Vicious, ITV; Man Down, Channel 4 - TV review: Different approaches to right-on sensitivities

Unlike Vicious, Man Down takes place in a universe where the concept of political correctness actually exists

Back in the frame: Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi in 'Vicious'

Vicious returned to ITV for a second series. Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi star in this stereotype-trading, really rather traditional sitcom about an ageing gay couple and their friends.

This week, for instance, Freddie and Stuart took up ballroom dancing, prompting Stuart to remark: "I hope my outfit doesn't have too many sequins and at the same time, a lot of sequins." Because gays love sparkles, see?

Truth be told, the genial obliviousness to right-on sensitivities is part of what makes Vicious fun. Clearly the writers have never been on a po-faced workplace diversity course like the one teacher Dan (Greg Davies) was sent to in Man Down after he was caught playing "camp aisle", a game that involves 'mincing up and down the aisles in an incrementally camp manner', while invigilating a GCSE exam. Unlike Vicious, Man Down takes place in a universe where the concept of political correctness actually exists. Both are very funny, regardless.