The PM and the ABC

[artme]

I've only seen trailers and the odd bits and pieces of the ABC's new comedy about the PM.

To me it is crass an not really funny.

I think the ABC has lowered the bar for this one.


Give me the funniest and most biting of political satire any day - John Clarke and Brian Dawe on thursday nights!

[damian]

You really have to watch it. E and I watch it 3 times and laugh more at each viewing.

If your used to american/commercial TV style feed it to me on a plate comedy it's pretty poor, but there are layers of suttle stuff that are hysterical.

The boss and I laugh all week at each of the episodes that have shown so far.

Beal, Beeeeaaaal!!

The Tim Matheson character is constantly humiliated and emasculated, but if you look carefully he's the only one with a clue. All the "canberrans" are imbiciles....

It's just hysterical. Painful sometimes because it's abit too close to reality...

[jimbur]

As with you I've only seen trailers. I'm very uncomfortable with the whole concept. Satire's one thing, prolonged ridicule is another.
cheers,
Jim

[Sir Stinkalot]

I watched the first two episodes last night on iView. I quite liked the first and thought the representations of the three independents were very good and the fact that they all attended the lodge in a single cab ute.

The second episode started to slide downhill and I suspect the next two will continue along the same path.

That being said it is good to see the ABC pushing the comedy boundaries, obviously sometimes with success other times less so.

Last night when flicking I stumbled across 2 1/2 men for all of three seconds. If this is considered world leading comedy please leave me on the ABC. The use of a laugh track at the end of each sentence does not equate to a good comedy.

Obviously we are all different and if it not your cup of tea just move on to something else ..... Although I wouldn't recommend channel 9's recycled offerings.

[BRADFORD]

I think Australian and British comedy beats the American stuff hands down.
It's usually funny, the American stuff is only occasionally funny.

[Sturdee]

To me it is crass an not really funny.
I think the ABC has lowered the bar for this one.

I fully agree, by all means make fun of the deputy PM (Bob Brown is the real one ) but I don't agree that they make her partner to look like a stupid dolt.

I've met Tim in his role in the Mens shed organisation and he is a real intelligent person, nothing like they make him out to be.

It's fair game on pollies but leave their families out of it.


Peter.

[Sir Stinkalot]

I agree with Damian that Tim is the only "normal" character in the show and he seems to be the only one who can see the circus that they are all living in ..... But I guess you need to watch more than the trailer to actually be able to provide adequate comment.

[Chris Parks]

Does anyone remember a radio show called "How Green Was My Cactus"? It was a satirical series based around Bob Hawke, Paul Keating & Co. Funniest show I can remember on radio.

[corbs]

Does anyone remember a radio show called "How Green Was My Cactus"? It was a satirical series based around Bob Hawke, Paul Keating & Co. Funniest show I can remember on radio.

Was on JJJ

[Twisted Tenon]

Several people here have touched on why it makes me feel uncomfortable.

1. The sexual ridicule directed at our first female prime minister
2. The ridicule of a politicians partner.

I loved How Green Was My Cactus and the Max Gillies stuff, every one got an equal kicking .

TT

[Geoff Dean]

Does anyone remember a radio show called "How Green Was My Cactus"? It was a satirical series based around Bob Hawke, Paul Keating & Co. Funniest show I can remember on radio.

King Bonza, Paul Bearer, Bronwyn Bigchops etc.

Was on JJJ

Was also on a lot of commercial stations as well

[underfoot]

I'm not at all squeamish when it comes to comedy (particularly satire) ..We have a robust history of political pisstaking......However, one of the prerequisites for comedy is that it should be funny...and sadly..this is anything but... The producers seem to have mistaken lame ridicule for biting satire...
I did notice a few titters from the teens watching..(bonking under the Aussie flag) so maybe I'm just the wrong demographic..
Lift yer game ABC....ala...The hollowmen, Clarke and Dawe, the games, the Gillies report, Chris Lilley, Frontline, even the Chaser had a few moments but went and swapped satire for stunts

[Rattrap]

I caught my first episode of the show last night, i had been meaning to watch the series from the start but forgot it was on. I myself laughing over it last night, loved it. Sure it was a bit crass as times & even a bit tough on 'Tim' but hell its a comedy, so go for it!

[corbs]

How many people watched the show that wouldn't have as a result of the controversy regarding the flag scene?

[Ed Reiss]

I think Australian and British comedy beats the American stuff hands down.
It's usually funny, the American stuff is only occasionally funny.

...not even occasionally