possessed of a strong desire to elaborate further, despite knowing that such a course of acton could only lead to further complications, then I can only salute and envy you.

As a corrective, however, here is an article about taking a more balanced approach to the irritations of daily life, although if he should happen across this message board I would beg Adam Bloom not to read it as it may eat away at his belief in his act, leading to playing smaller and smaller gigs then, finally, unemployment, and then he really would have something to moan about, but it wouldn't be funny as it would be less universal and couldn't therefore be worked up into an effective act for a comeback in some small venue at the Edinburgh fringe and ... anyway, the rest of you can read it, but beware that understanding and tolerance of one's fellow human beings may follow. Personally, I'm trying to resist.

www.guardian.co.uk/b...