Black Books
Bernard Black, the bookshop proprietor in Black Books, is a foul-tempered and outlandish character. A life of drinking and animosity improves both Bernard's and Manny's experiences, making them more enjoyable. Manny has a beard, is nice, and does good things. He is everything that Bernard isn't, so Bernard punishes him over and over again just for existing. They depend on each other for meaning, just like Fran, their oldest friend, depends on them for something to do. This group's only threat to peace and prosperity is their insatiable idiocy; Black Books is a haven of books, wine, and talk.