Yeah but when I think of "The machine that goes ping" I just can't stop laughing.

It has some great moments but you're probably right, it's weaker than the first two.
I found a torrent with all 4 seasons so I am currently giving them a go, I only watched the first 3,4 episodes so far and I have mixed feelings. Some sketches are great, like the bicycle repairmen and the mice men

, but overall I found the movies a little bit funnier. Perhaps it's a little too soon to judge, maybe they get better as the show progresses. Though lots of people told me the shows were much better, so far I wouldn't agree.