Can anyone explain this Briticism from Spooks (MI-5)

Question

This is a dialog snippet from the TV program known as Spooks in the U. K. and MI-5 in the U. S. Specifically from season (series) 2, Episode 3.

When we join the scene we are inside a tent at a stake-out where the surveillance equipment is setup. Tom and a technician are verifying that everything works. As they work they are joined by Anton. Tom is the boss.

ENGINEER (Anton) (quite posh):
Jolly stuffy in here sir.

TOM: Accent’s a bit Bow Bells Anton.

ENGINEER (Anton): Righty-ho. Point taken.

Anton then promptly exits the tent.

I know that "Bow Bells" refers to St.Mary-le-Bow Church within the sound of whose bells one must be born in order to be considered a true cockney. What I don't understand is why this comment elicits the response it does from Anton. Can anyone explain? What "point" did Anton take from this exchange?

Feebs11 · Accepted Answer

A silly series with a silly script.

Tom is being sarcastic.

RayH · Answer

Feebs11 A silly series with a silly script.

Not exactly responsive. Of course it's silly, I dare say any of us would be hard pressed to name a TV show that's not silly.

Feebs11Tom is being sarcastic.

Not exactly informative. At the risk of repeating myself, what "point" did Anton take from his exchange with Tom?

Samuraifingers · Answer

I've never seen the show but looks like
Tom is telling Anton that his accent is a little to "Cockney".
I think Anton was trying to sound sofisticated...but failed. (he obviously sounds very "common")

In the U.K., as far as I can tell, (I'm from Canada,but watch a lot of Brit-coms) the way people speak is a source for much humour, mockery, respect, loathing, etc.

So - Anton was trying to sound "upper class" and Tom very quickly told him he didn't sound at all "upper-class" but rather "common".
This would be funnier of course if Anton is NOT from that region of Brittain.

Hope this helps!

Cheers,
Nick
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Feebs11 · Answer

RayH
Feebs11 A silly series with a silly script.
Not exactly responsive. Of course it's silly, I dare say any of us would be hard pressed to name a TV show that's not silly.
Feebs11Tom is being sarcastic.
Not exactly informative. At the risk of repeating myself, what "point" did Anton take from his exchange with Tom?

If anything, he is taking the point that his accent is faked. But I still think it is a silly series with a silly script, and that not all TV series are silly.

RayH · Answer

samuraifingersHope this helps!

Thanks, Nick. You're the only person who has replied who didn't feel obliged to make snide remarks about my viewing habits and otherwise come off as a smart *** unhelpful.

Feebs11 · Answer

RayH to make snide remarks about my viewing habits and otherwise come off as a smart *** unhelpful.

No reflection on your viewing habits. A comment on the awfulness of this kind of TV series which does no great service to the BBC's reputation.

Annvan · Answer

Tom's comment about the accent might have been a pun triggered by Anton saying "Jolly stuffy in here..." Stuffy, besides meaning lack of fresh air, can also mean prim, aloof, overly formal when referring to a person.

Anonymous · Answer

I like Spooks. It's a great bbc series.

I think Tom may be telling Anton to bring his accent down a bit to unexceptional levels that don't grate on the tender eardrums of the average MI6 office boy. In turn they would be less noticeable out in the field. (Obviously a health and safety issue when you are an undercover spy ... duh!)

I come from a regional area of England and to me all the spooks sound posh, upper middle class, born with silver spoons in their mouths, definitely went to Cambridge or Oxford and lived in the echelons of power in Big Sin City for quite some time.

But great series.

Congratulations on your viewing habits!!! from emm, Perth, Australia

Can anyone explain this Briticism from Spooks (MI-5)

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