TV Wrap

Analysis: Before the Game returns to Ten in 2012

2012-02-08T18:21:00.001-08:00

In case you missed the news today, Before the Game will return to Ten in 2012, ending months of speculation as to whether it would switch to Seven (in which it would lose at least one of its current panellists in Dave Hughes) or just disappear altogether.

But the fact it is remaining on Ten is probably the best news possible for both fans of the show and fans of footy in general. Here's why:

- The show will be able to air for one hour every week, as opposed to before, when it occasionally had to truncate its length due to an earlier football match starting time.

- It shows Ten's support of live TV and means that at least in the "AFL states", there will be an hour of live prime time TV every night of the week, which is surely something to be proud of, regardless of what you think of either BTG or The Project.

- It also gives Ten's Saturday nights some sort of character which will appeal to even non-football fans -presumably the Graham Norton show will follow Before the Game at 7:30pm, giving the night a chatty/comedy type vibe. Who knows, if the double act proves to be successful, it could usher in a new, low-budget Saturday night talk show- hey, people will need something to switch over to at 10:30pm after a match is done and dusted (or 8:30pm in the case of a GWS match).

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Thursday Opinion: Who Said Australian Comedy Was Dead?

2012-02-08T05:34:00.001-08:00

... Well, it was probably me, among many others, after a very weak, but not necessarily abnormal year for Australian comedy in 2011. I won't say anything other than "Lilley" and "Elton", as between the two of them, they seemed to encapsulate the simultaneous disappointing and unambitious content that Australian comedies seem to favour.

But after only a couple of months into 2012, there have already been two shows that have had more laughs to be had in only three episodes than in all of 2011.

Of course, the first is Sports Fever on Seven. Sure, you need to have a passing interest in one or two sports to find something to grab onto, but at least in the first half hour of every show, there are plenty of broad sketches, as well as some improvised, shambolic magic. But regardless of whether you find it funny or not, Seven deserve a lot of credit for adding it to the schedule and giving it a realistic time slot- what is the point of giving a sure-to-be cult favourite an 8:30 time slot (Joy of Sets, anyone?) then give critics a headline by shafting it two weeks later? Why not test the waters in a less predatory environment and allow it to build a following?

In saying that, it has pulled less than desirable ratings, even for the late shift, but you'd have to hope that the cost is so low to produce that it is willing to stick it out until at least the AFL/NFL seasons begin.

I also can't heap enough praise on Outland - the ABC's newest comedy about a gay sci-fi club. Hilarious characters with memorable, quotable lines (Adam Richard's Fab is a stand-out, and surely should already be front-runner for a Logie in 2013). The only aspect which will hold it back from being a monster hit, is, well, its lack of mass appeal (manifest in both its sci-fi references and, er, very sexual references)- this is by no means a bad thing, but it does mean it will miss out on the bulk of the mainstream audience.

On a side note, though: it does seem a shame, though, that there are only five more episodes to go. If the ABC were to have forgone the massive publicity campaign for Adam Hills In Gordon Street Tonight (worth thousands of dollars, surely), they could have afforded a few more episodes of smart, well-written scripted comedy such as this.

And just like Underbelly and Channel Nine were able to single-handedly revive Australian drama in this country (or at least set some sort of standard), all it takes is one show like Outland to strike some sort of chord to relaunch the next generation of intelligent comedies - and with Woodley, This Christmas and Josh Thomas' Please Like Me still to come, there appears no reason to give up on Australian comedy just yet.

Analysis: Who will fill Ten's host vacancies?

2012-01-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

So, in 2011 Ten had two reasonably successful shows: The Circle (if only because it managed to chip away at Kerri-Anne's audience enough to spook the execs into trading her in for a younger model) and Can of Worms (only because it was able to weather the initial barrage of criticism for a haphazard format and uncertain tone to complete its run of episodes and therefore warrant another run in 2012).

There's also Ten's new breakfast show... called Breakfast, which, months after being announced, is still missing a female co-host.

So, it's no wonder that many of Australia's media C-list (I mean that respectfully, of course), would be clamouring to grab one of the plum gigs made available by Chrissie Swan (and Denise Drysdale's) departure from the Circle, and Dicko's bizarre exit from Can of Worms.

But, the problem is, even gossip columnists are having trouble coming up with possible candidates for the roles.

One name being thrown around for the Circle job is Celebrity Apprentice winner Julia Morris. Yet she is apparently so inundated with offers that The Circle could even be at the bottom of the pile.

And the Herald Sun has even thrown Livinia Nixon's name into the mix, yet any suggestion of a defection from Nine to Ten seems bizarre, especially given her long relationship with the former.

And apparently talks have broken down between Jane Kennedy, which I feel isn't exactly a terrible outcome- not to say that she isn't a good TV personality, but I just feel that she doesn't possess the same off-the-wall, crazy personality as say, Yumi or Chrissie.

My initial thoughts were that Kate Langbroek would be a great choice for the show, yet her breakfast show on Nova 100 in Melbourne would almost definitely prevent her from making a permanent shift to TV.

There are also the other regulars on The Circle who I believe would be able replacements, such as occasional reporter Aleisha McCormack (although Ten is most likely looking for a bigger name) or even George McEncroe, who have both proven to be both funny and witty throughout the year.

Another Circle semi-regular, Em Rusciano would be a risky, yet inspired choice.

And since we're going left-field, why not head way, way left-field: how about Natalie Tran of Community Channel fame- if you don't know what I'm talking about... (try this).

Comedians Sean Lynch and Andrew McLelland have both been valuable additions to the Circle team, but are probably better suited to their weekly segments. And, then there's that whole thing of them being, well, male.

So there's not really a shortage of potential co-hosts out there- as long as the some semblance of a personality, they should eventually grow into the role.

But it's a different kettle of fish when it comes to hosting jobs- take Can of Worms. There, Ten need to find someone who is simultaneously quick-witted, straight-talking and also naturally funny (where Dicko was probably let down). He also wasn't a natural host or being thrust in the limelight.

So, who should fill his shoes? My initial thoughts were Dave Thornton, comedian, and also experienced TV host (which are hard to find these days), having hosted a tonight show on Melbourne Community TV. He is also very funny. The only test would be whether he can take a back-seat for the majority of the show (after all, Can of Worms is about the format primarily, the host should ideally facilitate it).

Gretel Killeen, I'm sure would also do well in the role, and many would have forgotten how well she hosted Big Brother back in the day, before the Logies debacle, her axing, etc.

And though it's unlikely to happen, wouldn't it be good to see an up-and-comer given a shot, someone like Dan Ilic, who previously was under-utilised on Can of Worms.

But really, there's only one choice that really makes sense to me- what about Meshel Laurie? A proven TV performer who was thrust into the shadows in the first season of Can of Worms, and deserves a shot at the top gig.

And then there's Ten's Breakfast show, which Kim Watkins has apparently already turned down. Sandra Sully seemed the obvious choice to me at first, but her name hasn't been mentioned, as far as I'm aware. Natarsha Belling and Helen Kapalos are also popular newsreaders, but seem to be more suited to the more serious environs of the newsroom.

Gorgi Coghlan, of the Circle, would be a good choice, but another Circle exit would mean yet another headache.

So, what are your suggestions for these three roles (The Circle, Can of Worms and Breakfast)?

Analysis: Breaking Bad (UPDATED - Season 4) Death Count [SPOILERS]

2011-10-19T01:19:00.000-07:00

Interested in how many people have died on AMC's hit show Breaking Bad? Well, here's the place to find out...

Remember, it's very possible to make a case that all of these deaths can be tied back in one way or another to the actions of one Walter White... if you're willing to debate, shoot off below in the comments.

For those playing at home, that's now 231 deaths (unofficially).

Bring on Season 5, eh?

* Emilio (Walt)
* Krazy-8 (Walt)
* No Doze (Tuco)
* Gonzo (Accident)
* Tuco (Hank)
* The Convient Store Clerk (Robbery of the ATM that Spooge and Mrs. Spooge did after robbing the ounce of Blue Sky meth and cash from Skinny Pete)
* Spooge (Mrs. Spooge)
* Turtuga (Cousins)
* DEA agent (Cousins)(from tortoise explosion)
* Combo (Tomas)
* Jane Margolis (Accident/Walt)
* Wayfarer 515 (167 lost) (Accident/Donald Margolis)
* Donald Margolis (Suicide)
* The Smugglers truck (11 + 1 unborn baby; woman in the right wearing red could be pregnant) (confirmed by the number of shots fired and a visual count) (includes the driver of the truck) (Cousins)
* Mrs. Pekatewa (Cousins)
* Bobby the Reservation Officer (Cousins)
* Man in the parking lot (Cousins)
* Cousin Marco (Hank)
* Cousin Leonel (Mike)
* Bolsa’s bodyguard #1
* Bolsa’s bodyguard #2
* Juan Bolsa (hired assassins – presumably Mike)
* Tomas (10 year old)(Rival dealer #1/Rival dealer #2)
* Rival dealer #1 (Walt)
* Rival dealer #2 (Walt)
* Mexican gunman #1 (Mike)
* Mexican gunman #2 (Mike)
* Mexican gunman #3 (Mike)
* Mexican gunman #4 (Mike)
* Gale Boetticher (Jesse)
* Victor (Gus)
* Truck driver #1 (Cartel)
* Cartel gunman #1 (Mike)
* Cartel gunman #2 (Mike)
* Truck driver #2 (Cartel/Gaff)
* Gus’ armed guard #1 (Cartel/Gaff)
* Gus’ armed guard #2 (Cartel/Gaff)
* Mike’s operative (Gaff)
* Don Paco (Gus)
* Don Caesar (Gus)
* Don Renaldo (Gus)
* Don Fortuno (Gus)
* Don Cisco (Gus)
* Don Luis (Gus)
* Don Escalara (Gus)
* Gaff (Mike)
* Don Eladio (Gus)
* Joaquin Salamanca (Jesse)
* Ted Beneke (Accident/Skylar)
* Don Hector ‘Tio’ Salamanca (Suicide/Walt)
* Tyrus Kitt (Walt/Tio)
* Gus’ bodyguard #1 (Walt/Tio)
* Gustavo ‘Gus’ Fringe (Walt/Tio)
* Gus’ bodyguard #2 (Walt/Tio)
* Gus’ bodyguard #3 (Walt/Tio)

Well, this is awkward...

2011-10-18T03:52:00.001-07:00

So, after a long absence, I'm back. Who cares, I know. But anyway, here's something:
Ricky Gervais today tweeted:
"G'day Australian fans
An idiot abroad 2 starts this Wednesday on your lovely channel 10
And Karl goes to your neck of the woods for a swim"
Now while this is a nice little tweet to us Australian fans (he knows we exist!!), it unfortunately is incorrect. Now let me make clear: this is no fault of Ricky's, I'm sure, and this isn't a post to attack His Greatness, rather, to attack the supposedly "lovely" Channel Ten.
You see, this week, Ten originally planned to screen An Idiot Abroad: The Bucket List, but did a massive back-flip, and instead air the first series (only months after it finished airing on its digital channel One). Now obviously, it is to capitalize on its relative popularity on the digital channel, but it's another case of Ten treating its viewers with contempt, and now it has been shown up on a global scale.
Ricky, Karl, et al, keep up the great work. Ten? At least pretend like you care about your viewers and give them want they want (maybe give Gervais a call?)- maybe
then your figures will crack a million.

UPDATE: Say what you like about Gervais (such as the one mindless article criticizing his newfound presence on Twitter), he interacts with his fans like no one else- and thanks to this fact, someone pointed out to him that it is indeed season 1 not season 2 airing.

"“@steveq91: @rickygervais is it? The channel is advertising as if it's repeats of season one! #stillawesome”

Oops. Yeh season 2 soon tho"

Hopefully Gervais' statement is true, and S2 isn't too far away, but if Ten had any foresight, they could have easily replayed Season 1 a month or two ago, so that they could fast-track Season 2. Oh sorry, Ten, let me clarify

Fast-track: verb. To air a TV show a reasonable time after it has premiered in another country

To Do List: The Office Season 8

2011-09-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

(Minor season 8 spoilers)

It's hard to believe, but the Office has made it to an eighth season, and while it still ranks among the top comedies on TV- both ratings and critically wise- it is showing some natural signs of wear and tear. And with the exit of the most central character and star in Steve Carrell's Michael, will the show be able to find a new spark, or will it be the show's shark-jump?

Here are some things it will need to do in order to make this season a successful one:

1. Give the supporting cast some substantial story lines.

For what seems like years now, it has been hinted that the supporting cast will be given more of a chance to shine, but for many a week, The Office seemed to continually fall back on the old guard of Jim, Dwight and in particular, Michael. Many expressed their thoughts on the over-emphasis on these characters, and for a while, it only served to make these characters either more cartoonish, or more unlikeable in making them mere caricatures; how often do you remember groaning at Michael acting like a petulant kid (seemingly leaving behind seasons of character development), or watching in horror as Dwight became even more detached from reality- almost to the point of a mental breakdown. The over-focus on Jim as co-manager in the sixth season drove many away from the male component of "Jam" (see no.4) as he became increasingly exasperated with his role (I should note that I wasn't an opponent to this idea, as it showcased a different side to Jim, it just didn't seem to draw that many laughs... and hence it didn't sit well with many fans). Basically, why wring all the life out of the main cast when there is a treasure trove of great characters still waiting to be mined. One of my favourite moments of the past couple of seasons character-wise, is when Michael finds out that Stanley was having an affair (Season 6, Episode 1 - Gossip)- it was not only an unexpected revelation but also fleshed out Stanley's character. Since then, plot lines for the rest of the supporting characters have been few and far between- and when they arise, they are largely insignificant (where has the Angela- gay state senator relationship gone?). But hopefully, there are hints of a mother-daughter revelation between Phyllis and Erin that look promising, as well as hopefully some others...

2. Make Robert California a funny character.

Yes, it's that simple. Because, as much as guest stars such as Kathy Bates (who played the formed CEO of Dunder Mifflin-Sabre) were good actors, there weren't exactly barrels of laughs to be had when they were in a scene. And you might say the same about Idris Elba's Charles Minor in his brilliant Season 5 arc, but he played it so uniquely straight that it allowed other characters to shine. Also, the newest addition to the cast Cody Horn (who plays Jordan Garfield) was rendered so ineffectual and devoid of personality that it was easy to forget her character even exists - let's hope they find something for her to do. So most importantly, James Spader needs to at least provide some spark in the form of humour- he certainly showed glimpses of it in the finale, so here's hoping it is ramped up to 11.

3. Shake up the Jim/Pam dynamic

I'm sorry, "Jam" fans, but ever since the couple got married, then had their first child, the once wildly popular dynamic between the pair was largely quelled to within an inch of its life. The writers are understandably in a tricky bind; obviously viewers want to see them happy together (any suggestion of a separation would not only send fans into blind fits of rage, but it is also completely implausible, knowing the characters), but comedy is not often (in fact, hardly ever) built on situations where everything is hunky-dory. Conflict is necessary in any interesting plot-line, but any attempt at driving even a slight wedge between the pair (such as the Season 7 Danny Cordray plot-line in which a former boyfriend of Pam's shows up at The Office) has been aborted by the writers before things got too ugly (Timothy Olyphant's Cordray came and went within the one episode). So, what to do? Just give them interesting plots for them to share, and trust that the writing will be snappy enough to get it over the line? Or perhaps change the dynamic entirely (which I'd hoped would happen a long time ago, with Pam undertaking the Office Administrator role)? Let's just say that for mine, the second baby plot will be a make-or-break moment for the couple...

4. Install either a boss that will shake things up.

While Michael was a great character, storylines (or at least the A plot) became too predictable: Michael comes in with crazy idea/costume/voice, a meeting is called, everyone says something crazy, Dwight pulls out a knife, Jim and/or Pam say something sane, end episode. A new boss could make things very interesting indeed.

5. Get back to the "Office" plots

What better way to win back original fans of the show than to bring the show back to its roots. The UK original was a show about human nature in and around the everyday machinations of an office- and for that, it needed to be based around the hum-drum exercises of office life. And for much of the early US version, it revolved around this key concept- and while the show has obviously departed quite notably from the original, it would serve it well to get back to basics.

That means less plots about the mafia (Season 6), movies with Jack Black and Jessica Alba (Season 5) and dull corporate reshuffling (Season 6) and more about gossip, meetings and costume contests.

***

In saying all of this, I realise that it may sound like the ramblings of an Office-basher, however, for a show that has lasted seven seasons, to have only five points that I take issue with, is surely nothing major. If it could even address one of them throughout the season, I believe it could extend its life by at least one more season. And it is still fundamentally a great show, why not prove the critics and naysayers wrong by propelling itself once again into the brilliant show category?

Teaser: The Office new boss to be a new cast member?

2011-09-22T05:17:00.000-07:00

Surely, after all this stringing out of the new Office boss talk (which realistically began soon after Steve Carrell's departure was announced), they wouldn't introduce another outsider into the mix?

Well that seems to be the case, as, in addition to James Spader, there will be another addition to the cast, who may step into the boss' chair.

Here's the quote from NBC Chicago:

"...they've kept a lid on the revelation of a SECOND major cast add, a mysterious someone who'll step into the Scranton managerial seat vacated by Carell"

With all the Kutcher-Two and a Half Men talk, it seems to have overshadowed this big reveal.

But you'll still have to wait until Thursday night (Friday, AU time) to find out the real answer- will someone really overtake Daryl, Andy or Dwight?

A quiet word on last night's Joy of Sets

2011-09-20T23:25:00.000-07:00

OK, so we've all had a night to stew on the Joy of Sets...

The show itself was a unique beast - at least in Australia- as there has been no show with so much critical acclaim, and the biggest madly devoted cult following, as that of Get This (or the team of Tony Martin, Ed Kavalee and the late Richard Marsland).

This show was almost never going to live up to expectations, and even I admitted that mine were unreasonably high.

And yes, it was an uncomfortable sprint from beginning to end, and for fans who loved the longer-form FM radio format of Get This, they would have found the unbelievably scripted nature of the show constricting. Part of the charm of Get This was the (perceived) ramshackle feeling of the show.

But in getting all that out of the way, for a pilot of a fairly newish format (let's face it, it's basically the love-child of The Gruen Transfer and TV Burp), it was bloody fantastic.

I can honestly say that this half-hour of TV was the best thing I had seen on Australian TV all year - I know that there isn't much competition, but the mere fact that the show didn't treat its viewers like idiots (see: Ben Elton Live From Planet Earth) and wasn't a carbon copy of another successful format (The Renovators, anything else...)

Now again, I'm not saying it was a brilliantly funny first go, but it did not disappoint, which is pretty high praise from someone with already lofty expectations.

However, on a side note, I should address the format again- many people are saying that giving it time to bed-in will allow it to breathe a bit more, but the fact is, Tony and Ed have already filmed 5 or so episodes (correct me if I'm wrong), and the pacing is likely to be just as brisk- especially given the fact that the eps ain't getting any longer, and you can't accuse Tony and Ed on being light on for material (they've only been off air together for close to four years) so they'll want to cram as much stuff as they can in.

But this isn't a massive issue- in fact, for many shows, too much material would be a good problem to have, and you have to forgive the pair (both have experienced the fickle and brutal nature of the commercial broadcasting world) for trying to give it their absolute all.

Most importantly, the main thing I hope comes from this show - assuming it gets to air all of its episodes (which, at this stage, is looking fairly likely; as much as people have lamented the fact it has aired on Channel Nine, at least they have given them a go, and at this very moment in time, getting a leg-up on the back of the much talked about Two and a Half Men reboot is the best chance at success they could get), is that Tony and Ed get free reign to build their own show from the ground up. As good as Andrew Denton's production company is, they all start to look a bit the same after a while- they're either edgy, controversial or a bit insightful (or a combination of the three), and please don't mention the opening titles, which, while nice and dinky, induced cold sweats as I remembered the opening titles for the man who haunted many of my dreams many a year ago.

While it's a good format, I hope it's looked back on as being a successful launch-pad for a long career at Channel Nine (I know how unconceivable that may sound, as the words successful and long wouldn't exactly be commonplace around the non-existant halls of Channel Nine anymore), but hey, if it can happen to Shaun Micallef at Ten (someone who seems similarly boxed-in to a format to an even greater degree), surely it can happen to these two.

5 Second News: Geelong vs West Coast to be live across Australia on Ten

2011-09-19T23:07:00.000-07:00

The match will kick off at 2:20pm, and AFL fans should consider themselves very lucky with this news, as Ten have shown nothing but contempt for Footy fans since they lost the AFL rights.

And, as is the case with the Grand Final, it most likely won't be broadcast in HD- so tune into Channel Ten.

Celebrity Apprentice Australia: Names Revealed!

2011-09-12T03:22:00.000-07:00

Well, the official names for the Celebrity Apprentice Australia have been released... and it seems to have landed with more of a thud than a bang- but hopefully there will be some surprise packages.

Here are the "celebrities" for this inaugural series:

OK, so there's your sports stars in Wendell Sailor (NRL), Lisa Curry, Warwick Capper and Shane Crawford (AFL).

Reality TV veterans in Jason Coleman and Polly Porter (of "Polly and Waz" fame from the Block)

There's a comedian in Julia Morris.

There's a model/actor in Didier Cohen and Jesinta Campbell...

And a singer in Deni Hines

There are also some live-wires in Max Markson and Pauline Hanson.

Now here are some observations

-On the surface, it doesn't look to be a particularly exciting line-up. OK, there are some talented people in the mix, but in a show like this, you'd hope for more "personalities" to stir things up a bit... but hopefully all of them together could be a winning combination (?)

-A great deal of these people are serial reality-show pests, with Pauline Hanson and Wendell Sailor appearing on Dancing with the Stars, Julia Morris appearing on It Takes Two

-The show has a great deal to prove to viewers that a "Celebrity" version is more worthwile than an average Joe version- the first series was an underrated, decent little show, and Mark Bouris is a fearsome, yet great asset to the show. Smash-hit The Block was perhaps indicative of a shift back towards watching average people, rather than the flood of It Takes Twos, Dancings, The Singing Bees, etc.

-Surely it's some sort of irony that Channel Nine are simultaneously employing Tony Martin and Ed Kavalee and Warwick Capper.

File this one under a tentative One to Look Out For.

Review: At Home With Julia: Style with not much Substance

2011-09-07T05:59:00.000-07:00

While this new ABC comedy based on the life of Prime Minister Julia Gillard is superbly acted, it isn't as funny as you would hope it to be.

So, no one knew quite what to expect coming in to this show, but the big questions were; "Is it necessary?" and "Is it a unique, comedic look at our flagging leader?"
Well, let's start with the positives:

The show looks great; from the actors, who not only look the part, but are mostly note-perfect in their portrayals. But unfortunately the portrayals were the best part of the show, along with the general feel of the show. It feels warm and inviting, and is nicely filmed and directed. And while its direction isn't quite "mockumentary" in style but it borrows heavily from that now well-worn format.
However, it is symbolic of the show's lack of confidence in its own style- it isn't a biting satire, but it isn't a sketch comedy either.

So, the "satire" aspect; it was clear from the outset that this wasn't going to be an out-and-out satire. It was as much a relationship drama as anything else (the first segment of the show revolved around the scheduling of Tim and Julia's "date night", and the not-so-hilarious emasculation of Tim).

But at the end of the day, it was sold as a comedy, and did it hit the mark? Well, no. Don't let the classy ABC production values fool you, this is not another "subtle" comedy- there are just not that many jokes.
And when there are jokes, they come off as weak efforts, with the writers not wanting to lambast anyone.

Take the moment when Julia is sipping out of a mug with "KEVIN 07" on it. She takes a sip and screws up her face. She then says "Bitter". This not only treated viewers like idiots who can neither see, nor interpret a visual joke, but it also showed the level the series is aiming at; if she had not said "Bitter", it would have meant that Rudd's knifing and legacy had left an indelible, irreparable taint on the current government; but the fact she said "Bitter" simply meant to get across the point MY TEA IS "BITTER" BECAUSE KEVIN RUDD IS "BITTER".

There was also a small plot to be discerned in the episode, with there being something about cooking dinner for the three independents which involved non-Australian beef and non-Australian beer. But this bit seemed more slapstick than anything else (there was bleach put in a blender with beef).

There were also fairly bizarre side-plots with security guards (who FALL ASLEEP with a GUN in their car) and some rascal kids who tease Tim (about being a HAIRDRESSER) which were neither relevant nor funny.

But to be fair, there was a cleaner called "Jesus", which I generously assumed to be some sort of nod towards her atheism- if only I could understand the metaphor... And there's a dog called "Bill Shorten", which I thought was quite well done, but crossed the believability line too much to be hilarious.

But, I kept asking myself, what was the point of making this series? It isn't exactly to bag out Julia Gillard (though she isn't exactly a strong, assertive character for someone who is meant to be PM; she calls Tim cutesy pet-names, for one, and also ogles a topless male gardner- score one for female empowerment) and it isn't to have great belly laughs at a couple in a domestic setting- with one of them happening to be the most powerful person in the country... And coming in to this show, I was sure I'd heard all the Gillard jokes and innuendo by now- this show didn't prove me wrong.

In fact, the word that came to mind a lot is "gentle" (which isn't necessarily a bad thing); No one in the world is going to be offended by this series (also not necessarily a bad thing)... And after all, the writers at least seem to be having a go- there were enough good moments to make me watch next week...

But surely we can expect something a bit more given the fact that it's one of our only "sitcoms", and one of our only political satires- surely we can raise the bar higher? If only the comedy had a bit of spark from somewhere, as in its current form, this comedy won't have anyone splitting their sides.

Your First Look at Modern Family Season 3!

2011-09-07T02:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks to SpoilerTV, here is your first look at Season 3 of Modern Family... and there's already a location change (albeit a brief one) on the cards.

Episode 1 of the third season will be called "Dude Ranch" and here's what it's about: "Our favorite family decide to don their cow boots and hats and head to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for some fun and adventure in the great outdoors. While vacationing on Lost Creek Ranch, they try their hands at a little cattle herding, skeet shooting and horseback riding; there are also some big firsts, a huge surprise and an actual face off between Jay and a foe - a cowboy named Hank!"

Here's my take: while Modern Family is a good show, it too often relies on the same Modern Family schtick which the show pioneered in the first season. Yes, it is good schtick, but too much of it becomes tiresome. For example, above you can see the uncomfortable sexual suggestion between Phil and Jay on the horse (I just hope Brokeback Mountain isn't mentioned at any stage- but I almost know it will be) and there's Cam in an extravagant outfit... but apart from that, there is every chance that the show can remain just as fresh as it seemed in its first season.

You'll also get to see the "new" not-so baby Lily for the first time, which should hopefully help to shake things up a bit. Episode 2 will be called "When Good Kids Go Bad", and here's the synopsis; "Mitch and Cam plan a nice evening with the whole family to break the happy news that they're looking to adopt another child. However their parade is rained on when they realize Lily may not take well to another baby in the house. Meanwhile, Claire and Jay are each consumed with proving a certain point. "

These two episodes will air as a one hour special when Modern Family returns on September 21. See the rest of the photos here.

Heads Up: The Joy of Sets to premiere Tuesday September 20

2011-09-07T01:16:00.000-07:00

At long last, Channel Nine has decided on an air date for the much-anticipated show, The Joy of Sets... Or the televised incarnation of Get This.

It's September 20, where it has a timeslot of 9pm Tuesdays.

Don't know about you guys, but I think I have some unrealistically high expectations for the show, but if it's even half as good as Get This was, Tony (Martin) and Ed (Kavalee) should be responsible for one of the best shows of the year.

... Because the people want ducks!

AFL Finals Update: Geelong vs Hawks live to Sydney and Brisbane

2011-09-06T20:11:00.000-07:00

The AFL has today announced that Sydney and Brisbane will be able to watch Friday night's preliminary final between the Hawks and the Cats LIVE... but only on 7mate, Seven's digital channel.
More updates to come...

AFL Finals Week 1 FTA Viewing Guide

2011-09-05T02:05:00.000-07:00

Here's where you can catch all your favourite players and coaches in the lead up to the first week of the AFL Finals Series.

(This post updates)

Monday

Geelong coach Chris Scott on One Week at a Time - One HD - 9:30pm

Thursday

Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse on The Game Plan - One HD - 8:30pm

Friday

Preliminary Final - Geelong vs Hawthorn - Channel Seven -7:30pm LIVE

Saturday

Preliminary Final - Collingwood vs West Coast - Channel Ten Melbourne

Elimation Final - St Kilda vs Sydney - Channel Ten Sydney

Before the Game - TBA

Sunday

Elimination Final - Essendon vs Carlton - Channel Seven - 2:30pm LIVE

News: Seven to air its Week 1 AFL Finals Live

2011-09-05T01:15:00.000-07:00

zimbio.com

According to the Herald Sun, Channel Seven will be going ahead with live footy for at least the first week of the AFL final series- which is exactly the way it should be, of course.

This means that the Geelong vs Hawthorn match will air live in Melbourne on Friday night (and 10:30pm in Sydney) at 7:30pm (with the match commencing at 7:45pm) NOT 8:30pm as it is advertised.

The Carlton vs Essendon will air on Sunday at 2:30pm (the match kicks off at 2:45pm).

News: Wild Boys beats Underbelly in its premiere, but Australian drama the big winner!

2011-09-04T19:54:00.001-07:00

Australian drama seems to be in the best shape it has been in in recent memory, with the top two shows on Sunday being Wild Boys and Underbelly.

Wild Boys pulled 1,674,000 for its premiere, topping the night, and giving Seven yet another hit Australian drama.

Its early time slot in 7:30pm didn't hurt it, and Nine didn't put up much opposition with a fairly weak 60 Minutes.

However, Nine wouldn't be too disappointed, with Underbelly:Razor grabbing 1,550,000 (though Seven still won the night).

But again, this is a huge vote of confidence in Australian dramas- and ones that are actually well-written, stylish and snappy at that.

For once, networks will now feel compelled to commission new dramas, rather than doing it out of obligation to fulfill drama point quotas.

Heads Up: The Slap to premiere Thursday October 6

2011-09-04T19:39:00.000-07:00

The ABC drama will premiere at long last on October 6 at 8:30pm.
The 8 part show, based on the novel by Christopher Tsiolkas, will call Thursday nights home- which will presumably push Crownies out to 9:30pm.
The show centers around the aftermath of a man who "slapping" a child at a barbecue... Who said there's not enough Australian comedy on TV?

News: The Big C Renewed for a Third Season

2011-09-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

Showtime has decided to renew quirky drama The Big C for a third season.

While this while please fans of the Laura Linney show, as well as Channel Nine, who broadcasts the show on their digital channel GEM, other people will be a bit puzzled by this news.

I for one am one of them; the show started off as a fairly decent drama about a woman with cancer, but has developed into a show with bizarre plots and a revolving door of guest stars that would leave many wondering where the show is going.

Nonetheless, many people will be delighted by the news- and to them I asked, for a lapsed viewer, is it worth getting back in to?

Opinion: Packed to the Rafters... With Men

2011-08-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

What on earth was the deal with Packed to the Rafters last night?

In the Seven drama's first post-Rachel episode (Jessica Marais departed the show to pursue other avenues overseas, hence her character left the sunny borough for greener pastures in the big Apple), the show was remarkably heavy on male characters.

Whether this was a concerted effort or not, it would still be mildly disconcerting for any Rafters fan.

Let's give the show the benefit of the doubt for a second; maybe the show wanted to have an episode that was more heavily male-influence in order to establish the core cast of characters- let's face it, it didn't have a great deal f female characters to start with.

And given the show centered around Dave's relationship with his estranged father, it kind of makes sense to place an emphasis on the men.

However, even a show about male relationships needs to feature women in some worthwhile capacity...

And last night's show didn't exactly do that.

Last night, the men in the show were Dave and his father; Coby and Jake; Carbo, Ben and Nathan; and Michael Caton's Ted. Oh, and in case that wasn't enough, we also had Jake's brother who has cerebral palsy literally drop in.

Amongst that, we had - count them - two female characters: Julie Rafter and "Retta". Neither of them had any real bearing on the plot; Julie was being a "worry wart" at the beginning and Retta said something to someone at one stage.

And symbolic of the dearth of female presence in the show, there was actually a pink balloon with a picture of Rachel's face taped on to it floating around. The question had to be asked: why wouldn't the show just replace the existing characters with balloons, and maybe introduce a few more to address the balance.

All attempted humour aside, hopefully the show can not only introduce some substantial female characters soon (a couple of actresses have been hired, apparently), but also give its existing characters some decent storylines (next week Julie looks to have a decent enough storyline, so we'll see how that goes). It also needs to give Retta some personality so that she doesn't just have to act as the foil to Carbo (come on, her name literally complements his- Carbo-Retta, etc.).

In a nutshell, the show has not coped, or even attempted to deal with the absence of female characters; first it was Sammy who left, then it was Mel, now Rachel. Other strong-ish characters like Chrissy and "Chel" are nowhere to be seen.

It simply has never recovered.

If it can do address this imbalance, the show's prospects look good- and will show that the show can survive the loss of key cast members, but if it can't, I'd be very worried for its future (at least creatively).

News: The Chaser has a "new" show - The Hamster Wheel

2011-08-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

theage.com.au

Well, after all the rumors of the Chaser boys splitting up or going their separate ways, they will be back with a "new" show on the ABC again.

The show, called The Hamster Wheel will "examine the contemporary media landscape, where everyone from journalists to political fixers is perpetually at risk of spinning out of control"- something that sounds like a cross between Hungry Beast and well, its old show The Chaser's War on Everything.

Not that it's a bad thing, it just would have been good to see the ABC experiment a bit more with a new team, or an entirely new format.

I repeat- some satire is better than no satire on Australian TV, and Yes We Canberra showed the Chaser still have a bit left in the tank.

So it's clear the team are well and truly back together after a multitude of solo projects; Andrew Hansen's Strictly Speaking bombed, and Craig Reucassel's Balls of Steel hasn't exactly been met with rapturous reception.

It will be an 8x30 min part program and will air later this year.

5 Second News: Good News World to Premiere Monday 5th September

2011-08-30T18:48:00.000-07:00

The "rebooted", "refreshed" version of comedy stalwart Good News Week will premiere September 5, Monday 9:30pm.

I don't like to judge shows before they air, especially not Australian ones, but this looks pretty bad.

You be the judge:

It looks to be a mix between a sketch show, and all manner of other things.

Oh dear, let's hope this won't be as bad I think it will be...

Your First Look at The Joy of Sets (In Pictures!)

2011-08-29T00:41:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the following photos posted on the Facebook page of upcoming Channel Nine show "The Joy of Sets" (featuring Tony Martin and Ed Kavalee).

Those hoping for a "Get This with pictures" type scenario will be delighted with the following images.

Basically, if the words "Warwick Capper" and "Long Blonde Locks" mean anything to you, you will not be able to wait for this show...

There's also a look at the set, which looks to be a fairly relaxed set up of two comfy chairs, and shelves decked out with various accoutrements.

And by the looks and sounds of things, the show will feature various recorded and live sketches (see Tony Martin choreographing a musical routine of some sort below). There will also be a "Block" sketch.

News: Community Season 3 Promo released!

2011-08-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the first new trailer for Community season 3 below. We know already that it will feature John Goodman (who features in the clip) in a recurring guest role (as Vice Dean Laybourne), as well as Martin Starr and Michael Kenneth Williams.

And it's clear Goodman is being used as a large selling point this season... you can see him cut Dean Pelton down to size in the clip.

And yes, that's a very dishevelled-looking Joel McHale pictured above (and seen in the clip)...

Community returns on September 22.

News: David Hicks' first TV interview on 7PM Project

2011-08-27T02:46:00.000-07:00

In what is a massive coup for the Monday-Friday news program The 7PM Project, it has nabbed an exclusive first interview with ex-Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks.

Ten are promoting this as Hicks' "First Australian TV interview" in which he goes "one-on-one" with 7PM co-host Charlie Pickering.

It will apparently be "Tell all", with nothing off limits.

Even though the ABC say they aren't after ratings, they must be slightly peeved that 7PM have stolen their thunder a touch. They have been promoting their Australian Story Special (which has been brought forward to this Tuesday August 30 at 8:30PM) by saying "For the first time on television, David Hicks tells his story".

Either way, they should both make compelling viewing (hopefully they approach the interview from slightly different angles... Though it's unlikely).

And it's also the coup the 7PM Project so desperately needs- it has been whacked in the ratings by The Block of late. It could jump start the show's last quarter of the year to justify it returning for 2012 (which it will, at this stage).