Did we like it?

After inflicting the infantile Bo! In The USA on us, Channel 4 redeemed itself with this intelligent, hilarious spin-off from Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace.

What was good about it?

• It’s a bit like Knowing Me Knowing You…With Alan Partridge and, in some respects, it’s even better than Steve Coogan’s masterpiece.

• Richard Ayoade’s straight-faced portrayal of the ridiculous Dean Learner, the suave nightclub owner, restaurateur, publisher and international playboy

• Matthew Holness, who is playing all the spoof guests, started off with his brilliant Garth Marenghi creation, the world-renowned horror writer (all 436 novels are now available in one huge volume with a spine reinforced with genuine cat bone)

• We loved the intimate setting – a luxury penthouse flat in “London’s glittering East End”.

• The War of the Wasps movie

• Lines such as “I wanted to release books that would give the reader a boner but leave them too terrified to do anything about it. Books to scare you stiff.”; “You are the most compassionate man I ever known. And I know God.”; “This show is wonderful. It’s such a reflection of the wit and sophistication that’s in you.”; “I’m f**king busting and what’s Plato doing about it? Nothing!”; and “All aboard” (you had to be there to appreciate that one.

What was bad about it?

• The audience laughter ruined the illusion at times. With Dean and Garth being so deadpan and understated, it didn’t feel right that the audience laughed throughout.