i'm not trying to stick my neck too much further into The Discourse around the latest taskmaster casting, and i don't want to come off patronising, but i'm surprised by some people's surprise. it's very easy for internet spaces to take celebs and put them in little boxes, and in the realm of britcom, which has its rough edges and is full of alcoholic perverts, it was very easy for people like greg and alex to be put into the 'inclusive woke wholesome safe friendly' box. i think, in general, the entire production knows where it stands in the entertainment landscape and everyone involved tries to protect that; you see that in, for example, greg's comedy outside of the show (the way he, say, massively avoids sexual humour when it's brought up on nmtb) or channel 4's pr around the atmosphere of the show (making sure contestants' reinforcing what a pleasurable experience taskmaster is is the biggest headline). but alex has been saying for years his dream guests include richard ayoade, a supporter of terf king glinner, and stephen merchant, former collaborator and good friend of terf prince ricky gervais. when alex was asked recently if he would have on someone controversial, interviewer clearly implying gervais imo, alex simply replied they "just want nice people" — unlike explicitly stating they won't waste food or burn plastic, there was no explicit mention of standing against transphobia, racism, or anyone who would endanger a safe and inclusive environment. just a guarded, british "nice". and, listen, i kind of get not wanting to commit to "no controversy ever!" because more or less every single comedian over 40 who has been on taskmaster has done something traceably problematic in their comedy career. comedy of the 2000s was really something else lol hardcore leftist, pro-palestine, trans ally frankie boyle was mistaken for far-right — another dastardly little box — for the better part of a decade because of his edgy and controversial material, right? and i won't sit here on my hypocritical throne as if i don't have nostalgic appreciation for people who have not turned out to be the best of guys or i won't put up with a couple of people i don't really like so i can keep watching big fat quiz. but when alex couldn't even say straightforwardly, no, we don't want ricky gervais on, i was certainly not instilled with confidence that the show would remain, in the eyes of the fans, in the little box it has been put in for some time. british politeness is held in higher regard than most other character traits... i mean, that's the truth. "we may not agree on everything but as long as people are civil we can still be friends" vibes. from my pov that's still british social culture in a nutshell tbh
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