Rab's back, and I still cannot understand him

Rab C Nesbitt

(BBC2)

Editing pages for a newspaper involves a lot of reading. A lot of reading.

So, when I agreed to take a look at the new series of Rab C Nesbitt, it was to become a bit of a busman's holiday.

At the risk of sounding xenophobic, it can be difficult to understand old Rab, with the slurred rantings and mumblings often incomprehensible from arguably one of Glasgow's scruffiest inhabitants.

I have always enjoyed the tales of Scotland's favourite slob, familiar to TV viewers for more than 25 years now.

In 1986, when BBC2 first screened sketch show Naked Video, little did actor Gregor Fisher know that his lovable layabout would still be around a quarter of a century later.

When the BBC brought the rogue back to our screens for a 21st century audience I was thrilled. So too were many others, leading to the comissioning of this, another series.

So, it was time to hit the subtitles button on my remote, sit back, and welcome back an old friend. 'This programme contains strong language', came up on the subtitles. Ha ha. If you can understand a word of it.

Our string-vested friend is reintroduced to us using what he proudly referred to as en suite facilities – a plastic bowl in the bedroom. Ahh yes, Govan's most famous resident has lost none of his charm.

Fisher's finest creation has led to the actor becoming somewhat typecast, but hey, everyone loves an anti-hero.

Talking of typecast, special guest star Richard E Grant was on hand in this episode, playing the part of, err, Richard E Grant – well Chingford Steel, minister for work.

Despite being one of the country's most celebrated actors, Grant has a surprisingly limited repertoire.

I couldn't help thinking that had his Withnail and I character walked onto the set, he would have looked more at home.

Grant's character inadvertently became hostage in the Nesbitt household, giving Rab the opportunity to put across his grassroots political views in a hostage situation.

In talks with the police, he is seen demanding a better bus route and new central heating system – in order to be able to tie the minister to a radiator. Oddly believable of old Rab.

Blimey. I must be clairvoyant. As the story unravelled, the slimey minister was made to dress in Rab-style clothing to film a ransom demand, looking much more like Withnail than he has in years.

And then, as if to cure me of my guilt-ridden non-xenophobic thoughts, he is made to read Rab's demands into the camera from cue cards, struggling with the Glaswegian drawl.

Perhaps I can help the scriptwriters on future episodes?

Of course, all ends well, with our scruffy chum being chased by half a dozen police officers in a scene straight out of The Benny Hill Show.

The programme is as daft as ever, but very watchable – and quite a good read too.