Philomena Cunk vs Prof. Ashley Jackson

[@Dimaz42]

this was like a collection of memories of a stoic father who patiently answers a load of questions from his curious 5 y/o daughter 😆

[@maazkalim]

Well, it did pay off - by the second-last, at the very latest.

[@luns486]

Fair point. Maybe he has particularly inquisitive small children and that’s why he’s so good at dealing with her shenanigans.

[@Gabrielle937]

3:06 She's wearing down his patience slowly but surely. 😂😂😂

[@autarchyan5426]

that is how I feel when I talk to people with IQ lower than 120

[@EternalNero]

Except children can be very mature mentally in our age... Can't say the same for the rest

[@gabespiro8902]

Best thing is his Wikipedia page now says he is a noted fan of abba

[@lizawillow9336]

That’s amazing

[@lizazagirova]

😂😂😂 no way

[@major7thsmcgee973]

Does it say that his fav song is Dancing Queen?

[@gabespiro8902]

@@major7thsmcgee973 sadly no

[@zeldabaum2663]

​@@major7thsmcgee973 it does now 🎉

[@WalterHassell]

“I think he was able to manage his emotions while engaging with potatoes” Just like our stellar interviewee

[@jakobwermelin3147]

That response was brilliant 😂

[@dynamo1796]

This guy is just masterfully in control of his emotions and his ability to link pop culture to the random historical questions Cunk is kinda asking is just brilliant

[@marylkap6498]

And onions😂

[@MB-dg3lr]

When he started talking about it, his face soften, dangerously close to a smile.

[@adamthorntonillustration9281]

You win the 'internet comment of the day' award! 😄

[@koookeee]

This man is a living monument to patience and composure.

[@dynamo1796]

Morgan: poses horrendously difficult and layered question - “and keep your answer to a short sentence please” Prof Jackson: gives the perfect 3 word answer “ Morgan:😮

[@TheVirginiawoolf]

A great actor, he knows how to play with Philomena.

[@blazypika2]

@@TheVirginiawoolf he's an actual historian, even has his own wikipedia page. obviously, he is aware that it's a comedy interview, he's been in more than one show. though i don't think the interviewees know the questions in advance.

[@ActionAlligator]

Some of the experts are natural 'straight-men' while others come off as a little performative; this dude's the former! He's so good at it! God I love this show haha

[@SharapovaFan]

It's miracle he's got that kind of patience and composure. I'd probably blow at every incessant thing if I was a guy named Ashley.

[@rons4345]

When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object

[@sergiovela9961]

Stop with this recycled, tired catchphrase. It’s literally on every video of hers.

[@ddfan1983]

@@sergiovela9961 still funny

[@deadlysquirrel5560]

@@sergiovela9961 Stop with your recycled, tired catchphrase. You literally post it on every video of hers.

[@Noidonteatbabiesstopasking]

@@sergiovela9961I am shitting your pants

[@Sacredindia26]

😂😂😂😂

[@kele5181]

I love this guy - his resting face with pursed lips gives the impression of a grump but he comes off as smart with the patience of a saint

[@abody499]

he looks furious to me

[@dynamo1796]

My favourite - “well I think it was probably mispelt or you can’t read very well” That really threw Morgan for a second, she’s not used to the interviewees firing back like this guy does - all with a complete deadpan delivery lmao

[@kida4313]

He seems like a genuinely kind person.. which must be hard while talking to her

[@gingerisevil02]

@@dynamo1796that part was hilarious. And then she matched the energy and claimed he couldn’t understand and accused him of mansplaining LOL. He says it so politely.

[@Greendalewitch]

My favourite is that when Cunk starts crying after finding out that they still have nuclear weapon, and asks if they can talk about something more cheerful, his voice is that of a loving uncle who loves the children he is with unconditionally, even when they are crying.

[@JohnJaneson2449]

"soviet onion" "you probably couldn't read very well" 😂😂

[@JoeyLamontagne]

Counter argument: you’re doing a bit of mansplaining

[@edmundherrera6450]

Subtle burn lol 😂

[@adamthorntonillustration9281]

That was gold, that bit! Along with his reassuring "I love Abba!"

[@TheEulerID]

Philomena won that one though.

[@hazeltade3679]

I always forget he says that and it kills me

[@jonno27]

"A buccaneering character who could take on and manage his emotions when engaging with potatoes at first sight." I love this guy.

[@bridgetclayton4052]

She made a fair point about Nelson being on top of a column. Whose idea was that & what was the thinking behind it?

[@zoli11]

"Stop calling it War 2" - was the only part he seemed genuinely annoyed 😂

[@michaelshaudis1772]

He was about to start the Dreyfus eye tic right about there. 😂

[@ATaxingWoman]

His prickliness is down to her acting skills really. She was able to make him forget he was talking to a fictional character with lines. Brilliantly done!

[@raghailligh1080]

@@michaelshaudis1772 Good call back! He even looks a bit like Herbert Lom.

[@darrellid]

Prof. Ashley Jackson was born for this. I hope he's out there, wearing an "I

[@DeathDad]

To the song 🎵 “Pump up the Jam”

[@paulzapodeanu9407]

@@DeathDad Obviously to Dancing Queen!

[@alexbishop9639]

@@DeathDad and the brush strokes theme

[@pinksugarcookies71]

He is awesome, so intelligent and cheeky answers lol

[@samuelsamenstrang6069]

the dude is just stupid

[@bevedale]

"I love ABBA" he says with the sternest face possible. This guy is awesome.

[@thejwvariety]

he was sympathetic to her emotional duress :')

[@dynamo1796]

Prof Ashley: lFear, honour and interest” Cunk: 😮

[@Denes2005]

I like how not just him but all experts keep trying to go until it’s phisically impossible to answer

[@BingiQuinn]

This huy always has an answer though

[@fanrik9583]

physically*

[@JDarkAngeI]

Physically?? I'm sure literally anything can be answered physically, even if it makes zero sense or gibberish. I'd say "logically impossible" to answer.

[@fanrik9583]

@@JDarkAngeI incorrect. Logic is simply the fusion of concepts into an argument. An answer can be logically sound or logically unsound, but either way, some logic has been applied in the construction of the answer. I'd say "shut the fuck up, you know what he meant"

[@JDarkAngeI]

@@fanrik9583 lmao someone got salty. Chill pal, I wasn't even talking to you. You get this salty for strangers. You're too nice

[@ManateeMentality]

Ashley Jackson clearly has a great sense of humor. It was smart of him to go deadpan and play the straight man.

[@benb6527]

Yes

[@almishti]

He clearly understands the comedic duetting process

[@cleverusername9369]

My man understood the assignment and did extra credit

[@curranjohnson7489]

“I think he was probably able to take on and manage his emotions whilst engaging with potatoes at first sight” That’s a friggin powerful line

[@cleverusername9369]

For me, it's the fact that he said "whilst" It was an extremely eloquent response, but the "whilst" had me dead

[@blazypika2]

he's easily one of my favourite interviewees in the show. not only is he playing along with the ridiculous questions but he's doing it in the most deadpan way possible xD

[@NickHunter]

100%, he's as much gold in the interview as she is

[@Paragon231]

"Ashley Jackson (born June 24, 1971) is a professor of imperial and military history in the Defence Studies Department at King's College London and a visiting fellow at Kellogg College, University of Oxford. Jackson is a specialist in the history of the British Empire.[1] He has featured in various episodes of BBC mockumentaries Cunk on Earth and Cunk on Britain and is a noted fan of Swedish pop band ABBA.[2][3] " His wikipedia page.

[@vespadavidson2315]

It isn't.

[@Christopher-md7tf]

The perfect straight man. Also, "I saw it on a piece of paper" instead of "I read it" lmao

[@deadlysquirrel5560]

You'd think his favorite Abba song would be Waterloo.

[@DaveBroTube]

Or Fernando, maybe.

[@okiguess8103]

Nothing beats one of the best songs of history, not even a passion for history

[@jokedejojo]

Great point.

[@SimonFrack]

The Winner Takes It All?

[@marrydruli]

Ooh yees

[@Azlak-hj9yi]

After he says “deeply agrarian country” you can hear him start to laugh when he says “and so” and they’ve edited in where he’s not laughing. Also would 100% watch a sitcom where they play a married couple with these personalities.

[@nilufa2901]

Does he know it’s comedy?

[@afroandguyandsomefin]

​@@nilufa2901 The actress said in an interview the experts all know it's comedy, they're trying to keep face while answering questions.

[@Azlak-hj9yi]

@@nilufa2901 yeah, they’re told to answer the questions as if she was an inquisitive 6 year old.

[@fluorescentadolescent2640]

She also looked like she was holding back tears after he said that lol

[@dgrn101]

@@nilufa2901 watched an interview with her on Seth Meyers show I believe. She said for the most part they know it's comedy but they have no idea what questions she's going to ask because she ad libs as they go. She is truly a legend of not breaking character

[@RiceaxeGaming]

Fear, Honor and Interest...nailed it. Couldn´t come up with a better answer.

[@davidcom4864]

That’s in a nutshell hahaha the way he stopped her up

[@misteraskman3668]

Prof. Ashley won that exchange.

[@101soulsoup]

She was impressed with the answer and was taken aback how fact he thinks

[@EternalNero]

Strange, I read this the EXACT moment he said it, yes that was perfect ...Also this happens a lot here on KZbin, I wonder why

[@neithere]

"fear and greed" would be more precise, IMHO.

[@noahstoner851]

That was the most eloquent way to “no, he wasn’t scared of the potato”

[@a1white]

😂

[@bencemolnar7957]

I think they have a great father-daughter dynamic 😂

[@sergiovela9961]

They are actually only 5 years apart.

[@Apollo-tj1vm]

It does remind me when I was a kid asking my parents stuff about the world.

[@marylkap6498]

Not necessarily a father daughter. He's NOT that much older than her. Btw. I find him very attractive 😊

[@exosproudmamabear558]

@@marylkap6498 The age doesnt matter the dynamic really looks like a daughter-father one tho.

[@nyankomaomao]

He nailed the ABBA comment without missing a single beat LMAOOOO I wish they'd release the BTS and interview what some of these experts feel being asked these questions 😂

[@LichDemonInc]

No one cares about kpoop

[@incendior]

BTS meant behind the scenes, dude

[@LichDemonInc]

@@incendior thanks for ruining my joke

[@samfillingham9250]

@@LichDemonInc not very funny though was it mate

[@LichDemonInc]

@@samfillingham9250 it was to me Not my fault you don't have a sense of humor

[@madiantin]

6:32. This was actually really sweet. Prof Jackson is absolutely fantastic with Philomena. His description of Raleigh being a swashbuckler and not being afraid when encountering a root vegetable is brilliant. =D

[@herbivorethecarnivore8447]

I love how far he goes along with the Star Wars analogy

[@a1white]

Chewbacca is too far though 😂

[@PaoPao-bn4ko]

"Lets talk about something more cheerful...do you like Abba?" - I lost it.

[@Sig509]

This guy has great comedic timing, the best pairing with Cunk I've seen yet.

[@ruicarrilho5721]

Imagine studying these things your whole life, then you agree to be part of these mockumentaries, and now suddenly your Wikipedia page mentions your taste in ABBA and favorite songs of the band, over your, you know, actual work. This is hilarious, and this man deserves to be knighted.

[@halleylow3615]

Am I the only person who thinks this professor is a hot hunk? And the perfect straight man in a comic duo? he also quite brilliantly and accurately answered her question with cunning brevity "fear, honor, and interest."

[@markpieexplores]

He is handsome

[@dragonbaby7660]

He's the Ray Liotta of History

[@StrawberryFieldsNIR]

Queen Victoria was Darth Vader though, she even dressed the part.

[@JohnLutherable]

not into men, but he does look a bit like a bigger Robbie Williams

[@YourChannelOnYouTube]

"or you can't read very well" killed me

[@spinblackcircles]

It was the only time he ever came close to ridiculing her or acting like she was stupid even with the increasingly dumb questions. He’s a legend

[@BornN-hu9lr]

Definitely Emma Stones best performance

[@muhaddesachowdhury1001]

I can’t unsee it now

[@dgrn101]

Emma stone and Val Kilmer

[@V_for_Vendetta_]

OMG , eureka! Haha I've always thought she looked familiar, now that you said it, I can now see it's Emma.

[@user-zt4zr7eg6z]

​@@dgrn101if you use Google lense it will come up with exact those two names.

[@gingerisevil02]

Omg it’s the eyes! Same shape and size/distance apart.. and the hair

[@jaybestnz]

I actually really like his personality. He is being so earnestly patient but also making sure to be accurate in what he is conveying.

[@CheriTheBery]

"Have you got an allotment" never gets old 😂

[@rskat501]

Fucking died at that part

[@nicolasvidal92]

I'm not British, what does that even mean

[@luka2784]

@@nicolasvidal92an allotment is a patch of land that people rent to grow vegetables on as a hobby.

[@nicolasvidal92]

@@luka2784 thanks a ton

[@skachor]

​@@luka2784what a wonderful idea

[@denizs.9619]

6:32 that softened yet firm tone he uses just makes this scene wonderful

[@msc2479]

The fact that he's an actual professor & could come up with these hilarious answers spontaneously is mind-blowing 😂😂

[@ddfan1983]

what a legend, best guest on the show

[@seanys]

Call off the search. We’ve found the world’s most patient man.

[@kxmode]

I didn't know we were searching. Wait, did everyone get the memo except me?!

[@EternalNero]

@@kxmode I realized you and me both got the memo's but we didn't have the patience to read them

[@chroniquephilousophique9983]

The embodiment of stoicism. Love this guy

[@grixxly2768]

Stoicism is actually one of the most flawed philosophies!! I suggest you look into it, it has cool historical connects but is also more toxic than not

[@karahka2]

​@@grixxly2768suck a toe

[@EricClapkilo]

@@grixxly2768elaborate

[@samtoughman3928]

​@grixxly2768 really? I did not know that

[@chroniquephilousophique9983]

@@grixxly2768 i think most philosophy, like ideologies get to a toxic point when you push their logic too far, but they each got a glimpse of intuition on the world we live in and existence. Stoïcism and christianity have strong connection for exemple, and that suffice to say it can well get nasty at some point, but lets not lose our cool and nuance and retain some good point on this way of thinking

[@Ilese-xy8on]

Chewbacca? ... No I think that's stretching it @ 0:44

[@YuKraven]

“anything you like.” always gets me.

[@pkmuhammedhisan]

He sacrificed a part of his soul to maintain his composure !

[@EternalNero]

Damn, in that case that's not a sacrifice, but a fantastic investment, where can I sell my soul for that level of patience?

[@XprPrentice]

You know, of the Cunk series, I prefer Britain over Earth, but this moment about nuclear weapons just walloped me when I saw it - and it did it again here, even when I knew it must be coming. It has to be one of my most favorite moments. We can all empathize with Philomena's realization - and this guy we've seen over and over just be a stern hard-ass unexpectedly does the simplest, most caring thing for her (and us). It's just an absolutely wonderful moment. (And I'm not even an Abba fan!)

[@DukeGyug]

Honestly, I feel likenhe gained a lot of respect for Cunk in that moment. He's the kind of person who takes the threat of nuclear annihilation seriously and having an emotional break down when learning of it is probably the most rational thing one can do.

[@andreasreiser1069]

I'm glad someone is mentioning it, because to me the nuclear destruction/ABBA-moment is one of the most stunning comedy moments I've seen in my life. It's so funny but at the same time so sad and devastating to see her break down after the realization. I've watched this dozens of times and just can't get over how brilliant this is. 😊

[@nyChannel09]

"We lost at Dunkirk? Dont think so." Is wonderfully done

[@alshabib5849]

"fear honor and interest" was a great answer for what was meant to be a comedic gotcha

[@EL-mn1pf]

I love how he draws the line at Chewbacca 😂

[@garolyes]

😂😂😂😂

[@celiab.396]

Before the R2D2 question

[@SimonFrack]

@@celiab.396Jar-Jar?

[@tewks4458]

Ashley Jackson is very much "in on it" and totally gets the dynamic Diane Morgan (Philomena) is going for. He's a super funny guy that clearly understand the style of humor being attempted here.

[@100musicplaylists3]

lol, this girl makes me cry with laughter. shes a real national treasure.

[@Ashborne985]

They both are

[@talstory]

I don't see why it's so funny. I find her ignorance genuinely upsetting

[@Oof_2nd]

​@@talstory It's comedy mate, not sure how you can be angry at that.

[@sebasfrankes6501]

@@talstorydon’t know how to tell you this gently, but she is doing a performance. She is playing a character, she is actually a comedian called Diane Morgan.

[@abdulwasey3506]

​@@talstoryit's a performance mate, just have a laugh.

[@oldpain7625]

$20 bucks says Professor Jackson has headbutted at least one guy in a pub

[@TheEvilCheesecake]

do you realise that he's acting, he's playing a character

[@kendo207]

@@TheEvilCheesecake He’s a real professor.

[@TheEvilCheesecake]

You poes lawed yourself right here lol

[@v0rtexbeater]

​@@TheEvilCheesecakePhilomena is a character, all the guests are actual experts/professors

[@TheEvilCheesecake]

@@v0rtexbeater yes and they're also playing characters, especially the ones who make multiple appearances.

[@casey6556]

Him taking the “explain why we do war in a single sentence” so seriously and actually giving a very good answer is one of his finest moments

[@ForestRaptor]

The duality of these two is legendary

[@Teelirious]

"Fear, honor, interest." Nailed it!

[@leecornwell4059]

he's my fave person she Interviews. So funny

[@マリー-v4p]

He’s so charismatic lmao

[@liamhegarty3220]

Prof Jackson should be given an Oscar/Emmy/BAFTA for his performances with Philomena...he makes these interviews. 🤣🤣🤣

[@zanussidish5685]

1:49 "I don't think anyone has ever invented a root vegetable " He's beginning to doubt his own knowledge now. 😂

[@kentokenyama3449]

I kinda like how intense Prof. Ashley looks.

[@quadog9019]

From what I understand they had to edit a bit around Prof. Ashley Jackson because he was creased from laughing half the time from the interview, to the point he had trouble forming coherent sentences 😂

[@willwrite3675]

​@snowangeliquexxhis ass

[@ForestRaptor]

gods I wish that we got bloopers and behind the scenes shots a month or 2 after the release of the show. IT would be so much comedy gold

[@dgrn101]

​@@ForestRaptorI've searched high, low, far and wide and I still have yet to find footage of Diane Morgan breaking character. That takes the kind of composure that can't be learned

[@viniciusgama4796]

​@@dgrn101Diane Morgan goes to a happy place whenever Philomena Cunk comes out to play

[@RT-qd8yl]

@@ForestRaptor Learn what fair use means.

[@olufagosebambulagose]

Absolutely love this man. The way he just goes along with it and goes into a full conversation about soviet vegetables makes me laugh every time.

[@davidcattin7006]

The repartee with this guy is magnificent! The ABBA part is just hysterical. They should have a whole sitcom themselves.

[@JB-lovin]

He's so good. I'd love to see the outtakes from these interviews just to see if he was so deadpan throughout.

[@lordrevan57]

The Soviet Onion fucking kills me

[@mehg5026]

they really did match each other’s freak

[@TheArcaneMaster]

More of these two omg. The way he just rolls w it, completely unflappable is fantastic. It's like they're feeding off each other.

[@Labazz]

She just keeps going. 🤣 When you think ‘okay, it’s over’ - she strikes!

[@bohemianjiankho6832]

"Fear, honour and interest." 👏man 👏 understood 👏 the 👏 assignment 👏

[@alexandra-iuliapreja8694]

I just love his seriois face when he said he loves ABBA. 😂 Omg, love this guy!❤

[@Amlux1984]

The heroes of this are the professors who play it straight.

[@stephaniel5402]

"now that's stretching it" 🤣🤣😂😂💀💀💀

[@IDareToBeAlexandria]

He's my favorite guest on the show 😂😂 him and came a lot lady. They are so patient😂😂

[@JohnJaneson2449]

"horror show nelson" 😂😂😂😂

[@robscovell5951]

Хорошо

[@Benjiesbeenbetter.]

6:08 is an absolutely brilliant moment. Diane Morgan really nails it as a naive (or thick as ****) person realising that the world is worse than they thought it was. The Professor plays it beautifully as well, showing compassion while retaining his stern manner.

[@rdhunkins]

So we all know the professor knows this is a put on, and the way he plays along is awesome. Well done!

[@cliffcannon]

All the expert interviewees do a wonderful job of playing straight to Diane Morgan's inventive wackiness, and Professor Jackson does it exceptionally well!

[@thurnishaley1361]

Who is Diane Morgan that's CUNK

[@chinmaiification]

I love how straightforward he is in the face of her silliness. It makes it very nice to watch.

[@jatzi1526]

Ok but who wouldve been the darth vader of the british empire is actually a pretty interesting question

[@liamcragin]

Disraeli maybe? Clive? Victoria is clearly Palpatine.

[@Arvenico]

Cecil Rhodes? Though he is probably more like Tarkin... I guess Lord Kitchener, then.

[@Multi_Purpose_Weirdo]

This guy is miraculous. I love him. Ms. Cunk meets her match! He's brilliant, well-informed, and profoundly patient. Is he... Is he in on the joke, or is he just really too good for this world???

[@Multi_Purpose_Weirdo]

"Dancing Queen." *Nods sagely*

[@ericlayton8888]

5:20 is the moment he gives up

[@coolbeans5911]

the clown student wanting a challenge when the teacher says "there's no such thing as a stupid question" not expecting the teacher to actually stand by the statement no matter what:

[@zygmanfroid9709]

"The waves?" Best line

[@imranmazzarulli5293]

It never occurred to me that she may interview the same expert in multiple different programs. This, of course, brings about the question: Does Prof. Ashley Jackson ever see her and think “ugh not this lady again”

[@okiguess8103]

They know is a comedy show, just they don't know what she's gonna ask, and if they break or laugh, they do it again

[@f0960031]

I think the professionals take these interview as a way to share knowledge in an easier and popular way. Sometime they might even enjoy the interview.

[@lobstermash]

He's good at this - my guess is that his lectures are witty and he probably enjoys a good sparring partner.

[@Me-ui1zy]

Ive heard that its largely scripted. Kinda not surprising tbh, its too funny to be completely off the cuff

[@NickHunter]

@@Me-ui1zy none of the answers to the questions are scripted

[@Gtagamer187]

1:42 “How did Sir Walter Raleigh invent the Potato?” 🥔

[@smiley5ize]

This is one fantastic pairing! Top notch comedy.

[@wewper]

Prof. Ashley Jackson is really the only guy who has ever been the equal of Philomena Cunk. The replies "I love ABBA" and "Dancing Queen," deadpan and yet somehow empathetic, are the stuff of classic TV. Great hair too.

[@rdhunkins]

The whole nuclear weapons part is hilarious. He makes no attempt to console her, just goes along with it. You gotta love British Comedy!

[@Rhamirezz85]

I just LOVE how Prof. Ashley Jackson talks! So well spoken. Awesome to listen to.

[@yangerjamir0906]

How did they do this without falling off in hysterical laughter?

[@gbag37]

Editing

[@Auriel5]

He is so kind and patient with her ❤

[@philstrachan]

He has the patience of a dad explaining questions from his 3 year old daughter.

[@vicsaul5459]

I hope they get these two back ,real soon and talk about everything and of course Abba new virtual tour.

[@JesseTate]

apparently this guy was the one who had the most trouble laughing during the interview so they had to do loads of takes. I think that's fantastic (I believe they told them it was a comedy documentary going in, they just didn't know what sort of questions exactly to expect)

[@oldpossum57]

Having grown up with British documentaries on TV, from Sir Kenneth Clark onwards, Philomena Cunk is my new hero.

[@Stella1055.]

This guys such a good sport lmao. Best interview since frost Nixon.

[@mviki91]

"This was a bucannering character, and I think he could definitely take on a potato" 😂😂😂😂.

[@neansath]

This compilation has elevated human consciousness by one small but significant leap.

[@Chareth_Cutestory]

In the context of this interview "The Winner Takes it all" would have been the perfect answer.

[@cronistamundano8189]

If a professor has to explain in the sriousness and the words he used why someone was not afraid of potatoes, he should receive a "Doctors Honoris Causa" from every university in the world

[@FLESKFIST]

1:24 is the cloest he ever got to breaking.

[@eddietat95]

Press F to pay respects to those affected by War 2

[@julianosvonskingrad7009]

Me as a child: "The column with Nelson is way too high. You can't really look at him. Who had this idea? Isnt it weird? I guess its ok." Philomena Cunk:

[@Bagiette]

They're made for each other

[@daniel23554]

"Fear. Honour. Interest" -- Good response! That basically sums up why a lot people have been going to war and/or threatening war. That being said, "ego" could be traded for "honour" in a lot of cases...

[@yxx_chris_xxy]

Isn't ego covered by interest?