Black Books centres around the foul tempered and wildly eccentric bookshop owner Bernard Black. Bernard’s devotion to the twin pleasures of drunkenness and wilful antagonism deepens and enriches both his life and that of Manny, his assistant. Bearded, sweet and good, Manny is everything that Bernard isn’t and is punished by Bernard relentlessly just for the crime of existing. They depend on each other for meaning as Fran, their oldest friend, depends on them for distraction. Black Books is a haven of books, wine and conversation, the only threat to the group’s peace and prosperity is their own limitless stupidity.
Showing Season 1 of 4
Season 1
2000
Meet Bernard Black, a foul tempered and eccentric bookshop owner who loves his books but hates his customers. Manny is Bernard's long-suffering assistant and Fran is the owner of the gift shop next door to Black Books. Black Books explores Manny and Fran's efforts to ensure Bernard has some contact with the outside world and charts the comical consequences of their efforts.
01. Cooking the Books
2000-09-29
Bernard’s dodgy accountant has to go on the run, leaving him ill prepared to fill out his own tax return. In fact Bernard would rather do anything than fill it out.
02. Manny's First Day
2000-10-06
After Manny’s help with the tax return Bernard is persuaded to hire him in the shop. Unfortunately he actually sells some books, much to Bernard’s annoyance.
03. Grapes of Wrath
2000-10-13
Bernard and Manny accept a house-sitting job to get away from their new cleaner. They also drink some wine.
04. The Blackout
2000-10-20
A hyper, coffee fueled Manny is mistaken for a policeman.
05. The Big Lock-Out
2000-10-27
The shop gets a new security system that no-one can work.
06. He's Leaving Home
2000-11-03
Manny runs away from the bookshop into the arms of a beard loving photographer.
