Black Books

Overview

Black Books centres around the foul tempered and wildly eccentric bookshop owner Bernard Black. Bernard’s devotion to the twin pleasures of drunkenness and wilful antagonism deepens and enriches both his life and that of Manny, his assistant. Bearded, sweet and good, Manny is everything that Bernard isn’t and is punished by Bernard relentlessly just for the crime of existing. They depend on each other for meaning as Fran, their oldest friend, depends on them for distraction.

Black Books is a haven of books, wine and conversation, the only threat to the group’s peace and prosperity is their own limitless stupidity.

Episodes

Cooking the Books

S01E01 Cooking the Books

September 29, 2000 8.0
Bernard’s dodgy accountant has to go on the run, leaving him ill prepared to fill out his own tax return. In fact Bernard would rather do anything than fill it out.
Manny's First Day

S01E02 Manny's First Day

October 6, 2000 8.2
After Manny’s help with the tax return Bernard is persuaded to hire him in the shop. Unfortunately he actually sells some books, much to Bernard’s annoyance.
Grapes of Wrath

S01E03 Grapes of Wrath

October 13, 2000 7.8
Bernard and Manny accept a house-sitting job to get away from their new cleaner. They also drink some wine.
The Blackout

S01E04 The Blackout

October 20, 2000 7.6
A hyper, coffee fueled Manny is mistaken for a policeman.
The Big Lock-Out

S01E05 The Big Lock-Out

October 27, 2000 8.1
The shop gets a new security system that no-one can work.
He's Leaving Home

S01E06 He's Leaving Home

November 3, 2000 7.3
Manny runs away from the bookshop into the arms of a beard loving photographer.

Cast

Dylan Moran
Dylan Moran
Bernard
Bill Bailey
Bill Bailey
Manny
Tamsin Greig
Tamsin Greig
Fran

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