Family Dysfunction

'Family Guy' has been on the air for over ten years now; one of the few tv series to have literally been brought back by popular acclaim, 'thetvreviewguy' has decidedly mixed views about the whole thing. On the one hand, he enjoys the wise-cracking and general smart-assery that fills each episode; on the other hand, he gets tired of the constant need to shock or offend. He also gets a little weary of the programme's cutting edge cynicism. Peter Griffin is no Homer Simpson; there never will be another. But he does lack the roundedness (yes, 'thetvreviewguy' knows we're talking about cartoon characters here) that Homer displays in spades. The thing about clever-dick comedy is that after a while, it wears thin. Making people laugh takes more than a string of sick jokes (albeit some very funny and spot-on ones). 'Family Guy' is a perfect cartoon for the Gamer Generation: Crude, funny, superficial and repetitive. 'Stewie' and 'Brian' the dog are stand out characters in an otherwise very hit and miss comedy show. 'Family Guy' lacks the invention of a good to middling 'Simpsons' episode. ‘South Park’ has already riffed on the Springfield Set’s superiority; ‘thetvreviewguy’ thinks they’re on the money here.‘Family Guy’ gets seven laughs out of ten.

Faded Dreams

'Fade Street', Ireland's version of 'The Hills' gets 'thetvreviewguy' thinking. What is reality? Has TV extended the dramatic art form? And, above all, why? Why 'Fade Street'? The IMF may be running the country, we have daily political turmoil in our parliament and there's a palpable sense of anger and fear out there. But the reality in 'Fade Street' is whether a girl called Vogue (huh??) can get a modelling shoot or if the unintentional anti-hero of the drama, Louise, can flick her hair the right way and remember her lines, sorry, 'reality drama' reactions, or, most importantly, who scores who. It's a definite fugazzi, but even 'thetvreviewguy' has been tempted to switch over from Recession News and not just for the obvious reasons. He needs laughter as much as everybody else and if that has to come from having his jaw drop and shaking his head as these actors/real people (?) lead their post-bust 'glamourous' lives, then so be it. Maybe 'thetvreviewguy' is looking back from approaching middle-age and wistfully longing to recover his early 20s. More likely, he likes feeling a bit smug by thinking; yes, they might have their lives laid out before them but do they read books and appreciate irony. He would probably swap the latter for the former though...

Well Worth a Peep

If 'thetvreviewguy' were to invite a few comedy characters to a dinner party, he'd be really interested in having Mark, Jez, Super Hans, Sophie and Dobby over for a highly entertaining, if somewhat unpredictable evening. They are, of course, all part of Channel 4's 'Peep Show', easily one of the funniest comedies on television right now. It's stream of consciousness format, its rich group of characters and an hilarious script make for indispensable Friday night viewing. Mark Corrigan's internal insecure monologue, '(Can't do it. It's too much. I'm not American; I can't date.)' contrasts brilliantly with Jez's empty vessel persona '(Useless...all useless. I wish they were all robots...I wish I were a robot...maybe I could punch through a wall...)'. And then there's Dobby, the loved one, who Mark loves and lusts after; to Mark, she's like Mrs H...she's gorgeous, she's quite a lady. Yet, 'Peep Show' is based on a very simple premise; its a variation of 'The Odd Couple' - incompatible flat mates finding their way through life in different ways. The writing standard has stayed consistently high over the duration of the series and 'Peep Show' will doubtless go on to be rated as one of the great comedies of the last twenty years; gets 'thetvreviewguy' seal of approval

'Big Bang Theory' has Universal Appeal

Comedy Recipe: take four science geeks, a blonde bombshell, a good dose of strong sciptwriting, add appealing character acting and you have a show that makes for good, relaxing tv viewing. Perfect background fare, 'thetvreviewguy' always enjoys 'The Big Bang Theory', a show that makes physics funny and 'dumbs up' in references. Be it Sheldon's uber-nerdiness, Penny's likability or Leonard's unsuccessful attempts to be cool, TBBT provides a good dose of humour served up on a plate for the discerning laugh-hunter. Forget what you hear about American television being great; wrong - it's almost all rubbish. However, the top 2% is excellent and while shows like 'The Big Bang Theory' may not be up to 'Wire' standards, it is a great little programme that never fails to have 'thetvreviewguy' chortling and/or guffawing. It reminds this 30-something reviewer of the limitless possibilities we can enjoy in our twenties and is a funny take on the identity building at that age. According to 'thetvreviewguy's laughter equation, wit plus strong casting equals good comedy gold; again, he wishes he'd studied more during his science classes in school. TBBT definitely tickles the funny bones.

'How the Universe Works'

'Discovery UK' has an unusual mix of hard-core militaria (which 'thetvereviewguy' finds an instant turn-off), adventurer shows where the protagonists run amok, nerd-fests and the occasional superb documentary about the natural sciences. 'How the Universe Works' falls into the last category. Beautiful imagery and effects are intermingled with knowledgeable talking-head pieces from various boffins. Little of the subject matter is new but the presentation is never less than lively and exciting. Popularising science is a difficult matter; pitch it too low i.e. at the level of this reviewer, and you risk putting entertainment values over education. Aim too high and you soon lose plenty of people (ahem, same critic) in discussions over string theory and multiple universes. That's why 'How the Universe Works' works. It is a goldilocks of a TV series (see what 'thetvreviewguy' did there?). Anyone who grew up with 'Star Wars' will love the way planets and celestial objects are portrayed. In these Super Nova days it's comforting to look up to the stars and wonder what cosmic glue holds everything together. We can learn to feel bigger by realising we're smaller. Programmes like 'How the Universe' can help us do this. Live long and prosper!

South Park - Equal Opportunities Offenders

'South Park' continues to amuse, excoriate, lampoon and pillory and while it hits more marks than it misses, the long running public stock of a cartoon could be losing its lustre. The problem with 'South Park' is that, as they were good enough to point out, the 'Simpsons' have done most of their gags and themes before in a more subtle and, what they didn't say, funnier way. While frequently hilarious, the 'let's rip into both sides' trope becomes tedious with the writers having to invent strawmen to knock down. The recent 'Inception' episode was desperately weak as it tried to pick holes in one of the most original movies for the last five years. America is, despite attempts to 'restore sanity', an incredibly divided country and the 'here's what the Red State douchebags would say' and 'here's what the Blue State A'Holes harp on about' only has so much traction; you can only play both sides of the fence for so long. Still, it's very easy late night viewing and Eric Cartman is still a big-boned, foul-mouthed legend. But when you've had a go at everybody, who's left? A very funny programme well past its best before date; keeps 'thetvreviewguy''s attention as he likes satire as much as the next dude but...keep it original guys.

Overall, Quite Interesting - QI

News getting you down? Sick and tired of a recession you did nothing to cause but seem unable to fight back against?  Feel that taking a break from all your worries sure could help a lot? Then 'QI' (BBC) will provide you with some nourishing soul food and grey matter stimulation in this end of days. Polymath and all-round smarty pants Stephen Fry is our laid back host taking us down pathways of quite interesting facts and figures. It's like a very clever pub quiz with no music rounds. The success of the programme on BBC1 is all the more remarkable considering that LCD TV has become the norm, ...that's Lowest Common Denominator stoopid! 'QI' always makes 'thetvreviewguy' think of a New Yorker cartoon: funny, smart and cultured. Panel games, when good, can be a flagship part of a Controller's programming. 'QI' along with 'Have I Got News For You' prove that the BBC can still cut it. But with their license fee frozen by the ConDem coalition for the next six years, there will be less and less of these types of programmes being made. Somethings, no matter how seemingly small, are worth fighting for. Give 'thetvreviewguy' 'QI' anyday over 'Mock the Week'; there's a world of difference between smart and smart alec.

Not Half Baked - Saturday Kitchen Live

'thetvreviewguy' freely admits to not being a great cook. He's not proud of it; it's just the way it is. However he does enjoy the early Saturday morning fare on the BBC of 'Saturday Kitchen Live'. A chilled out double hosting team, James Martin and the lovely Louise Redknapp (definitely Posh Spice's quieter and classier older sister), soothe the sleep from our eyes with engaging and intelligent banter and some alluring cooking. Hungover? Well, don't worry, you'll be gently guided back into the land of the living in a relaxed atmosphere with, mercifully, very little loud noise. Avoiding the irksome cheeky chappiness of Jamie Oliver and the laughable square-bashing of hod-carrier Gordon Ramsay, there's a good degree of charm and affability about this show; more lightly scrambled than hard boiled. Ideal for getting your weekend off to a good start, 'Saturday Kitchen Live' shows that cookery programmes don't always have to be a cheap option. Without wishing to ladle the point, it's an a la carte treat for the unfussy diner. A fine blend of a production. 'thetvreviewguy' says it's puree genius. Now, back to wok...

Digging Up The Neighbours - Time Team

'Time Team' is another one of those Sunday afternoon programmes which you've never quite seen a full episode of, don't particularly dislike but have no desire to see from start through to finish. Even though 'thetvreviewguy' enjoys a bit of history, he doesn't quite dig 'Time Team'. Whether it's the all round nerdiness of Beardy Archaeologists with their 'geo-phys' kits or the constant muck and rain, it's definitely an acquired taste. Yet, like 'Last of the Summer Wine', the series has been on for what seems like forever. Tony Robinson is, well, amiable, and the edition with James 'Jim' Cameron is a hoot as Tony chronicles the Big Ego's Titanic dives. There's something reassuring about its' presence on our TV; like newspapers, and AM/MW Radio, we won't really notice it till it's gone. Okay, 'thetvreviewguy' probably remembers the archaeology society as on of the less cool ones in college but he doesn't begrudge these preoccupied diggers their fifteen minutes of fame. Ideal viewing when half asleep on a drizzly day.

Vincent Browne - Essential Maverick

'Tonight with Vincent Browne' (TV3) has become cumpulsory viewing as Ireland reels from one recessionary shock to another. The veteran broadcaster, dubbed 'Mad Dog' by both fans and enemies, has, of recent years, been afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted. Browne frequently baits his guests in his often sucessful attempts to rope a dope. He can claim to having called it correctly on the banks, never particularly cared about being unpopular and has always been 'thetvreviewguy's favourite Irish contrarian journalist. Browne, to the amusement of his viewers, blows his top, huffs and puffs and occasionaly lands the killer punch. In full flow, he can be brilliant. Other times, he doesn't seem to be trying that much. But most of the time, he tries to speak truth to power. His hobby horses can be annoying but he can scarcely be called an opportunist. His programme is like an Inquisitory version of 'Meet the Press' - he is a great 'Insider Outsider'. The main problem with 'Tonight with Vincent Browne'...it's on too late, 'thetvreviewguy' values his sleep!

The Simpsons, Still Crazy After All These Years

Okay, it's an obvious one but it's still up there in the TV Comedy Pantheon. 'The Simpsons', a great alternative to the nightly drip-drip of depressing and exasperating recession-filled news, helps us laugh at our daily woes, reminds us of the power of humour and makes us feel smart without feeling smug. Never afraid to tilt at politicians, celebrities and human foibles in general, the series provides, to paraphrase Homer, a welcome distraction from the twin drudgeries of work and family. Very few TV shows have lasted more than twenty years; it is testimony to the quality of the writing, universality of the characters and bite of some of the wittiest writing on TV that audiences are still loving this brilliant series. Yes, some episodes are funnier than others but 'thetvreviewguy' has always felt that the least funny 'Simpsons' episode is superior to the best of what has passed for TV comedy in the last two decades. Homer is Everyman and the older one gets, the more hilarious he seems. It is, by now, an American cultural icon. Here's to another twenty years of comedy gold.

Two and a Half Men not Quite Half Good

'Two and Half Men' (TAHM) is another on-in-the-background show and programme that never ceases to amaze 'thetvreviewguy' at how lucky Charlie Sheen is. His father was the most popular fictional US President ever, he (Charlie) never appears to be actually acting, and, most galling of all, he gets paid about a million bucks an episode. The storylines mirror Sheen the Younger's life to an uncanny degree; hookers, drinking and, in Philip Larkin's phrase, avoiding the 'toad work' where and whenever possible. His daffy next door neighbour is always chasing him, his brother is never quite as cool as Charlie and both do a passable job of bringing up the half man in question. It's never hilarious and frequently hackneyed but always comforting in its familiarity and is occasionally quotable. Charlie is the Slacker Supremo; we don't really want to dwell to much on his demons in the real world, we just want predictable guffaws and a easy wind down after the working day. TAHM mostly has 'thetvreviewguy' thinking 'Now why can't I get paid a shed load of money writing stuff like this?' but less so than over a myriad of worse sit-coms out there.

'Middle' Brow

 'The Middle' is one of those production line, US, ordinary Joe, family comedies that 'thetvreviewguy' would normally flick past. Instead, he likes this 'Malcolm in the Middle' copy that capitalises on Patricia Heaton's ('Everybody Loves Raymond') talents as a down-trodden Soccer Mom heading into middle-aged territory. Her hapless (okay, nobody said this was hugely original) husband and kids provide some nice comedy foils for the viewer. It's the sort of show you might have on in the background while web-surfing or reading a paper (you've heard of newspapers, right?); this is more than passable. Ideal family viewing, it takes a few swipes at the Bush legacy; we suspect that Frankie Heck is, at the very least, a Blue Dog Democrat. Worth a watch and you will find yourself smiling if not belly laughing; 'thetvreviewguy' advises a 'Hold' on this TV share.

Big Brother Isn't Watching You Anymore

Finally, no more 'Big Brother' on Channel 4. The show simply ran out of viewers, it was critically slammed for most of the decade and was dying for at least the last four years. It was a series that ruthlessly exploited weakness and character flaws in the name of democracy and inclusion.It was a morality tale constructed by amoral producers, cynical presenters, glib advertisers and duplicitous programme commissioners. It was a show that accelerated the path to fame but also speeded up the problems and difficulties of overnight success. While there were funny and even endearing moments, it was mostly tedious and contrived. It blundered into 'race rows' and other issues far beyond the programme makers competency. It made a few very wealthy while lowering standards on 'terrestrial' tv. It hadn't been followed by 'thetvreviewguy' since 2006 and even then he knew none of his friends were watching it. 'Big Brother' will chiefly be remembered for two things: a brilliantly evocative theme tune and the iconic Northern continuity announcer. TV can only get better, can't it...?

Mythbusters - Ball-Bearingly Bustingly Good

Imagine a show where the presenters get an enormous kick out of causing huge explosions, crashing cars to destruction, travelling as much as their budget will allow and you have...'Top Gear'. No, as Jeremy Clarskon might say, you don't. Instead you have the much more likeable programme and team that is 'Mythbusters' on 'Discovery'. Playing in Ireland at that great just-in-after work time slot, it appears effortless. A bunch of science and special effects geeks, and one geekess, have as much fun as they can trying to prove or disprove urban myths such as can a cent dropped from a skyscraper kill people (eh, obviously not actually carried out) and will fizzy bottles launch someone into the air. All highly entertaining and presented in a humorous and, subversively when ratings are king, educational manner. It's perfect couch TV viewing and always makes 'thetvreviewguy' smile, say 'Really?', 'No Way!', or in the words of Corey, the skater dude presenter, 'Man, that is sick!!'. 'Mythbusters' single-handedly makes up for the plethora of Hitler documentaries that are screened after it ends. Cool viewing but...don't try any of it at home.

'The Week in Politics'...a VERY long time...

RTE's 'The Week in Politics' has to be one of the dullest, beltway, anorak programmes about politics in the english speaking world. Firstly, it makes for incredibly depressing viewing on a Sunday night before the start of the working week. The presenter appears to be going through the angry motions although 'thetvreviewguy' sees him as being so inside that the only peeing he'll be doing from the tent will be in an outside direction. Secondly, who watches this? Politics is vibrant, it's about how we live our lives and impacts on us everyday yet we have a crew of jaded sophists unable to make enoromous subjects of huge significance even the slightest bit interesting. RTE is a public service broadcaster, they have a duty and, mostly, the training, to make these issues lively and stimulating. And what do we get? Chicago School economics ad nauseum, endless process stories and very little original analysis. Thirdly, if we don't get serious, proper politcal coverage, we just end up with more apathy and the state broadcaster must share in the blame for this. 'The Week in Politics' always seems like a rainy month...

Grumpy Old Men

What a load of old cobblers! BBC2s 'Grumpy Old Men' purports to channel the gripes of celebrites every day mundanites and how these get on their nerves so much that they're pracically apopleptic with rage. In fact, of course, a savvy not-so-funny twenty-something researcher/producer has dredged this topic out from the ever so predictable list of trivial inconveniences to modern, civilised life. So these 'old' (when did 45 become old?) men and women desperately pretend to be agitated by, variously, people who buy food in garages, mobile phones (yawn), teenagers and popcorn in the cinema. Oh give it a rest Grandad! This show's about as original as as an old man's wardrobe and as funny as a hip operation. But you've got to love these celebs and their 'wit'. Laugh? 'thetvreviewguy' nearly had a hernia...

X Factor? More like zzz factor

Talent shows; when are they never not on? It used to be a comfort travelling outside of Ireland and Britain being able to laugh at the cheapness and cruddyness of the Italian game show or Maltese variety contest. Laugh no more; for the last 8 years or so, we have been plagued by a non-stop convyor belt of 'talent' shows seemingly on all year round. In the process, Simon Cowell has become a billionaire, Piers Morgan an international star and a guy called Randy has become famous for using the word 'dog'. Spare us the life journey, the sob story, the laughing at the deluded, the pseudo-drama and the woefully short shelf life of the latest contest winner. For 'thetvreviewguy', talentless (sick) shows jumped the shark when a) the British Prime Minister appeared on one of them and b) a respected broadsheet asked that 'Dancing on Ice' (was it that one? Ed) and 'X Factor' be scheduled not to clash with one and other. The barbarians aren't just at the gates; they've crooned their way into the Keep and won't be happy until the whole edifice is torn down, ideally between 6 and 9pm. But it's just a bit of fun - like playing on the railway lines, our culture runs the risk of being smashed to smithereens by the oncoming train that is...'Unbreak My Heart'

Curb your Enthusiasm

Ah Larry David. You can do little to nothing wrong as a writer and little to nothing right as a character. The thinking man's everyman, Larry blunders from one faux pas to the next, avoiding his 'stop and chats', overusing his 'human lie detector' where he stares into his suspects eyes like a demented gibbon and putting his foot into it at every opportunity. It is comedy as farce but great farce. Nothing is too petty to fall below Larry's radar; you invented the Cobb Salad? Oh yeah, really? Prove it! Got a tip off about a terrorist attrocity in LA and you have a choice; stay with your wife or leave the city? A no brainer; head for the hills! The irony of course is that Larry is in real life a liberal benefactor and all-round good egg Democrat. He is also a hell of a lot much funnier than his erstwhile side-kick Jerry Seinfeld. 'Curb' is wonderfully quotable and laugh out loud hilarious. As Wilde said about the death scene of Little Nell, only one with a heart of stone would fail to laugh at this. Comedy as it should be and life as it is; superb stuff.

'Pete versus Life'

Channel 4's 'Pete versus Life' is damn funny. Think of 'Peep Show' with the commentary not an inner monologue but two actual commentators rewinding and highlighting the protagonist's gaffes and scores. Pete's a young sports journalist and a bit of weasel; the ensemble cast of twenty somethings support him and each other extremely well as he wanders his way from woman to pub to friends. The rewind gag is smart as we'd all like to to a Groundhog on mistakes; the former Geordie porter from Alan Partridge's motel gives an hilariously straight-laced portrait of a 'Sky Sports' talking head. Good for laughs either staying in or after the pub, hopefully 'Pete verus Life' will hopefully get a second series. Not reinventing the wheel but most amusing all the same, the 'Older Woman' episode is an absolute gem. Looking forward to much more.

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/pete-versus-life

30 Rocks!

'30 Rock' is one of 'thetvreviewguy's top comedies. Tina Fey never lets us down with her trademark role as smart/ditz producer trying to run a madhouse that is a tv programme a la Conan O'Brien. Her staffers love her but always have her tearing her hair out. Her boss, the splendid Alec Baldwin, always keeps Liz Lemon, or 'Lemon' as he never ceases to call her, digs the chance to tease her for her all round failure to find a man, without which, of course, she can never be happy. She is brilliantly accomplished as the classic singleton that 'thetvreviewguy' can't help but fall in love with. 'The Larry Sanders Show' paved the way for this funny, witty and sassy comedy. Definitely one for the box set.

News, News, News

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