'Opionated' (BBC2) is not a new format; it's a vehicle for Frank Skinner to ramble on and as such is watchable but not compelling. Like a lot of topical/news chat/quiz shows, the envelope has been pushed years ago. So, if you're prepared to watch a format that's been varied to death over the years, you may take your entertainment from the added value from the guests and host but not the structure. Skinner is old by tv standards but can still coin a good phrase and poke at some good targets; he has a genuinely thoughtful relationship with his studio audience, and, with his age and experience, knows not to act the diva. For 'thetvreviewguy', Skinner can still come up with a killer line in his clever monologue. He has become a witty, after-dinner speaker-type comic (on telly anyway), rather than a grenade-throwing provocateur and perhaps, for Skinner, this is no bad thing; it's very hard to maintain an 'Enfant Terrible' persona into middle and later age without seeming tiresome. A master of timing and an intelligent man, Skinner seems like a man at peace with himeslf; he makes presenting look easy and is relaxed enough not to let much bother him. And he has easily out-lived his former comedy partner David Baddiel as 'Talent' on network television. 'Opinionated' may not have a mean and hungry look but it makes 'thetvreviewguy' laugh. Chortle TV.
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