The British do it better.
Black Books was a BBC series that centered around a used bookstore run by a chain-smoking curmudgeon played by Dylan Moran.
Antisocial doesn't even begin to describe Bernard Black (Moran). In Series 1, we find as the proprietor of a used bookshop, Black is hardly welcoming. Content not to sell anything, but rather drink, smoke and engaged in witty reparte with Fran, the shop owner next door. Sharp dialogue, sly sight gags and Manny the bumbling shop assistant. Bernard manages to drink a bottle of wine that is promised to the Pope and get locked out of his shop after installing a new security system in the first episodes.
Series 2 continues in the same vein with more misanthropic mayhem. The writing is a bit sturdier. As Bernard, Dylan Moran is on par with Gervais and Brand in his ability to smirk with a straight face. A heat wave sweeps London causing Fran (Tasmin Greig) to suffer from insomnia and Bernard gets an idea to reinvent the bookshop with hysterical results. The last episode of the series includes a holiday trip to Saint-Honore that shouldn't be missed.
Goliath Books comes to town in the final series. Manny (Bill Bailey) bails and takes up a job with them because Bernard doesn't appreciate him. As Bernard takes a turn for the worst, Fran sets out to reunite the odd couple. But Manny loves his "doo-ti-to-doo" card too much. Simon Pegg's turn as the uber-creepy manager of Goliath--is hysterical.
The chemistry found herein is spot-on. Moran's hair alone is a reason to watch, but its the barage of sarcasm, wit, and dry humor that will keep you coming back.
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