Only an Excuse?

Only an Excuse? is a popular, long-running comedy series from BBC Two that took the world of Scottish football and humorously turned it on its head. First aired in 1993, the version viewed in 2007 was a continuation of the legacy of this comedy sketch show. Devoted to spoofing the antics of soccer players, managers, pundits, and the media who cover them, the show possesses a unique approach to comedy that has kept it a mainstay of British television for over a decade.

The show comes to viewers as an annual event, typically aired on Hogmanay (Scottish New Year's Eve), and is eagerly anticipated by fans every year for its irreverent take on the Scottish football scene. The essence of the show rests on its humor addressing the past year’s football events, parodies of football personalities, and a retrospective of historical football moments, recreated with a humorous twist.

Only an Excuse? features the remarkable talents of impersonator Jonathan Watson who anchors the show with impressive mimicry of famous figures in Scottish football. From players to managers, commentators to pundits, Watson breathes comedic life into them all, reprising many critical and funny moments of their real-life counterparts. Watson's skill breathes authenticity into these impersonations that elevates Only an Excuse? beyond a simple comedy. It becomes a mirror upon the culture, faithfully reflecting the obsessions, fascinations, and comedic absurdities of the Scottish football scene.

Only an Excuse? is much more than a comedy sketch show. It's a satirical sports commentary, with barbed humor aimed at various aspects of the Scottish and international football scene. Each episode was like a year-end wrap-up presented through a comedic lens. The digs at well-known personalities, jokes about contentious football events and satirical recreations of famous incidents all contributed to the show's enduring appeal.

One of the notable aspects of Only an Excuse? is its self-deprecating humor. Making light of the various gaffes that are inevitably a part of the sports world, the series doesn't spare any figure or incident. However, the point is not simply to make fun but to lovingly lampoon. The purpose is in celebrating the sport, its characters, and its culture, even as it exposes their absurdities. It provides a way for fans to look back over the year and laugh at what might have been frustrating, disappointing, or simply ridiculous moments in their favorite sport.

Writer and producer Phil Differ and director Iain Davidson, who produced the series have ingenely captured the hilarious side of football providing a rich comedy experience for both hard-core fans and casual viewers, not just focusing on football but the personalities and culture surrounding it.

The series set in Scotland, specifically deals with Scottish football but is widely enjoyed by audiences beyond, thanks to the universal appeal of its humor. People who are not familiar with Scottish football or those who do not follow football could also enjoy the show due to the sheer genius of Watson’s mimicry and the universal language of humor that the series encapsulates.

Only an Excuse? with its trademark sarcasm, parody, wit and impersonations has always succeeded in welcoming the New Year with laughter, leaving audiences eagerly waiting for the next. The 2007 season of Only an Excuse? carried on the show's tradition of incorporating cultural references, late-night humor, and classic football moments to poke fun at the beautiful game, making it a critical part of Hogmanay celebrations.

In summation, Only an Excuse? from BBC Two in 2007, like its previous editions, is an unmissable mix of humorous commentary, impressions and gags derived from the world of Scottish football. A year on the Scottish football calendar would not be complete without the satirical wrap-up delivered in the inimitable style of Jonathan Watson and his crew, making Only an Excuse? an essential viewing tradition for Scottish football aficionados and comedy lovers alike.