The Hard Sell: Cabin Pressure
Nov. 27th, 2011 07:36 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
penfold_xAfter months of seeing Cabin Pressure crossover stories popping up in Sherlock fan fiction, I finally broke down and gave the program a listen. Radio dramas are, by and large, not a Thing in the US, but I commute and exercise daily, so I spend a lot of quality time with my iPod. By the third episode, I was already thinking 'Gosh, I'd really like to read a fic where Everyone Is Nice to Martin.' Which is another way of saying: if you're a fan of classic British comedy, I wholeheartedly recommend you give Cabin Pressure a try.
What It's About
Cabin Pressure is a 30-minute sitcom centered around the crew of a small independent air charter company, MJN. Recurring characters include Carolyn Knapp-Shappey, CEO of MJN (who received MJN's sole plane in her divorce settlement; Carolyn is MJN's no-nonsense alpha dog, who wages a ruthless campaign to keep her company a going concern), Arthur Knapp-Shappey, steward (Carolyn's son, who is 29 but doesn't act a day over 8, and has a death-grip on cheerfulness), Captain Martin Crieff (a mildly pompous but endearingly insecure man who failed his CPL exam six times but is finally fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming an airline captain--even though he has to agree to work for nothing to do it), and First Officer Douglas Richardson (an experienced, capable pilot, who nevertheless cannot resist cutting corners, bending rules, and leaning heavily on the good luck that has followed him throughout his life; a bit of a player with a sardonic wit).
Why I Love It
Cabin Pressure is a sharp, witty comedy that fans of classic British comedies will enjoy. Writer John Finnemore, who also voices Arthur Knapp-Shappey, provides the characters clever dialogue and fun dilemmas from which to extract themselves. Although it's a comedy, Finnemore doesn't neglect the character development; threads introduced earlier in the program are revisited and expanded upon in later episodes, and relationships build. Most importantly, unlike most recent comedies, Cabin Pressure doesn't make its laughs off of cheap raunchiness or ridicule. Each of the characters has foibles that are played for laughs, but at heart, they are also decent people who care about their co-workers. Although each of the characters have vices, they tend to be borne of the difficulties they've encountered in life, and are balanced by good qualities.
All of the Cabin Pressure voice acting is great, but I especially love Stephanie Cole as Carolyn Knapp-Shappey. When I was a wee lass, I loved Cole as the cantankerous Diana Trent in Waiting for God; she has a gift for portraying weary cynicism and wonderful comedic timing. I'm less familiar with Roger Allam, but he plays Douglas with something of a honey tongue and definitely, as they say, has a voice for radio. This is my first time hearing Benedict Cumberbatch attempt comedy but I'm pleased to report he's great fun; seems like he's just all-around talented.
What the Fandom Does With It
Cabin Pressure is a small fandom, with lots of amusing artwork and a surprisingly high quality of fic. Written fanworks run about 50/50 gen v. slash, with a smattering of het. Cabin Pressure is an ensemble show, but certainly features the alternately competitive and cooperative relationship between Douglas and Martin. Douglas and Martin are in many ways the classic friendship of opposites one finds in many shows that attract a media fandom; an experienced individual partnered with a relative ingenue, a rule-bender minded by a total stickler, someone who has known nothing but good luck and a man who seems to have been born under a dark cloud, a thrice-married player and a boy unable to compose full sentences in the presence of the opposite sex. Douglas/Martin is the main slash pairing, but there are also a number of great gen friendship stories.
Martin is by far the fandom woobie; canonically, he's overly fussy and particular about his status as captain, but it's largely the result of his crippling insecurity. He's also constantly being smacked in the face by life; although he studies with a single-minded determination, he has no natural talent for flying and has gotten where he is in spite of a total lack of support or encouragement from family. Because he agreed to go unpaid so long as he could be captain, he needs to support himself by taking odd moving jobs with his van, leaving him living hand to mouth. The hurt/comfort practically writes itself.
Where to Buy It
Even if you don't live in the UK, you can enjoy the first two seasons of Cabin Pressure via Audiogo.com, or if you're a subscriber, Audible.com.
Fandom Resources
Official Cabin Pressure page at Radio 4.
Cabin Pressure has an active LJ comm, which has posted transcripts of all three seasons and the Christmas special. The comm includes fan fiction, artwork, icons, and series-related news. There are also lots of fun fanworks at fyeahcabinpressure (if you are, like me, completely tumblr illiterate, it's a great place to keep up with all of the Cabin Pressure stuff going on in that region of the Internet). In particular, I love Ghostbee's artwork.
There's also a prompt meme (18+), and of course, an AO3 archive. Cabin Pressure Fans is a well-maintained mainstream fansite. You can also keep up with the latest news by following John Finnemore's entertaining blog.
Fan Fiction Recs
I'm just dipping my toe in the fandom, but have already read some great fic that has fulfilled my desire to see hurt!Martin to a good cuddling. In addition to the previously mentioned Douglas-Martin friendship stories, there are also some lovely ensemble, team-as-family stories, and a few opportunities for Martin to display competence at something (even if it's not flying).
The Friendly Skies by Robotsdance: Martin's first flight with Douglas. Spot-on dialogue; light, sparkling humor with just the right character notes.
Memory Lane by Elvendork-Lee: An old classmate of Martin's turned millionaire businessman hires MJN and insists on taking the crew out for dinner. When his comments turn out to be less than complimentary, will the others step in in defence of their captain? Wonderful example of the protective!crew genre; Carolyn and Douglas may pick on Martin in private, but woe betide the intruder who attacks their faithful beta dog.
Ice Pilots by Spycandy: Douglas has never been not-good at anything, so trying (and failing at) ice skating with his daughter was a shocking disappointment. On a break in Bern, Martin reveals his hidden talents to help Douglas. Sweet, and utterly in-character.
39.7 Degrees by Lady_T_220: "'Well the fever would explain a great deal,' Douglas said. 'I thought it could have been a concussion but you didn't hit your head on the way down. You more just... slid gracefully sideways into a little Captain-y puddle.'" Martin gets the flu, and it turns out there is a force in the universe stronger than his love of flying. Fortunately, he's among friends.
How To Hug Your Douglas by Starjenni: Even Douglases can have a bad day. Martin isn't sure how this sort of thing is supposed to go, but he's charmingly willing to throw himself into the breach.
Bad Luck by Luthierdreams: A passenger takes an unwelcome and persistent interest in Martin, and Gerti's crew are having none of that.
A Year and a Day by aslipperysloth: "Petulantly, he knows he has nothing to be ashamed of, it’s not like he’s being abused or anything, God forbid. He’s too old and too smart for that." Desperate for affection, Martin agrees to a date with the first person who asks him. Disturbingly accurate perspective of the inside of an abusive relationship; Martin always finds a rationalization for his boyfriend's actions. Fortunately, even if they're not the world's finest charter company, the MJN crew are a loyal, protective pack. Warning for descriptions of violence and abusive sexual activity; hard to read in places, but a fulsomely comforty ending.
Any Sort of Skin by Misslucyjane: “A man can be honest in any sort of skin.” Martin loses a bet with Douglas, but finds out something important about himself. Brief but insightful character vignette.
Legal Accounting, or How Carolyn Learned to Stop Worrying and Offload the Bookwork by sostrangechild: "Hesitant silver-green eyes looked up. It compounded the effect of Martin looking very shy, and young, unsure of Carolyn's approval. 'Go on,' she says, nudging the books towards him."
Birthday Round Trip by Suchanadorer: A birthday party on MJN goes wrong when one of the kids gets scared, but who can calm him down? Competent!Martin to the rescue, with a lovely side of angst.
What It's About
Cabin Pressure is a 30-minute sitcom centered around the crew of a small independent air charter company, MJN. Recurring characters include Carolyn Knapp-Shappey, CEO of MJN (who received MJN's sole plane in her divorce settlement; Carolyn is MJN's no-nonsense alpha dog, who wages a ruthless campaign to keep her company a going concern), Arthur Knapp-Shappey, steward (Carolyn's son, who is 29 but doesn't act a day over 8, and has a death-grip on cheerfulness), Captain Martin Crieff (a mildly pompous but endearingly insecure man who failed his CPL exam six times but is finally fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming an airline captain--even though he has to agree to work for nothing to do it), and First Officer Douglas Richardson (an experienced, capable pilot, who nevertheless cannot resist cutting corners, bending rules, and leaning heavily on the good luck that has followed him throughout his life; a bit of a player with a sardonic wit).
Why I Love It
Cabin Pressure is a sharp, witty comedy that fans of classic British comedies will enjoy. Writer John Finnemore, who also voices Arthur Knapp-Shappey, provides the characters clever dialogue and fun dilemmas from which to extract themselves. Although it's a comedy, Finnemore doesn't neglect the character development; threads introduced earlier in the program are revisited and expanded upon in later episodes, and relationships build. Most importantly, unlike most recent comedies, Cabin Pressure doesn't make its laughs off of cheap raunchiness or ridicule. Each of the characters has foibles that are played for laughs, but at heart, they are also decent people who care about their co-workers. Although each of the characters have vices, they tend to be borne of the difficulties they've encountered in life, and are balanced by good qualities.
All of the Cabin Pressure voice acting is great, but I especially love Stephanie Cole as Carolyn Knapp-Shappey. When I was a wee lass, I loved Cole as the cantankerous Diana Trent in Waiting for God; she has a gift for portraying weary cynicism and wonderful comedic timing. I'm less familiar with Roger Allam, but he plays Douglas with something of a honey tongue and definitely, as they say, has a voice for radio. This is my first time hearing Benedict Cumberbatch attempt comedy but I'm pleased to report he's great fun; seems like he's just all-around talented.
What the Fandom Does With It
Cabin Pressure is a small fandom, with lots of amusing artwork and a surprisingly high quality of fic. Written fanworks run about 50/50 gen v. slash, with a smattering of het. Cabin Pressure is an ensemble show, but certainly features the alternately competitive and cooperative relationship between Douglas and Martin. Douglas and Martin are in many ways the classic friendship of opposites one finds in many shows that attract a media fandom; an experienced individual partnered with a relative ingenue, a rule-bender minded by a total stickler, someone who has known nothing but good luck and a man who seems to have been born under a dark cloud, a thrice-married player and a boy unable to compose full sentences in the presence of the opposite sex. Douglas/Martin is the main slash pairing, but there are also a number of great gen friendship stories.
Martin is by far the fandom woobie; canonically, he's overly fussy and particular about his status as captain, but it's largely the result of his crippling insecurity. He's also constantly being smacked in the face by life; although he studies with a single-minded determination, he has no natural talent for flying and has gotten where he is in spite of a total lack of support or encouragement from family. Because he agreed to go unpaid so long as he could be captain, he needs to support himself by taking odd moving jobs with his van, leaving him living hand to mouth. The hurt/comfort practically writes itself.
Where to Buy It
Even if you don't live in the UK, you can enjoy the first two seasons of Cabin Pressure via Audiogo.com, or if you're a subscriber, Audible.com.
Fandom Resources
Official Cabin Pressure page at Radio 4.
Cabin Pressure has an active LJ comm, which has posted transcripts of all three seasons and the Christmas special. The comm includes fan fiction, artwork, icons, and series-related news. There are also lots of fun fanworks at fyeahcabinpressure (if you are, like me, completely tumblr illiterate, it's a great place to keep up with all of the Cabin Pressure stuff going on in that region of the Internet). In particular, I love Ghostbee's artwork.
There's also a prompt meme (18+), and of course, an AO3 archive. Cabin Pressure Fans is a well-maintained mainstream fansite. You can also keep up with the latest news by following John Finnemore's entertaining blog.
Fan Fiction Recs
I'm just dipping my toe in the fandom, but have already read some great fic that has fulfilled my desire to see hurt!Martin to a good cuddling. In addition to the previously mentioned Douglas-Martin friendship stories, there are also some lovely ensemble, team-as-family stories, and a few opportunities for Martin to display competence at something (even if it's not flying).
The Friendly Skies by Robotsdance: Martin's first flight with Douglas. Spot-on dialogue; light, sparkling humor with just the right character notes.
Memory Lane by Elvendork-Lee: An old classmate of Martin's turned millionaire businessman hires MJN and insists on taking the crew out for dinner. When his comments turn out to be less than complimentary, will the others step in in defence of their captain? Wonderful example of the protective!crew genre; Carolyn and Douglas may pick on Martin in private, but woe betide the intruder who attacks their faithful beta dog.
Ice Pilots by Spycandy: Douglas has never been not-good at anything, so trying (and failing at) ice skating with his daughter was a shocking disappointment. On a break in Bern, Martin reveals his hidden talents to help Douglas. Sweet, and utterly in-character.
39.7 Degrees by Lady_T_220: "'Well the fever would explain a great deal,' Douglas said. 'I thought it could have been a concussion but you didn't hit your head on the way down. You more just... slid gracefully sideways into a little Captain-y puddle.'" Martin gets the flu, and it turns out there is a force in the universe stronger than his love of flying. Fortunately, he's among friends.
How To Hug Your Douglas by Starjenni: Even Douglases can have a bad day. Martin isn't sure how this sort of thing is supposed to go, but he's charmingly willing to throw himself into the breach.
Bad Luck by Luthierdreams: A passenger takes an unwelcome and persistent interest in Martin, and Gerti's crew are having none of that.
A Year and a Day by aslipperysloth: "Petulantly, he knows he has nothing to be ashamed of, it’s not like he’s being abused or anything, God forbid. He’s too old and too smart for that." Desperate for affection, Martin agrees to a date with the first person who asks him. Disturbingly accurate perspective of the inside of an abusive relationship; Martin always finds a rationalization for his boyfriend's actions. Fortunately, even if they're not the world's finest charter company, the MJN crew are a loyal, protective pack. Warning for descriptions of violence and abusive sexual activity; hard to read in places, but a fulsomely comforty ending.
Any Sort of Skin by Misslucyjane: “A man can be honest in any sort of skin.” Martin loses a bet with Douglas, but finds out something important about himself. Brief but insightful character vignette.
Legal Accounting, or How Carolyn Learned to Stop Worrying and Offload the Bookwork by sostrangechild: "Hesitant silver-green eyes looked up. It compounded the effect of Martin looking very shy, and young, unsure of Carolyn's approval. 'Go on,' she says, nudging the books towards him."
Birthday Round Trip by Suchanadorer: A birthday party on MJN goes wrong when one of the kids gets scared, but who can calm him down? Competent!Martin to the rescue, with a lovely side of angst.
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Date: 2011-11-28 01:21 am (UTC)You're always playing yellow car.
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Date: 2011-11-28 01:52 am (UTC)Jelly babies to manual.
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