You’re like an old pub table
Gary King
Gary King is played by Tom Davis in the BBC comedy series King Gary.
John the Butcher is played by Jay Simpson.
This quote refers to the similarity in colour of John the Butcher’s suntan (fake tan) and the colour of an old pub table, which is very dark brown.
People’s desire to tan their skin can blind them to the excessive use of fake tan. Tanning the user unnaturally beyond their natural range of skin colours. The unnaturally dark colour of John’s new tan sparks Gary to comment that he looks like ‘an old pub table’.
Tom Davis – https://m.imdb.com/name/nm4269084/?ref_=m_ttfcd_cl1
Jay Simpson – https://m.imdb.com/name/nm0801043/?ref_=m_ttfcd_cl10
King Gary – series 2 episode 6
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p09kw6j0/king-gary-series-2-episode-6
The Significance of “You’re like an old pub table” Quote in the TV series ‘King Gary’
King Gary is a popular BBC comedy series that follows the daily lives of a working-class family in suburban Essex, UK. In one of the episodes, Gary King, the main character, makes a comment about the skin colour of John the Butcher, a local business owner. During a conversation at John’s house, Gary observes that John is very brown, and compares him to an old pub table. The comment has generated controversy and sparked discussions about offensive humour in comedy.
The Significance
The scene is significant because it highlights the potential for offence and hurt that can be caused by comments that may seem innocuous or humorous to some people. Gary’s comment about John’s appearance is insensitive and objectifying, reducing him to a mere object of comparison rather than acknowledging him as a person. The scene also touches on the issue of casual racism, where individuals may not intend to be offensive, but their words and actions can still be hurtful.
The scene has generated controversy and sparked discussions about using offensive humour in comedy. Some viewers argue that the scene is an example of “punching down” in comedy, where the marginalized or oppressed are the butt of the joke. Others argue that the scene is an accurate reflection of the characters and the environment they live in, and that comedy should be free to explore uncomfortable or taboo subjects.
The Aftermath
The scene received criticism from some viewers and led to discussions about the use of offensive humour in comedy. The show’s creators defended the scene, stating that it was intended to be a harmless joke about John’s excessive use of fake tan, and was not meant to be racist or offensive. They also emphasized the importance of context and the need to understand the intentions behind a joke.
The controversy surrounding the scene has raised important questions about the role of comedy in society and the responsibility of comedians and writers to consider the impact of their words and actions. It has also highlighted the need for greater diversity and representation in comedy, where different perspectives and experiences can be reflected and explored.
Conclusion
The scene in King Gary where Gary compares John’s appearance to an old pub table is a significant moment in the show that has sparked controversy and raised important questions about using offensive humour in comedy. While some viewers argue that the scene is an accurate reflection of the characters and their environment, others have criticized it as an example of “punching down” in comedy. The scene’s aftermath highlights the need for greater understanding and awareness of the impact of words and actions, as well as the importance of diversity and representation in comedy.
