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The Bishop

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description The Bishop Overview

The Bishop is a recurring character from the British sketch comedy series Monty Python's Flying Circus, played by Terry Jones. Dressed in traditional ecclesiastical robes, he operates as a crime-fighting cleric who attempts dramatic rescues but consistently arrives too late, resulting in accidental deaths. The sketches parody the action-adventure and superhero genres by applying their tropes to a religious figure. The character's catchphrase, "The Bishop!", usually introduces his chaotic interventions.

help The Bishop FAQ

Who played the character of The Bishop in Monty Python?

The Bishop was a recurring comedy character played by Terry Jones in the classic British sketch show Monty Python's Flying Circus. Jones portrayed the frantic crime-fighting cleric with manic energy and righteous fury.

What is the comedic premise of Monty Python's The Bishop sketches?

The sketch parodies the tropes of hardboiled detective shows by depicting a heavily armed Bishop who rushes in to save people from gangsters. However, the dramatic rescues are completely inept and always result in the victims dying accidental, horrific deaths.

What famous lines or quotes are associated with The Bishop?

The sketch is heavily punctuated by the booming, dramatic narration of a man crying out "The Bishop!" whenever trouble arises. This dramatic yell builds a false sense of action-hero suspense that contrasts sharply with the character's sheer incompetence.

How many Monty Python episodes feature The Bishop?

The Bishop was featured sporadically as a quick, cutaway gag throughout the run of Monty Python's Flying Circus. The character made its memorable debut in the first season, becoming one of Terry Jones's most iconic physical comedy roles.

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