Disqus - Latest Comments for Ross

Re: Warneke/McGuire/Mitchell Transcript

Ross — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 06:51:04 -0000

I reckon there's been trouble. Love Terry's stuff, but the comments from various sources after almost everything he posts have been getting nastier and nastier, especially the pro 9 and pro 7 factions which surprising don't seem to get along.

Hope it's back up and running soon...

RB

Re: Maybe you can overthink things

Ross — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 22:41:59 -0000

Gold!

Re: Yasmin is no longer getting married…

Ross — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 05:48:00 -0000

< "funny how David Mott named The Wedge as one of Tenâ€™s hits, considering last weekâ€™s ep got only 26,000 more viewers than Yasminâ€™s premiere">

As we've said before on the show it's all about perception with 10 - like last year: The OC was a cool, hip hit on 10 whilst rating about the same as Last Man Stand, seen as a disaster on 7.

I actually think it was pretty ballsy of 10 to can Yasmin so quickly. Thinking they have had a good run of new shows this year but this one has failed, so pulling it quickly.

Re: Rome gone?

Ross — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 01:26:31 -0000

Screw them. Blood channel 9 & the bbc...

Re: Rome gone?

Ross — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 08:02:44 -0000

I read it too, although post show.

I agree, and just like the fact Ch 9 respond by sticking their heads further and further in the sand and whining that their revenue is down.

Well, quit treating your audience so shockingly.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 54

Ross — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 01:03:57 -0000

I thought I was logged in, but clearly I wasn't.

Don't know what happened to the random character thingo.

Didn't know about the design a monster comp. The monster once revealled did remind me a lot of Fat Bastard from Austin Powers but that probably had more to do with the performance and directing.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 54

Ross — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 01:56:40 -0000

TV UPDATE

Second ep of Studio 60 was great. Definitely keep watching. Very much in the style of The Wing.

Unfortunately Six Degrees isn't cutting it and I'm not going to bother watching any more. Too many clunky cliches, too much of that overdone painful New York vibe.

RB

Re: Boxcutters Episode 54

Ross — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 09:26:41 -0000

Agreed Fourth

Watched the first ep of Heroes tonight and was seriously impressed whne expecting to be more 'meh' - early days but promising.

RB

Re: DL Tips

Ross — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 21:45:30 -0000

Pity there isn't one show from the Diwana list I have any interest in - other than Bookclub which I have seen.

Also, forgive my probable ignorance, but isn't all the ipodnova stuff for ipods? Meaning they're smaller size so don't look that great on a regular tv?

RB

Re: Boxcutters Episode 56

Ross — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 23:42:03 -0000

Thanks Esther

And Rob - think we'll be looking at Dexter next week on the show - that and Brothers and Sisters maybe.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 56

Ross — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 23:43:20 -0000

Interesting article. I still like Tench - lots of funny stuff last week talking about probably getting cancelled and taking advice from Mick Molloy.

It's still got a way to go, but it's very clever and has a lot of potential (although it seems the makers of the show and I are the only ones who think so).

Re: Jericho gets picked up (Ugly Betty too)

Ross — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 21:23:23 -0000

Haven't give The Unit a look all though I think it's doing ok in the US.

And Alias? Who knows? Bloody Channel 7! They did say at one point that it would be back in the second half of this year, but don't hold your breath. Maybe summer.

It's a good season too. The first few eps are little 'mehh', but then it really picks up to an exciting conclusion. Well worth a look, especially if you are an Alias fan.

Re: Ten’s short breaks

Ross — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 20:51:13 -0000

Yep, I agree. And although I haven't studied it fully I get the feeling the next ad break is longer to accommodate additional ads.

But there is no "Hey, go to the toilet, these ads go FOREVER" type voiceover.

Re: 24 trailer

Ross — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 08:42:00 -0000

How many times can the guy die?

I remember when Kiefer was going into series two and saying it would probably be the last - comparing it to Die Hard and not wanting to push the plausibilty of the same thing happening to same guy over and over...

What's this - series 6???

That having been said 24 is fun and I am sure I'll watch it.

And Wayne Palmer as president!

Re: half orders

Ross — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 19:16:35 -0000

I thought The Nine had lots of promise, but 3 eps in I'm giving up. Whatever interesting things I thought might be there aren't and I really find it hard to care about any of them. Plus it is verging on difficult to sit through.

Re: Last chance to see

Ross — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 19:19:02 -0000

Thanks for the heads up.

It's been pretty good this year I reckon, and I am very concerned for it's future.

Marieke's comments in her column in the Green Guide were interesting.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 59

Ross — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 18:17:07 -0000

GOLD!! Serves Maccas right. Although why didn't they buy the domain name in the first place?

And really, who is seriously looking at this webpage hoping to find out "the truth" about McDonalds and how wonderful they are?

Re: Dexter Gets Second Season

Ross — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 22:58:27 -0000

That would be my tip, assuming the book is more or less Series 1.

It will be interesting to see whether they try to structure Series 2 in the same way.

Has anyone read the book?

Re: Studio 60 Gets a Full Season

Ross — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 03:34:08 -0000

Fantastic news. Very well deserved.

Lets hope they do the same with Friday Night Lights and soon.

Re: sad………

Ross — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 07:22:27 -0000

What, like as a crawl during a clip? Classy...

Re: If you liked Frasier . . .

Ross — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 06:14:28 -0000

.... struggling......

......so many good gags........ espeically with the topic title......

....trying to be nice......

(Sorry, don't like Frasier)

Re: ENORMOUS news…

Ross — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 06:36:46 -0000

Lets hope. I could see a spot for Letterman straight after Sports Tonight, but that is as a disgruntled Letterman fan desperately hoping Ten gives is a better go than Nine ever did.

One would think if they bothered to aquire it then they are going to show it at a good time, but who knows?

Re: ENORMOUS news…

Ross — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 20:41:54 -0000

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: ENORMOUS news…

Ross — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 20:42:56 -0000

Actually I shouldn't speak too soon. I will have to wait and see how they show it.

Re: YES or NO?

Ross — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 01:44:20 -0000

Great job Daniel G!

10.5 Apocalypse [8:30 Fri, 7] - YES. Although I won't. Bit of a soft spot for disaster terrible disaster movies.

The Dish [8:35 Fri, 10] - No. No chance. Patronising and dull.

The Inside Film Awards [10:00 Fri, SBS] - No. To reward what exactly?

A â€™sing-alongâ€™ version of High School Musical [7:00 Sat, 7] - YES. (but only in the interested of being fair and balanced - nobody else said yes yet - otherwise no)

The Mask Of Zorro [8:30 Sat, 10] - No. See next.

Communications Minister Helen Coonan speaking at this yearâ€™s Andrew Olle Media Lecture [10:35 Sat, ABC] - No, although I did enjoy last years. If only they could combine these last two as Minister Coonan speaking as Zorro. Or Zorro interrupting somehow.

So You Think You Can Dance [8:30 Sun/7:30 Mon, 10] - No chance.

Ashes To Ashes [9:35 Tue, 9] - No. (Good concept Eddie - really earning your 6 Mil. How many more concepts can you spin off the Footy Show?)

House at the â€œnew appointment timeâ€ of 7:30 [Wed, 10] - NO

Ads interrupting programmes on SBS - No. How bloody annoying. Gets me every time.

Doing this each week - Definite YES. great work.

Re: Lights picked up

Ross — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 01:46:17 -0000

Would have worked better if it was cancelled. Something like 'Lights Out For NBC footy show'

Re: YES or NO?

Ross — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 03:36:15 -0000

To clear possible confusion - Ashes to Ashes is the Nine attempt to recreate the Footy Show but about cricket. Part of the reason they signed Ponting and resigned Warne.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 61

Ross — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 01:43:36 -0000

We kept promising teeshirts we could never provide, plus we never figured how to get live calls into the podcast to answer questions.

What was the reviews of old shows? Like things you may have missed? I can't remember...

Re: Boxcutters Episode 61

Ross — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 01:44:02 -0000

ps - the teeshirts are coming.......

Re: Boxcutters Episode 61

Ross — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 04:34:59 -0000

Brett never cracked the APT either - drove him nuts.

Before Strangley Complelling Content it was just Compelling Content and before that it was Bits and Pieces - although not really a formal segment.

Ahhh, the memories...

Nostalgia is so in at the moment we should have started with it before we began podcasting.

Can't do anything in regards to the Six Million Dollar Man after the Bionic Woman fiasco.

Re: Response to OJ

Ross — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 05:39:03 -0000

Rupe stepped in and the show and book have been canned.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 62

Ross — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 06:44:24 -0000

No, keep commenting. I like the pre-emptive strikes - people theorising about the show before they listen.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 62

Ross — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 15:45:29 -0000

Ooops. I'm sure we would have realised Richards was live had we actually been able to watch it on tv (thanks Channel 9). And the info I had at the time was that it was a recorded message.

Also, no need to apologise over incorrect spelling or grammar - if we did I'd have to spend as much time apologising as posting!

Re: YES or NO? Week 2

Ross — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 15:53:12 -0000

1) Wimbledon [8:30pm Fri, 10] - YES. Is it that time of year again already? Love the tennis.

2) Iron Chef America [8:30pm Sat, SBS] - NO, unless Bender is up again.

3) The Idol final [7:30pm Sun, 10] - NO, but very very pleased to see the back of it. Let's hope the winner is as successful as whoever won last year.

4) The Comic Relief thing [7:30pm Mon, 7] - NO CHANCE. Kylie bloody Mole back again. This is part of the problem with comic characters in this country and why we can't just let them die.

5) The StarDancers final [7:30pm Tue, 7] - NO, although I am intrigued how Kouta made it through. What a line up - a washed footballer vs a teasing chess champ.

6) The 2006 Glass House Awards For Eksalince [9pm Wed, ABC] - NO. Not really a fan.

7) Look Whoâ€™s Talking [not the movie; 8:30pm Thu, 9] - YES. Definitely. State of the art special effects. Pre Pulp Travolta. Pre pounds Kirsty Alley. The genius of Bruce Willis voiceover. Not quite as good as the sequels though, especially the one with the talking dogs.

Thanks again Daniel G

Re: YES or NO? Week 2

Ross — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 06:03:07 -0000

I have just been informed that I will be watching "Look Who's Talking" and since we're not recording the show this week it looks like I will have little choice.

Think I'd prefer the movie.

Re: Some Boxcutter imagery

Ross — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 07:04:22 -0000

Agreed. It's great. Good job Rob.

Re: Who will save Wa Wa now?

Ross — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 07:05:16 -0000

Poor little flower. Too beautiful for this world.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 62

Ross — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 05:16:25 -0000

Thanks for that Nigel P. I was beginning to think I was crazy and had just made the whole thing up.

And JB - I'll see if I can check out State Within and Robin Hood too.

It's easier to follow the states shows, just because of all the din about them.

Re: YES or NO: Belated Summer of Shitty TV Edition

Ross — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 23:02:51 -0000

1) The King Of Queens [7pm Weekdays, 9] - YES or NO - No. I dread it every year. Makes me hate summer (which is hard). Even the ads make me want to smash the television.

2) Weeds [9pm Tue, 9] - YES or NO - No. Unedited would be good Channel 9 idiots.

3) Life As We Know It [10.30pm Tue, 7] - YES or NO - Unsure as to what this is...

4) Australian Princess [7.30pm Wed, 10] - YES or NO - No. Sign of a top quality show, a local production aimed at Summer.

5) Da Kath & Kim Code [repeat; 8.30pm Wed, ABC] - YES or NO - No. It was unfunny and dated enough last year.

6) The Loop [8pm Thu, 7] - YES or NO - God no. I've seen a little and HATED.

7) 2006 AFI Awards [9.30pm Thu, 9] - YES or NO - No. Self congratulatory crap with absolutely nothing to celebrate. What, hooray "Kenny"? Don't get me started.

8) Movie: Blast From The Past [9pm Fri, 9] - YES or NO - Mildly innofensive enough once.

9) How The Hell Did We Get Here? [7.30pm Sat, ABC] - YES or NO - Or How The Hell Did We Get This? No Chance. To quote Shane Bourne: "There are a lot of these 20 to 1 shows, but this is markedly different because the ABC has trawled through their archives and found some gems". Yes, markedly different. Idiot.

10) Movie: Flashdance [9.30pm Sat, 7] - YES or NO - No.

Bonus Question: Who should replace Naomi Robson as host of Today Tonight in 2007? They should bone the whole show. But my prediction on who will (not should) is Anna Corrin.

Re: Boxcutters Special Episode Alpha

Ross — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 18:52:45 -0000

I'm glad you're my friend Kerrie - I wouldn't have it any other way.

Yes, sorry about the download factor. Twelve months ago I was hammering Josh for the same reason - too much of his best & worst hadn't screened here. A year later we're all doing it.

I think unfortunately it is the nature of the beast to some extent. Whilst television gets better and better in some respects, the manner in which it is treated by the networks in this country gets worse and worse.

Rob is spot on. If you can get yourself a pc where it is comfortable to watch (not just possible - most pcs aren't set up for tv watching) or a DivX dvd player I am sure the boxcutters family can help sort you or any other family members out.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 66

Ross — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 07:08:27 -0000

So, did you like it??

(Hard to be sure from your post)

It was pretty aweful. And I agree Tony Martin was the only good thing.

I remember Josh commenting in '99 that he thought the only way to continue the show was to have some fresh new people doing the talking.

Re: Boxcutters Special Episode Alpha

Ross — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 07:09:51 -0000

Pretty sure it was acid. ;-)

Re: Dave Good, Dave Bad

Ross — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 08:03:13 -0000

That is interesting about the Dave Bad. I guess Sixteen Candles can have yet another showing. I'm still old school and go purely from the Green Guide.

High Def would be great.

Damn that ad-supporting programming!!

Re: Dave Good, Dave Bad

Ross — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 23:50:01 -0000

Was it on? Did anyone watch? About 10:30 I thought 'Now, I must not forget Dave tonight' and that was the last I thought about it.

Re: The O.C. gets canned

Ross — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 16:54:51 -0000

That's GOLD!! It didn't even occur to me. Must be off my game.

Re: Where’s the Challah?

Ross — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 08:39:42 -0000

Thanks Rob

Rest assured, it's coming...

Any minute now...

Re: Boxcutters Episode 68

Ross — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 18:58:17 -0000

Was it worth the wait, Rob?

(What am I saying - of course it was......)

Re: Boxcutters Epsiode 69

Ross — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 03:37:56 -0000

Ooops. Sorry about that.

No more doing the blog for me then.

Josh might have to do the pay tv thing as he's the only one who has it.

Re: Who will tend Jamie’s garden?

Ross — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 06:47:48 -0000

Again GOLD Fourth. King of the puns!!!!

Apparently he's been picked up by 7 and (hold your breath) IS going in the next series of Dancing With The Stars. Wonder how many show it will take him to get his gear off? Ho hum.

Also, The Age is reporting he wanted 2 Mil for a part time contract with 9 to balance his overseas career. Little wonder they said no. A lot of money when they have no show for him.

("The Durie's out" Hee, hee, hee!!!)

Re: Who will tend Jamie’s garden?

Ross — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 08:49:57 -0000

Gee, 7 are quick.

Just saw a new promo featuring Durie.

Re: NBC Pickups

Ross — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 07:16:20 -0000

Hooray!! Somebody else likes The Office (as opposed to all those who look at me like I've got cancer when I say I like it...).

Re: NBC Pickups

Ross — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 18:07:01 -0000

I can understand why you would feel that way Fourth. Undoubtably the UK version is genius.

They are very different animals though (The US version already has almost 4 times as many episodes) and I think in transposing it for the American market they have done an amazing job.

It is a really strong ensomble cast and the show is consistently funny, much funnier than Extras, 5 Men, The Dumb Adventures of Stupid Elaine, How I Met Your Mother, Joey, My Family, Till Death, Help Me Help You or just about any other crap they pump out on air as a comedy.

Re: I do buy it: Ritual

Ross — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 01:35:11 -0000

Wow, freaky....

Planning to play the music from that on tonights show.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 70

Ross — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 07:20:27 -0000

Next week is the last on RRR for the time being.

Nice to know you miss the longer shows though.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 70

Ross — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 21:46:34 -0000

We'll have to wait and see. Unlikely to be anything before the next program grid in April and then I guess it will depend on whether RRR are happy with us and whether an appropriate 1 hour spot is available.

Re: 7 canes them

Ross — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 07:45:36 -0000

MoBo - Desperate Housewives and Lost were both pretty high, well above the 2 Mil mark. And Prison Break. Look for the encore Tuesday.

Can't say enough good stuff about Heroes.

Will be interesting to see what happens with House though... God, medical dramas, hey? Can't live with them, can't beat them to death with a stick.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 71

Ross — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 08:08:24 -0000

There is no boom in Neew Zealand production. They aren't producing loads more dramas and even if they were I hardly think they are waiting for a whole lot of Australians to come over so they can employ them to fill key production positions. In fact I would imagine it would be very hard for an Aussie to get work over there because they quite rightly would want to protect their industry.

And the 'move to New Zealand' argument is ludicrus anyway. It's fine if you can pick up and 'go where the work is' but that is simply not possible for people with families or lives or limited finances.

Bottom line - local content laws were supposed to ensure we have local content. Channel 9 screening a New Zealand drama which the New Zealand government kicks in a reported $400,000 per episode does nothing to assist local content.

I can understand the man on the street (not a Boxcutters listener) a regular Joe having this attitude Josh, but you are fully aware of how hard it is to get work as a writer in this country. You know how hard it is to get production made. Why aren't you outraged about something that makes it harder?

Re: 7 canes them

Ross — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 07:12:01 -0000

Great list isn't it? About what 19 of them are garbage.

Just Kidding (9) 2.064 - That must be a joke.

Re: 7 canes them

Ross — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 17:29:19 -0000

I think that first ep of Aus Survivor was enough for most people. When they had the first immunity challenge which neither team could actually finish - complete balls up.

The series got a little better towards the end, but I am pretty sure I was the only one watching by then.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 72

Ross — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 07:33:33 -0000

Is Ronaldinho in it? See, I can't concentrate past the first square.

That is why I asked Josh what he thought as a Pepsi drinker. As a Pepsi hater, I switch off straight away. Could be the best ad in the world, but straight away my mind says "Stupid Pepsi".

Thanks for finding the ad Catbrain.

As far as Jamie Redfern goes - I still don't buy the old people insurance ad. OK, so he crashes into someone who knows him - maybe, but that person also wants tickets to his show - unlikely. And the guy missed out because the shows were sold out - impossible.

Re: New Lost

Ross — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 06:49:40 -0000

At the moment we are only 7 behind - the US scheduled 6 late last year and are now running 16 straight.

Ch 7 will slip further and further behind though with school holidays, non ratings and random assortments of weeks off.

Re: New Lost

Ross — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 01:43:45 -0000

I apologise UNRESERVEDLY if I gave away anything to anybody not up to date with the American season.

I was forgetting that Sawyer has not even found the motorbike yet on the Channel Seven feed.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 73

Ross — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 06:27:31 -0000

When it looked like all games were going to be on free to air Andrew Demetriou was talking up what a huge win that would be for footy fans. By his own logic then this deal is quite the opposite.

I agree the AFL has screwed up too. Once again the local fans have taken a hit in favour of the national competition and increased money. But it is not that surprising from them given the AFL has engineered so that not Victorian team has even been competitive come finals for the last 4 or 5 years.

But that's a whole nother argument.

That's interesting re: Studio 60.

Rob - What else is on the list? Joey? Courting Alex? I should be able to think of more...

Re: Back to front and outside in

Ross — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 17:08:47 -0000

Yep, or at very least grew up the Simpsons.

The episodes in question are quite different, but still... I know I am probably on my own here, but I would prefer them to have stopped making new episodes at all rather than plunder old ideas like this.

And while S18 has been better than S17, that is hardly a ringing endorsment.

Re: PBL Buys Nine(WA)

Ross — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 06:25:24 -0000

All I seem to be doing is apologising of late.

Do you really think they're playing Monopoly Brett? I can't imagine having Perth would mean a greater sales price for the netwok (aside from the fact it is now four stations not three). Then again business is really not my strong suit.

It is an interesting and unexpected move. It makes sense from a television point of view if they want to win the national ratings - 9 Perth has been a disaster for them, now they can pull them into line.

But as Brett said all we have heard from PBL of late is hoorah casinos, boo television.

Re: HD TV - Language Warning

Ross — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 06:05:24 -0000

Good rant Bolden!!

Couldn't agree more about 7 and their HD - could it be less short sighted.

And that is the BEST idea for a multi-channel I have ever heard, one stays with the cricket, one goes to the news.

Re: The ‘No’s’ have it…

Ross — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 07:59:30 -0000

It's the original, not the poorly explanation pointed, made for TV version we discussed in one of the early episodes.

And 'What's wrong with Donnie Darko?' EVERYTHING. It's a horrible stupid moronic film, that stunk of Emperor's New Clothes. It is as crap and annoying as the pointless and painful Tears For Fears cover that befouled the soundtrack and has polluting the airwaves ever since.

I agree with Brett that people should tape if only for the pleasure of then smashing the video into a million pieces*

*Boxcutters only recommend smashing actual video tapes. While short term benefits may be the same with dvd hds and pvrs, the satisfaction will dissipate much sooner.

Re: The ‘No’s’ have it…

Ross — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 01:39:48 -0000

The Empreor's New Groove - Movie Yes from memory, although I haven't seen it for a while. The Emperor is Putty from Seinfled (Patrick Warburton).

Re: The ‘No’s’ have it…

Ross — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 07:59:18 -0000

I'll consider it...

(I could never hate you Kerrie)

Also, I didn't see that Britpop doco Live Forever was also on this week. Definitely Movie Yes.

Re: NOT news

Ross — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 00:54:29 -0000

Exactly. Couldn't agree more. How much did they spend on that stupid Comm games pool anyway? Surely it was for events like this??

I suppose it is 'government logic' - like Tony Abbott claiming that because his approved hike in health insurance prices is going up by less than recent similar hikes people are actually saving money.

Stupid swimming. And cross promotion or not I am sure it will rate through the roof.

Re: What I would have been reporting on

Ross — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 16:01:50 -0000

Yep, I mentioned last week on the show that The Code was in trouble, but I am surprised it is disappearing this quick. Good to have Whats Good For You back, so we can all be patronized to and get told the answers to ridiculously obvious health questions (ie Do we really need sleep?).

ACA was in good gloating form this week over the whole woman in chains story. They actually used footage from Media Watch to highlight their claims that it is not the first time TT has been caught out lying. Funny watching ACA cite Media Watch as though they are old allies. Something about a pot and a kettle.

I misread the 'at' in the Barber article and thought he'd been moonlighting as MC Raheen. Not sure what that would entail but I was pretty keen to check it out.

Re: NOT news

Ross — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 21:12:22 -0000

If they did fill the pool with beer maybe they would be having better luck with ticket sales.

Re: Networks still don’t get it

Ross — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 06:43:41 -0000

Obviously I haven't read the reports of his study in detail, but I fail to see how it could be anything but subjective at best.

A representative sample of which shows? From where?

We have a much smaller market here than say the states. Not everything from there makes it into the screen here at all. How is that counted? Or is it just comparing shows that screened here over the past two years? If so does it take into account that most shows have a drop in ratings as they go on?

From experience I would suggest most shows seem to come on with around the same lag - Fall season shows start here in Feb or maybe mid year.

You can make stats do whatever you want (87% of people know that). I think the main difference is people are far more involved with television and have more idea of what is going on, thanks largely to the internet. And that gives more people the opportunity to say 'why aren't seeing this, why aren't we seeing that?'

Some shows seem to take a while (Extras Season 1), some seem to come quick (Extras Season 2), but it doesn't feel much different to me.

Am I alone on this? Does anybody else think the study is more likely flawed than accurate? Or does everybody else think 'yeah, there's much more lag - that's why we're all pirates'?

Re: Anti toddler-hoon legislation claims its first scalp

Ross — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 06:48:33 -0000

I'd like to hear more about the 'effects' model (although this is perhaps not the time or place - maybe I can enrole in one of your classes). Just knowing from Fry who is one and a half is pretty much all monkey see monkey do at this point.

But obviously he would never take off in the car and banning this ad is absolutely ridiculous.

Re: Networks still don’t get it

Ross — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 18:05:53 -0000

That's complete correct about sci-fi - lucky if it gets shown at all.

But using BSG as an example - 10 tried it in a prime timeslot, then it has been shunted around to different timeslots and stuck in as a summer fill. Obviously any treatment of this sort this will increase the lag time.

There are heaps of shows like this that kind of linger in the schedules with no real homes and there are constantly new shows starting which this happens to. Again, we have a much smaller market and not everything gets shown.

You could start his study at any point and jump forward 2 years and claim lag time was on the up.

He singles out the O.C., but look at Jericho. It was the other day and date program, 10 screening it within 24 hours of the US. But it has already started back in the states and no sign of it here. Does this prove his theory that lag time is increasing? (My God! That means in just 6 months lag time has increased from less than 24 hours to 3 weeks, 4 weeks, or however long it takes 10 to get off their arses and show it. It's out of control! etc, etc)

Or is this simply an example of the way television here works?

Re: The other Captain Jack To 10

Ross — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 16:47:44 -0000

Sorry about that. Interesting that they picked up two series when the second hasn't been finished yet.

Waste if they only show three episodes or so then bin it.

Re: The other Captain Jack To 10

Ross — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 07:35:40 -0000

What about Catbrain? She said 8:30. and Fourth said 12 - 16 year olds and 10pm. And Alex said 3 halves.

Are all those numbers ok?

Re: NOT news

Ross — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 07:21:57 -0000

This week we have found out (on seperate nights) that apparently the water is all green and that you can't see from certain premium seats.

STILL NOT NEWS CHANNEL 9.

Re: Pay TV Statistics

Ross — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 07:43:24 -0000

We used to have Optus for the same initial reason as Catbrain, then we moved and now don't have pay.

My understanding is that Foxtel usually rates somewhere between the ABC and Ten (say around 15 to 20% of the total), but that is for all channels combined, with the individual channels rarely rating above a star - too few to actually call a number (oztam and the chickens logic at work).

I guess the deal is though that Foxtel is continually growing and shows no signs of stopping. And now people are really beginning to notice its bite more - world cup cricket, footy, The Young and The Restless. Darker days ahead.

I would say the 60/40 split sounds about right. People still like to keep up with what other people at work or at school are watching, like say House or Heroes.

And to be fair they couldn't really show something of the quality of Three Days of the Condor on a channel with such a terrible slogan as â€œThe Movie Plex At Your Placeâ€. It's much more intune with showing mind melting garbage like American Pie 2 or Superman Returns over and over and over again.

Re: The ‘No’s’ have it…

Ross — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 02:03:51 -0000

Dirty Ewok Shoes?

Star Wars Holidays Edition?

We give a bad name to Heroes fans?

I'm confused as what these mean, regardless of how bad a film Donnioe Darko is.

Re: Commercial Network Websites

Ross — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:09:48 -0000

I agree about the Nine/MSN sight - the only one I have bothered to look at much. I long ago gave up trying to find any relevant info about the actual channel on the sight. They should at least have easily to find mail address, phone and email, but they have nothing like that.

Does anybody actually use these sights to find out info about anything? Obviously we should and would if they were better, but I wouldn't even consider it. The only reason I can possibly think I would bother is maybe to get the Lost clues (even though the episodes they relate to are somewhat behind where I am up to).

Re: Boxcutters Episode 75

Ross — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 04:44:36 -0000

If you write it Kerrie, rest assured Brett will read it out. Right now he is reading this trying to figure how to get on ep 76.

Glad it seems to be ratings yes - I find it all very interesting, especially at this time of year.

Re: The Corby, Today Tonight fight gets a whole lot uglier…

Ross — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 06:19:55 -0000

I know.

And I love Channel 7 saying 'We didn't lure her there' when they had several hidden cameras and Jodi Powers lurking in the car park.

Why else would Mercedes go if she didn't think it was a way to help Schepelle?

Re: The Corby, Today Tonight fight gets a whole lot uglier…

Ross — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 06:54:42 -0000

We were recording the show, but I saw a large chunk (possibly all) repeated on Nightline.

Although there is quite a bit of pot kettle name calling, ACA do have a point. There is no way Channel 7 come out of this looking anything but awful at best. And no matter what you think of Mercedes or the Corbys, to then try and flip it and attack Mercedes character...

The scary part is how many fools actually watch TT.

Re: The Corby, Today Tonight fight gets a whole lot uglier…

Ross — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 05:46:07 -0000

I hope none of the above comments by me implied anything other than a complete loathing for ACA. Yes, they seem to be having a better run than TT at the moment but that just means they're not getting caught.

Both shows are manipulative, exploitative, drivel for the masses, thriving on fear and stupidity.

I simply meant in this case ACA did a good job pointing out exactly how terrible TT were. Much better than in the previous 'woman chained in her retirement home' gloating where they used footage from Media Watch as though ACA and Media Watch were old allies in the fight for reputable broadcasting.

Re: South Park is back but…

Ross — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:11:10 -0000

Season 10 is great.

The first ep of Season 11 "With Apologies To Jesse Jackson" is topical given recent attempts by the city of New York to ban the word 'nigger'.

Whilst you are probably right - they are probably not deliberately screwing viewers - treating viewers with contempt is little better. And this out of order nonsense is more typical of Channel Ten and their handling of the Simpson over the years.

Re: South Park is back but…

Ross — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 23:16:08 -0000

'Mr Garrison's Fancy New Vagina' was the opening of Season 9. Season 10 was execptional, with almost all the episodes being good, except for 'A Million Little Fibres' (about Towelie's book and Oprah's vagina). And 'Go God Go 1 & 12' the double future episodes were fantasic.

I liked last weeks 'Cartman Sucks' ep too, but I am a big Butters fan.

Re: Senator Coonan has no plan (again)

Ross — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 06:40:02 -0000

The government do seem to have misjudged the mood somewhat here. Clearly many people are very keen for a plan like this. Labor's initative appears visionary, while Liberal's claims it will set the country back 20 years is just ridiculous.

Last night Coonan came across as arrogant and out of touch.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 77

Ross — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 06:47:41 -0000

Yes, I was shocked with Josh's funniest show on TV at the moment comment. Each to their own I suppose.

And Dishy I completely agree about Simpsons. The decline was and continues to be heartbreaking.

I think South Park is pretty good, especially when they nail it. Often though they just lose me. I used to say it was maybe 50/50, but season 10 was a really improvement.

Re: South Park is back but…

Ross — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 06:55:07 -0000

I was wondering whether the controversy had something to do with it too. The end of Season 9 start of 10 had Tom Cruise suing, the "return" of Chef, Bloody Mary and the cartoon wars - all controversial.

By the way this week SBS are screening the Mystery Of The Urinal Deuce which is two after Tsst.

The real question is will they show the Steve Irwin featured Hell On Earth 2006 ep.

Re: BROSS

Ross — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:15:14 -0000

Thanks for the Sopranos heads up, but settle down H_H. I don't think Rob was 'doubting' you. And even if he was, does it matter? Like you said, why do you care?

Re: Boxcutters Episode 79

Ross — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:26:22 -0000

There was definitely a half-hour version of RocKwiz when it first started...

Thanks Catbrain. Can't wait till Brett reads this. He'll be so like, 'Man I was wrong...' (Or more likely he'll forget ever saying there wasn't a half hour version.)

I don't understand where the Family Guy love comes from, but those affected are pretty smitten and verbal. Yet their arguments for don't seem to progess much past 'It's so random and abstract'.

Personally I can't watch it. I guess I have to admit I just don't get it...

Re: Trump retains hair, loses dignity

Ross — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 02:18:04 -0000

I agree. Pingback sucks.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 79

Ross — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 02:42:32 -0000

Gee, I try and be all diplomatic and suggest maybe it's just not for me and I still get caned!!

What do you mean how can I criticise it? The fact that I can't sit through Family Guy is because I find it unwatchable.

Manbearpig was a great ep. So much so I rewatched it on Monday night.

I think I have put forward my liking South Park reasons numerous times on the show, but I will happily do it again here. We'll create a big new Family Guy Vs South Park topic and I will go to town.

Why have I got Al Gore's voice in my head saying "Family Guy is really funny guys. I'm totally serial"?

Keep it coming Dishy.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 79

Ross — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 09:40:41 -0000

It was a funny ep. It was funny when they were lost in the cave, especially Cartman finding the gold. I wasn't expecting it to be a prop from the tour.

And I liked the portrayal of Al Gore as a deluded, friendless loser. I don't instantly believe that is what he is like or that global warming is not real and he is drumming up a completely ridiculous, self promoting scare campaign. Or that he has difficulty with words such as 'serious'.

I also don't believe Barbra Steisand in a giant metal monster, or that Ben Affleck has butt cheeks where his face should be or that Angelina Jolie has multi generational lice colony in her pubic hair or any of the countless things South Park has suggested about different celebs.

(Although it is possible Paris Hilton has questionable morals)

How are they going to parody Gore? Just say he's boring? It's been done.

There is a difference between parody and agenda. I don't feel there is any subtextual agenda there to discredit him and global warming to the South Park audience. They are just parodying that perception of him.

*I should add I have always liked Al Gore and think he should have been president in place of Bush and don't doubt for a moment he would have been had he used Bill Clinton more on the campaiugn trail in the run up to the election.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 77

Ross — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 09:44:30 -0000

That is a real shame about Heroes Kerrie. I can see how that would be an issue. Maybe it is contributing to the ratings bottoming out.

Ad free it seems to flow quite well. Maybe some sort of PVR is called for to limit the impact of ads.

Re: South Park Vs Family Guy

Ross — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 09:46:54 -0000

Yep. I completely agree with that Rob.

And Dishy â€“ itâ€™s good to see we agree on at least two things. Humour is very difficult to describe or explain and Butters rocks.

Of course I have criticism of South Park (I was just describing what I liked about it), but no I havenâ€™t up to now seen it as political propaganda. And I should admit I know absolutely nothing about Libertarians (except that Ayn Rand was one I think and the only mention of her in SP was a completely caning for The Fountainhead, so bad Officer Barbrady swore never to read again after he read thatâ€¦). You do raise many interesting and thought provoking points, for example they do seem to attack left wing targets more, which I hadnâ€™t noticed. I think what you are saying has a lot of merit even if I am not completely sold as yet.

Where I think we really disagree is the reading of the episodes. You say there was an obvious political motive in the 24 ep â€“ what was that? That the Americans have a long list of enemies? That if the world was like 24 the British would be next on the list to attack? The over-riding â€˜lessonâ€™ I saw from the episode was that you can trust Muslims. And that fear and politics and racist idiots like Cartman have made America a near intolerable place to live if you are Muslim.

And I didnâ€™t get the â€˜hey, shit happens and you shouldnâ€™t blame anybodyâ€™ message from the New Orleans episode. Everybody else was too self obsessed and too self involved to stop and actually help the people of Beavertown. It was a damning of everyone who just sat around watching but doing nothing to help and not demanding better from their leaders. People were trapped on their rooftops but as usual the people of South Park were too busy panicking to help.

With Mel Gibson, itâ€™s a funny portrayal. And it would seem quite accurate, just like with the â€˜Fight Round The Worldâ€™ Russell Crowe episode. But thatâ€™s what parody is surely. Weâ€™re going to make fun of this image of this person. Or this religion. I think Matt and Trey are saying â€˜Wow, Russell fights a lot. Lets make fun of thatâ€™ or â€˜Wow, Scientologist believe some kooky shit, lets use thatâ€™. I donâ€™t believe they are saying (very serious voice) â€˜Right â€“ we have got to let the world know what a dangerous person Mel Gibson is. Letâ€™s tell everybody via comedyâ€™.

They are not randomly chosen for a laugh but they are not deliberately chosen and targeted (I know you will think this naive and think Iâ€™m not watching close enough).

And returning to our old friend Al Gore. He is one of the most recognisable politicians in America. 8 years as Vice President, very often in the spotlight since. People know that heâ€™s well spoken. Again, parody. I didnâ€™t find the â€˜Iâ€™m serialâ€™ line at all funny, but I never found â€˜Respect my authoritaâ€™ funny either. Without over analysing too much, it was the whole thing with Gore in that episode that was amusing. His constant delusion, his willingness to believe anything was a sign of Manbearpig, his smile when the tour guide mentioned he was on the tour, dressing up as MBP, his put down of the rescuer for thinking his drawing was a â€˜some kind of pig-bear manâ€™, his self satisfaction with thinking heâ€™d rid the world of Manbearpig etc, etc.

It was funny. And it was funnier than yet another parody of Bush would have been. I mean seriously do we really need any more jokes about how dumb GW is? The fact there is a semi literate American President â€“ surely the joke is on us. The world has had to endure Bush, but all the jokes about his intellect donâ€™t seem to have got us very far. Why not target Gore?

The right well elements havenâ€™t bothered me up until now, and they are balanced by all the good work South Park does. There is far more left humour out there in the world anyway. South Park makes people think about racism, homophobia, religion, right and wrong, good and evil and that is great. I would much prefer a show make people think, rather than a show that is merely a series of random and not especially funny jokes (I knew I could get this back to Family Guy).

And even if it is a vast right wing plot, and even if I just donâ€™t get it and a whole bunch of young impressionable South Park fans are being brainwashed, itâ€™s not harming my enjoyment of the show. Ultimately the bottom line is I canâ€™t watch South Park for anybody else, and watching just for me, as me, I find it funny. And no doubt will continue to find it funny.

And now I have to stop thinking about South Park or thereâ€™ll be no show this week!!!

Re: South Park Vs Family Guy

Ross — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 09:48:17 -0000

Also, how funny was this weeks ep? St Peter was a rabbit, hehehe!!

Or did I miss something?

Re: Opinions on Southpark and Family Guy

Ross — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 09:34:16 -0000

Ok, so I watched tonight's Family Guy - the whole thing - just to give it a shot. And now I feel kinda sick I have to say, but Iâ€™ll plough on.

It's random and abstract and just kind of pointless. It really is just horrible.

To me its a sign of the end of civilization. You come this far and this is the kind of output you end up with. It's like an all you can eat restaurant - the food is not great, but if you donâ€™t care it will fill you up eventually. Or the increasingly dumb selection of â€œfilmsâ€ that get produced, like â€˜Charlieâ€™s Angelsâ€™ or â€˜Tomb Raiderâ€™ (and I imagine 300 â€“ although I am yet to see it), films that deliberately have no plot, the idea being who needs a plot if it looks great? Long action set piece after action set piece, all style, no substance. Shhh, make it loud and fast and nobody will notice. What the plot makes no sense? Itâ€™s ok, hereâ€™s a car chase.

That's Family Guy's entire M.O., cram as many jokes in there as possible. Just put more and more and more jokes in, some will have to stick. This reminded me of the timeâ€¦ insert unrelated gagâ€¦ Ohh, hereâ€™s a joke about masturbation, etc etc.

Itâ€™s just mindless, pointless garbage. And before you say it, no it is not that same with South Park. There is always some sort of level there.

All that having been said, I am clearly in the minority when it comes to wanting more from entertainment than might please the average ten year old boy.

And you are right Dishy, I love heaps of stuff many other people couldnâ€™t stomach. And each to their own. Some of my best friends are Family Guy lovers. So you guys keep enjoying.

Iâ€™ll just sit quietly in my corner, weeping for the end of societyâ€¦

Re: Boxcutters Episode 80

Ross — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 09:27:47 -0000

Hey Paul

No idea re:Survivor. Last I heard was around Easter, but that has come and gone. I am surprised it hasn't popped back up in its 7:30 getting thrashed by Star Dancers Tuesday slot.

It is interesting though given the fuss at this time last year when Channel 9 delayed Series 12 I think it was for the Pepsi Olympics. This time round nobody seems to care as much. Survivor disinterest? People sick of complaining? A rise in those torrenting? Who knows?

Whatever, it is pretty shabby treatment by Nine.

Re: Find the culprit

Ross — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 10:07:54 -0000

Right there with you Jimbo.

Re: Opinions on Southpark and Family Guy

Ross — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 00:34:32 -0000

OH!!!!!!!! Don't get me started on The Wedge!!!!

Also, I had a friend who once said "People who like Tintin like Asterix, but people who like Asterix don't like Tintin".

Is the same true for South Park and Family Guy? You'll find people who like both and people who like just South Park but it is rare to find people who like Family Guy and dislike South Park*.

Agree? Disagree?

(*Except maybe Dishy as it is VERY clear Dishy hates South Park. He he he ;-))

Re: Boxcutters Episode 82

Ross — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 08:48:42 -0000

Thats shocking Rob! Optus gambling on it not being worthwhile enough for you to swap ISPs. What happened to the customer is always right?

Show update: Pussycat Strippers moving to 9:30pm Fridays.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 82

Ross — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 09:15:17 -0000

Yes, it's very much like Seven's Aus Open advertising. It looks ridiculous being in the control room as well (not that the ads from the big screen in the garden area out back of Rod Laver look any good).

Given the amount of complaints about Seven's telecasts maybe the director would be better paying attention to the game rather than watching promos for lame shows.

I'm not sure when Seven's promoing became so shit. Their "the footy is back on Seven" ads during the tennis where they digitally added a football into tennis footage were an absolute disgrace.

Re: Would you believe TWO perfect seasons?

Ross — Fri, 11 May 2007 19:22:20 -0000

Also, apparently Scrubs is coming back, but at a reduced 18 ep series.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 85

Ross — Mon, 14 May 2007 18:54:20 -0000

Gee, I think that is the looongest non special edition ep ever.

Re: TGYH NBC

Ross — Wed, 16 May 2007 23:06:15 -0000

I think most of the positive stuff I'd been reading was coming out of Aus (As in 'Aussie show takes the world by storm' kind of spin). The audiences haven't been great and the show apparently really not that good.

Re: It’s Happened

Ross — Thu, 17 May 2007 21:14:08 -0000

The heading is gold, Brett. "It's happened".

I imagine you saying it with breathless excitment, after all these months of rumours and speculation and now "It's happened!!!"

I am a little surprised. He snuck Gary Pert out of there just in time then, didn't he?

The obvious Nine 'Oh we need him on air' response is very lame.

Re: McGuire boned or willing career shift?

Ross — Fri, 18 May 2007 08:16:06 -0000

I think Brett beat you with the one up-manship this time Josh, given he broke this news a good 25 minutes before you.

Plus you're older than I thought if you were really saying such things at Eddie's birth.

Eddie was a one trick pony with his 'Hey, I know, I'll host it' style, that worked well (Miners) and not so well (Footy Show from Germany).

I liked the fact that in true 00 Nine style they are not replacing - gee he must have been doing a really bang up job if they don't need anybody in his place. Reminds me of The Simpsons:

Lenny: We had a real hard time replacing you Homer

Insert shot of a chicken/carbon rob/brick on a rope at Homer's work station.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 86

Ross — Wed, 23 May 2007 08:42:54 -0000

Told you Higgins was on holidays...

Re: Another one down

Ross — Wed, 23 May 2007 08:46:25 -0000

On The Lot should be interesting.

Lyndal - the last series of The Apprentice was pretty good, but the finale was terrible. You didn't miss anything. Live from the Hollywood Bowl - yuckkkk.

Bad television, even for an Apprentice Finale.

Re: Mick Molloy’s The Nation starts on Nine

Ross — Wed, 23 May 2007 08:49:59 -0000

Jackie O - fantastic! Why not Jo Stanley and Fifi Box too? And maybe Alan Jones.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 86

Ross — Thu, 24 May 2007 08:11:33 -0000

Rest assured, we have noticed. One of our number is even trying to get one or the more of the Chaser boys on the show so he can accuse them of stealing our material.

Personally, I think they owe a much greater debt to the D-Gen Late Show crew.

Re: Mick Molloy’s The Nation starts on Nine

Ross — Fri, 25 May 2007 01:50:42 -0000

More shit casting news with Channel 9 announcing Nikki Osborne will be part of the show. As in Nikki Osborne brain dead bimbo QuziMonkey co-host.

If her efforts on QuizMonkey are anything to go by, the show will be bursting with humour.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 87

Ross — Tue, 29 May 2007 21:06:07 -0000

Foodstuff over the internet? If you are going to buy anything over the internet surely you are much better off buying high quality bags and accessories... ahem...

I wasn't trying to suggest anything about people who like Jericho, just the nuts senders.

I agree with Alex. Jericho had a great premise which should have been a great show, but overall it was far too cheesey.

Maybe they should be sending the network cheese...

Re: Boxcutters Episode 88

Ross — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 02:19:09 -0000

The Nation reminded me of a one man The Panel. I too didn't hate Jackie O as much as I expected - although I suspect someone somewhere will be up in arms about their laughing at Lohan's trying to kill herself. It was patchy but ok. And MoBo is right hackney comic 'news' has been done to death.

I think I was just happy "Quizmonkey babe" Nikki Osbourne didn't get to do anything but look awkward over the closing credits.

Not a patch on the original Mick Molloy Show; that was great as I remember. Much better cast too with Bob Franklin and others (exactly who escapes me right at this moment).

Re: Boxcutters Episode 88

Ross — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 01:55:51 -0000

Channel 9 are advertising for Comedy Inc audience members even as we speak*.

*This is an observation on advertising, not a comment that Molloy is in trouble already...

Re: Boxcutters Episode 88

Ross — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 07:36:20 -0000

By the way H_H - to answer your first comment - I haven't heard anything about anyone picking up The Riches here. My guess is it will pop up on Foxtel at some point but not free to air, but that is just a guess.

Great little show The Riches. Got better and better right up to last week's finale, with layer on layer of complications and mess. Looking forward to season 2.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 89

Ross — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 18:47:31 -0000

Right there with you Jimbo - can and do watch it again and again as a stand alone ep. Amazing.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 89

Ross — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 21:32:57 -0000

Good job Jackie O will be in the studio next week - neither of them is terribly good as working off a screen.

I just thought it was dull. I hadn't laughed 20 minutes in and I turned it off. How much mileage can he get out of his "Imagine an AUSSIE version of this" routine? Ha, ha, we're all beer drinking, thong wearing dickheads.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 89

Ross — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 21:46:48 -0000

And another thing - Jackie O discussing the end of The Sopranos is just crap.

"I'm not going to give away any spoilers but blah, blah, blah..."

I know she didn't reveal any major plot developments away and I know it's been in the news, but she should have said nothing. As a purist - if I had seen this before I had seen the final episode I would had been furious.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 89

Ross — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 06:17:42 -0000

Ratings versus expense was the end for Michallef. Such a shame.

"INTO THE BIN" (insert whip sound effect).

Re: Big News from Nine

Ross — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 06:22:28 -0000

Quote - "Viewed as a bold move earlier this year, The Catch Up was one of a number of initiatives that demonstrates the Networkâ€™s commitment to Australian programming."

Viewed as a bold move? By who?

A limp third rate panel show The View ripoff is not in anyway a commitment to Australian programming.

Should have held on to The Young and The Restless while you could Nine.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 90

Ross — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 01:54:24 -0000

To be honest Mike - I have never actually seen any of The View. My comment was based on the general vibe coming out from the media circus surrounding her departure.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 90

Ross — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 04:37:08 -0000

Adam - do a search here on either South Park or Family Guy. All your questions will be answered.

Re: Second Half of Seven’s Year

Ross — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:55:38 -0000

Bullshit (to the article not to you Adam).

This from a network who took off the high rating My Name Is Earl just 6 eps before the end of the series and replaced it with million year old (yet previously unscreened) eps of The 70s Show.

It's ok though, they left on the hilarious How I Met Your Mother.

As close as possible means the day after they are screened in the US. It also means continuing to show them during Australian non-ratings. Unless these unlikely things occur it is just empty rhetoric.

Re: Paris burns

Ross — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:33:44 -0000

I could use a bridge in Manhattan... How much you want for it?

Re: Paris burns

Ross — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 18:12:32 -0000

TV banter always sounds forced and staged to me. Look at the crap Sunrise and Today pump out. Wasn't that the downfall of Jessica Rowe? If she could have laughed more naturally maybe all would have been different.

I think Mal Walden did it better with his 'Is homework a waste of time, like that Angelia Bishop story?' comment some weeks back, but with this at least someone is saying something against the Hilton story rather than just reading it mindlessly.

Thursday Hilton was the main news of the world, while Tony Blair's last day was a mere footnote. Yesterday, it was the bloody Spice Girls.

The world is just getting stupider and stupider.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 93

Ross — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:41:35 -0000

How gold is Tony Jones? I loved that 20 minutes or so when he just went Martin Durkin. That was great television.

The audience was lots of fun.

Tony Jones: "The man up the back"

Audience nutcase: "What have you got to say about blah, blah, blah?"

Tony Jones: "OK, we'll regard that as a statement and move on. The woman in the front." Repeat over.

The doco itself wasn't much chop, but everything after was great.

In the interests of being fair and balanced I hope the ABC show Durkin's "Storm In A D-Cup" next, which tells how breast implants are actually good for women.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 94

Ross — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 02:40:58 -0000

All this day and date screening stuff is ridiculous. Networks make a huge fuss as though they are reinventing the wheel with it (Channel 10 with Jericho, Ch 7 with Heroes and Prison Break) yet it is common place with Letterman, sometimes Survivor and that god awful Victoria Beckham garbage Ch 9 screened last night.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 94

Ross — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 23:40:07 -0000

No, no - keep making jokes Catbrain - we're just not that smart...

With Twin Peaks Lynch never wanted to solve the mystery of who killed Laura Palmer and just have it as a background issue, forever burning away. But ultimately he had little choice and that was the beginning of the end.

Completely agree about Molloy - how could it have changed so dramatically? We loved him so much.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 95

Ross — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 23:43:46 -0000

Just saw a torrent for Californication too - the new David Duchovny show. Do the Chilli Peppers get any money for the title or has it been around since before their album?

Re: Boxcutters Episode 95

Ross — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 07:33:19 -0000

Hey Mike - What dramas do you like?

'American Drama' is a pretty broad term. I never really got into The Shield, but I can see why people like it and The Wire Season One was exceptional - neither of them would come to mind though if I was to think of typical American drama.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 95

Ross — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 08:55:32 -0000

Thats interesting Mike. While I can see the appeal of The Wire and The Shield I can appreciate why they might not be to people's tastes as well.

We may have something more to your liking in next week's Golden Age of Television...

Re: Boxcutters Episode 95

Ross — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:04:07 -0000

Hey David - you may want to check the Golden Age Of Television archives. Somewhere around ep 90.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 95

Ross — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 06:46:28 -0000

Josh has very little idea when it comes to grammar.........

Catbrian - Five Days was the abduction HBO/BBC co-production, yes? It sounded very interesting and I wanted to see it but the opportunity never presented itself.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 95

Ross — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 23:29:37 -0000

Yes, I am looking forward to Mad Men. Haven't heard of Jekyll.

I'd love a copy of Five Days too if that is a possibility.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 95

Ross — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:36:09 -0000

That's interesting about Babylon 5 Mathew. Can't say I ever got into it though, but it sounds well written.

The plan is to list the whole Golden Age of Television shows once we've finished - probably the week after next - along with our individual lists and then get everyone to tell us what they think, what they hate, what we left out, etc etc.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 97

Ross — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 08:58:02 -0000

I meant to ask on the show - anybody out there watching John? Love to hear what you think...

Re: Boxcutters Episode 97

Ross — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 01:41:44 -0000

Or at least let him fly with the magic mushies.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 97

Ross — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 08:35:43 -0000

There was nothing happening in the 45 minutes you ran over time! It was all just filler!

That is all the show is, just filler.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 97

Ross — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 11:14:39 -0000

Maybe Channel 10 are waiting to see what the washup is from the first couple of Californications and going from there.

I still can't imagine it on free to air here, but I guess it's coming.

Catbrain - Kat is so awesome in Weeds. I can't wait to see what she's up to next. Amazing character. Makes Andy look mild and normal.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 97

Ross — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 11:16:53 -0000

By the way people - John From Cincinatti is definitely losing the fight after this week's shocker of an episode.

I will keep watching but only because there is a mere three eps to go (hopefully) and I've come this far.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 97

Ross — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:49:49 -0000

That is an interesting theory Catbrain - if I only I had been that interested by watching the ep.

Thank God there is only one ep to go.

Also, can anyone fill me in on what Butchie's implants actually are? Is it just fake hair? Hooks to suspend himself with? A failed brain? Horns?

Re: Boxcutters Episode 98

Ross — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 23:34:09 -0000

To be fair - Josh and I (and the envelope) know nothing about TV, Brett spent most of the post show telling us how wrong we were not to include West Wing.

Thanks for setting us straight on The Games. Great show, very funny.

Re: The golden age of television

Ross — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 02:33:50 -0000

Here is my original list (before the envelope got involved and made the whole thing much more autocratic...)

My Favourite Four:

Sopranos
Lost
Carnivale
Deadwood

Best of the last 12 months:

Heroes
The Riches
Friday Night Lights
Brotherhood
Big Love
Life On Mars

Great Comedy:

Curb Your Enthusiasm
My Name Is Earl
The Office (both UK and USA versions)
Futurama
Entourage
Weeds
Arrested Development

Other shows of interest:

Prison Break
Alias
Harvey Birdman
Nathan Barly
Love My Way
Rome
Any season Of Survivor or The Amazing Race

Favourite all time shows go to Twin Peaks for drama, and Seinfeld for comedy.

Re: The golden age of television

Ross — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 02:40:01 -0000

Here is Brett's list (*Please note - this was accompanied with both "off the top of my head" and "a few fall outside the bounds". No justificaltion for the amount though...)

Homicide: Life on the Streets
Sopranos
Oz
Northern Exposure
Six Feet Under
Deadwood
Entourage
Huff
Family Guy
The Office
Friday Night Lights
West Wing
Lost
Heroes
Dexter
Arrested Development
Scrubs
Simpsons
Seinfeld
ER
I'm Alan Partridge
Boston Legal
Dr Who
The Shield
Buffy
Firefly
X-Files
Friends
Parker Lewis Can't Lose
Eerie, Indiana
Ed
Futurama
My So-called Life
Brass Eye
The Maxx
Nighty Night
This Life
Sesame Street

Re: Boxcutters Episode 98

Ross — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 02:49:03 -0000

Gee, what a shame. The finale was worse than the previous week, and that is saying something. What a waste of time.

Re: The golden age of television

Ross — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 05:01:16 -0000

Thanks for the thoughts guys, although Mike I think you missed this:

"...any show that started before 1997 is out"

No one is doubting the importance of The Simpsons, but it has been around 20 years now (and had it's prime around 15 years ago) thus it's exclusion. It's like nominating John Howard for Young Australian of the Year.

Re: The golden age of television

Ross — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 20:37:07 -0000

This is from Jimbo which was in another thread but it has relevance here too.

Right. That's it. I've had it.

NigelP, you're the king. As I said last week, TWW managed to snare a huge audience while tackling heavy subject matter in a political setting. But no - clearly the televisual descendants of fucken Gilligan are far more worthy!

Josh, sadly TWW was produced in the United States. Unfortunately, if you want to snare a huge audience while talking (walking and talking?) politics, the odd moment of schmaltz is probably going to be inevitable. I've managed to forgive just about every one of those moments in the first four series because the rest of it was so damn good. For fuck's sake, we're talking about a show which had one of its most dramatic and compelling and well-written episodes named after the number of an amendment to the US constitution! (And don't tell me you weren't clutching the arms of your chair when John Goodman snarled, "You're relieved, Mr President.")This show told the story of a presidential election - coherently somehow - while managing to avoid the detail of how on earth the presidential primary system works. (A hundred bucks to anyone who can thoroughly explain that to my satisfaction.) That's just great story-telling!

Yes, Don Henley sucks. But that was a big block of cheese day. So I think you're forgetting the golden moments of Toby ignoring a bunch of globalisation protesters, Sam investigating an old case of espionage, and CJ with some crazy map makers who wanted to turn the world upside down. And that was just one episode!

I also give you Ainsley Hayes, Joey Lucas, John Laroquette's cricket bat, the old guy from the state department, Bruno Gianelli, Amy Gardner sitting on Josh Lyman's stoop (and everything else she did), missing the motorcade, Karl Malden's amazing Oval Office cameo, Matthew Perry showing off some fairly good acting chops as a Republican, Hoover's good luck charm, Bartlet and Ritchie in the theatre foyer, Judge Roberto Mendoza, CJ and Simon, and Delores Landingham's new fucken car!

And you know very well, Kinal, that this list is just barely scratching the surface. So stop being so petulant!

Show me another show which could not only stay on air but hold an audience in America after showing the president cursing God out in Latin in a cathedral.

And then put it in the Golden Age of fucken Television ahead of the modern-day Ginger and Maryanne!

Right. I think I'm done.

Except to say that anybody who wants to use their mobile phone in a cinema better have a fucken heart to transplant or they can get fucked.

Thank you one and all.

Nice work Jimbo - good reasoning. Maybe we should reconsider? I'll talk to the envelope (although Josh maybe more of a problem).

Re: The golden age of television

Ross — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:06:16 -0000

I've got to agree. The arguments for have been very convincing. The Wing should be in.

And I have to say after a little contemplation so should Sex and The City and The Games.

Re: The golden age of television

Ross — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:10:28 -0000

If creating a show that is a comedy but isn’t funny, where the star can’t act to save himself and has cameos with famous friends, changes the way TV is, then I’d rather read a book again. Seriously.

Gold. I used to think that about Curb too, but it grows on you. However, there is definitely a place for it in the Golden Age of Television. It helped redefine what a comedy is. No Curb, no The Office, No Arrested Development etc etc.

Re: The golden age of television

Ross — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:52:43 -0000

Nice one MoBo.

Zing!!

Re: The golden age of television

Ross — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 04:43:29 -0000

Crap, now I am getting it from the wife who is a few weeks behind and just realised The West Wing wasn't on the list.

Personally I say Firefly has to go to make way.

And you want Top Gear on? Convince us.

(I don't want the arguing to stop now we have the Wing thing sorted.)

Re: The golden age of television

Ross — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 23:46:07 -0000

David:

Ricky Gervais has often stated what a huge influence Larry David has been on him. In fact Larry was one of only three heroes Gervais interviewed for his Ricky Gervais Meets specials (along with Christopher Guest and Garry Shandling).

As for further influence look at the type of sitcoms that were coming out around the time Curb started in 2000 - Bette, Becker, Will & Grace, Bob Patterson, My Wife and Kids, 2 Guys and a Girl, That 70s Show, King Of Queens etc etc. Curb demonstrated that a sitcom could be single camera, no laugh track and most importantly not confined to a studio. It was shot fast and cheap, out there in the real world (or LA at least), a freedom Arrested them took up and developed upon.

I reiterate no Curb, no Office, no Arrested.

Re: The golden age of television

Ross — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 23:51:00 -0000

And also...

"What exactly was groundbreaking about Lost anyway? It seems pretty much like a standard TV drama to me. Oz? Just another prison show. Buffy is just Scooby Doo with actors instead of drawings. Futurama is just The Simpsons in outer space. The Office is just an extended Monty Python sketch about accountants and merchant bankers."

Surely you're just having a go? Is Nirvana just Bach too? It's all just music...

Re: Boxcutters Episode 98

Ross — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 23:59:13 -0000

Actually CB Peter Boxcutter suggested the Golden Age of Television to us right in the middle of the whole Family Guy Vs South Park brewhaha and Brett quite correctly predicted GAT would be an even bigger can of worms.

Re: The golden age of television

Ross — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 18:22:31 -0000

Well, I think there is a case for Malcolm to be in GAT - although it did have much more of a studio feel, rather than the DIY, independant, shot on the run feel of Curb and later Arrested.

I'll have to get onto Spaced and Band of Brothers.

Re: The golden age of television

Ross — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 09:02:09 -0000

David – I think we are coming from fundamentally very different points of view. If it is all ‘just television’ and you don’t agree that there has been a dramatic improvement in quality of certain television of the last few years then there is no golden age of television – just a bunch of TV shows.

What kind of sitcoms were there in the 70s like Weeds? When have we seen the suburban dream so savagely maligned? To me the whole story of this attractive, normal looking soccer Mum, who has balance being a housewife with the difficulties of being a drug dealer and the moral dilemmas that poses is completely revolutionary – similar to why people like Desperate Housewives only good – and that it does it in this single camera, no laugh track modern style, so not only is there no moral compass, but also no insipid cue as to what to find funny – that is unheard of. In fact has there ever been a female drug dealer on TV? It was only 10, 15 years ago everybody was lauding The Simpsons and Roseanne as dysfunctional families (something until then not seen on television) and sitcoms all had a happy ending and a message in the end. Compare that to the end of Series 2 of Weeds – I don’t want to give away any spoilers here, Channel 9 are to screen series 2 at some point – but it is about as far from that as you can get, especially in regards to Peter.

That is why Weeds is in the Golden Age of Television for mine – because it something completely fresh and original and darker than any comedy we’ve seen on TV and very, very, very funny. But that is just me. If to you it is just another sitcom, like I don’t know, Will & Grace or Becker or whatever then like I said, fundamentally different points of view.

Re: The golden age of television

Ross — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 04:52:37 -0000

Actually, my main criticism of Family Guy is that it isn't funny.

David - you're not regular contributor Dishy in disguise are you?

Re: The golden age of television

Ross — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 05:04:30 -0000

Again, fundamentally different David. Clearly (for all the reasons in my post a little back) I don't see marijuana as just a gimmick in Weeds or Weeds as just another sitcom.

ME
Curb demonstrated that a sitcom could be single camera, no laugh track and most importantly not confined to a studio.

DAVID
I don’t see why this needs to be demonstrated. Everybody knows it’s possible to do this.

Yes, but if nobody had ever done it before that makes Curb groundbreaking...

Also, I think you can make a case that Curb has been far more successful than Arrested ever was, after all Curb is about to start series 6, while Arrested got axed after three. Regardless, influence and popularity often have little to do with one another.

Re: The golden age of television

Ross — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 04:38:32 -0000

Wow, you're happy with PeBo?!? Josh swears black and blue you are against it.

Hopefully too GAT is helping people discover quality television they may not have seen. I know personally I am looking forward to catching up with Band of Brothers and Spaced based on recommendations in this thread.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 99

Ross — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 08:08:27 -0000

I'm so, so sorry MordWa, completely my fault. That's my slight lysdexia rearing it's ugly head. I can't get my brain around your name for some reason and it always wants to come out WordMa. WordMa - clearly female.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 99

Ross — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 08:10:19 -0000

And while we're in the mood for spoilers, I shouldn't say too much but - 100 eps, 100 minutes, 100 comments on the blog... Get excited people.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 99

Ross — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 02:04:24 -0000

GUFF is another good word for shit - although it can get you in trouble...

Nelson: Oh, man, that horse don't take no guff from nobody.
Jimbo: Guff?!
Nelson: I mean sh-- [Jimbo and Kearney start whaling on him before he can finish]

I am snobby to chavs, especially when they are talentless slapper ex-bimbo singers.

I wonder if the lack of interest in space is budgetary - much easier to create certain moments in the history of this planet than invent a whole new outer space world.

Also, as far as JFC goes, I don't buy the whole Christianity thing. Not that I think you are necessarily wrong CB, I just think it is another thing the show tried and stuffed up. So John was referring to himself with all that 'God's word' guff? And who is Cass in all that? And Kai? Besides, surely some of Jesus apostles could actually act.

And what the hell was going on with all that faux 9/11 garbage?!? I'm getting angry again. God, that show sucked. What a waste of everything.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 99

Ross — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 07:22:34 -0000

I had my suspicions that the used car salesman was in some way supposed to represent God, but I wasn’t concentrating properly at the time; I am interested in watching the whole thing again straight through.

Really? You want to watch it again? Surely once was too much.

Thanks for the article CB. It's an interesting read which makes me think for all his lofty ambitions Milch failed miserably with JFC and that he is essentially a big, pompous ass - which maybe explains the show a little.

(Also, spoilers? What is there to spoil? Nothing actually happened in the finale)

Re: Boxcutters Episode 99

Ross — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 08:02:21 -0000

See? Now THAT is what GAT is all about - finding otherwise unseen great television (that and arguing that other stuff is just crap).

Re: The golden age of television

Ross — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 08:22:16 -0000

So, thanks to remembering via mentions several posts ago I finally got around to sourcing the Ricky Gervais Meets series that I was talking about way way back in this thread. I've only watched the one with Larry David so far but it is very interesting in outlining his writing process and how and why he does what he does etc and well worth a watch, if you are... well... if you are me I guess.

While I completely understand why people wouldn't like Curb, I find it staggering that I am the only person who seems to like it from the Boxcutters family. This is speaking in a general enjoyment capacity, not for the purposes of GAT. It's like Seinfeld - it is so the stuff of life - the pain and suffering and torture of the every day, the ludicrous folly of existence. And it is immensely funny. Sure, not every ep, but when it is on song, which is often, it is hilarious.

The other thing I don't get is how many people revere The Office (UK) and detest Curb. It would make far more sense to me if you either hated both or enjoyed both. Strange.

Very much looking forward to the new series.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 100

Ross — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 22:22:47 -0000

Thanks Mord! Vulcan - thats who I was trying to think of...

Re: Boxcutters Episode 100

Ross — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 01:23:08 -0000

Just look at Gladiators - the arena for all the games, the oversized props, half a dozen pumped up muscle people, Mike Whitney - endless expense.

Now they would just hire Whitney and do a clipshow. I still can't believe the mileage Ch 7 have got out the 'Comedy Classics' shambles. "Hey look - repeats of shows that were shit-house 30 years ago..."

Re: Boxcutters Episode 100

Ross — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 18:51:05 -0000

Really? Is that the case Jimbo, or an assumption? The reason I ask is that I was watching Craig Hutchinson on Fotty Classified Monday night and wondering if he had the opportunity would have done the same thing... My conclusion was he almost definitely would have, but that is based solely on what we have seen from his prior behaviour.

Fascinating story. Seven really appear to have done themselve a lot of damage here.

Also, maybe you can use your contacts to help us get an interview with Nine's Tony Jones. He seems like the hardest working man at Nine (aside from yourself of course). Last night he did an extended live cross from outside Seven, a seperate report on the horse flu stuff AND presented sport... He's like a rookie cutting his teeth on a limited resourced regional news service.

Re: The golden age of television

Ross — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 08:03:02 -0000

Hooray!! Finally someone else can admit to liking Curb.

Re: City Homicide

Ross — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 23:50:31 -0000

There is no shortage of actors in Melbourne, but there is a huge shortage in production.

There is just so little work that you end up with John Waters on All Saints.

Something like City Hom comes along and big names jump at it - good work and paid work. For Seven it is no brainer, names sell it. More people will watch it because Daniel McPherson is in it, rather than if one of the many, many locals actors who could do it better but doesn't have the name recognition had the role.

But good luck to City Hom. Not my thing, but I definitely feel there is an audience out there who wants this.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 101

Ross — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 22:13:28 -0000

See I have to admit I find this a little perplexing. While I can except a slight tonal similarity between our dulcet voices, surely content wise there are vast differences.

Vast.

Is it that hard to distinguish Brett’s laid back, happy go luck demeanour from my world-weary, jaded cynicism?

Re: City Homicide

Ross — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 22:19:20 -0000

I am not having a crack at John Waters at all.

At the risk of upsetting the All Saints brigade out there I would suggest that both John Waters and John Howard are completely wasted in the type of dross All Saints pumps out...

Re: Boxcutters Episode 101

Ross — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 06:49:24 -0000

Geez… First I’m “and sidekick”, then nobody can tell me apart from Brett, now I’m relegated to just the ‘background’ in the video podcast. My star is falling.

Re: Another news-worthy Chaser Stunt

Ross — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:28:00 -0000

Still haven't had a chance to watch Wednesday night's show, but they are amazing figures. That is a lot of people watching...

Re: Nine’s last quarter crap-tacular

Ross — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 02:15:55 -0000

I could be wrong here but I think "Surprise Surprise Gotcha" is an amalgamation of two different titles - "Surprise, Surprise" being the old show and "Gotcha" being radio bore Matt Tilley's prank phone call stunts (He and Jackie O uggh co-host).

See? It's actually a *clever* title.

I agree about the name with "5th Grader", but what are they going to do? "Are You Smarter Than A Kid In Grade 5?" isn't as catchy, plus I assume the format is sold all inclusive - title, music etc.

I didn't mind the one ep of 5th Grader I saw a few months back. Much better than the crap they have tried with quiz shows this year, especially the ones where contestants try and psych each other out.

Re: Nine’s last quarter crap-tacular

Ross — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 02:18:20 -0000

Just read the Conchords article. I assume this must mean Nine passed, as they have first look of all HBO stuff.

Re: Nine’s last quarter crap-tacular

Ross — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 08:35:02 -0000

Can't we have one thread which doesn't result in a discussion about grammar?

Re: Yawn: The Emmy Awards.

Ross — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:49:50 -0000

I am just amazed as what a footnote the Emmys became this year - a shorted edited down version of the show starting after 10pm on free to air here. Plus it only got a run on Channel 9 News as an “And finally…” and that was more about what the Australian’s were wearing (which is fair enough – it’s not like anything showing on Channel 9 won the major award of the evening or anything).

The edited down version was a better watch than usual though, I hope they do it again next year.

I hadn’t really looked at the list of nominations prior to the event and I was surprised at the high quality. Sure there are plenty 2 & a Half Men and Grey’ Anatomy type shows, but lots of good stuff too.

Also, no shows swept. The awards seem to spread out fairly evenly over lots of shows.

Great to see Joy, Ari and Locke pick up supporting awards (although for mine Ben should have won over Locke for Lost). Terrible to see Gervais, Spader and Sally Field all pick stuff up. All completely undeserved, especially Spader. His over the top nonsense in Boston Legal is not the sort of thing anybody should be rewarding.

Sally Field’s speech was awful (“At heart my character is a mother, so this is for all the mothers of the world”). Good to see it parodied by David Chase in his speech. Funny also to hear Tina Fey thank 30 Rock’s “dozens of loyal viewers”.

Nice to see the Sopranos honoured twice with a standing ovation. It will be sorely missed.

Re: Yawn: The Emmy Awards.

Ross — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 09:03:26 -0000

Yes, really just isn't my sort of thing, but he is obviously doing something right.

By the way Mike, are you watching and/or enjoying City Homicide? Or Sea Patrol?

(I know you're a fan of Aussie drama. Just wondering how these stack up in comparison)

Re: Today Tonight are picking sides

Ross — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:44:31 -0000

I don't know - personally I still think these shows follow public opinion rather than inform it.

Like Diamond Joe Quimby says:

"Very well. If that is the way the winds are blowing, let no one say I don't also blow."

Maybe I am being naive but surely viewers go up by pandering to their whims than by trying to change the government.

Re: Today Tonight are picking sides

Ross — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 18:50:31 -0000

I loved to see that!! It would be great watching Jimbo lauding miracle weightloss cures and virtual Bonds adverts through gritted teeth.

I'm sure he would do it with complete professionalism, but there would always be that underlying possibility he could just snap...

Re: Boxcutters Episode 103

Ross — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 07:09:34 -0000

I agree Mike about this ep of Curb - although I liked the first ep too. I just finished watching it (just then). So many funny lines like Larry trying to explain that the stain was "ejaculatory" and Susie talking about "some kind of revenge masturbatory payback".

Gold.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 104

Ross — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:39:45 -0000

Somehow I knew you comment on this Jimbo but I was expecting more swearing.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 105

Ross — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 01:03:56 -0000

OK.....

So, forgetting about software stuff for a moment.....

Has anyone caught up with either Journeyman or Back To You?

(not seeking to quash the passionate discourses, just redirect them slightly)

Re: Boxcutters Episode 105

Ross — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 00:11:22 -0000

I'm with you Ceebs.

Fourth - thats interesting about Reaper and Chuck. Haven't seen Reaper yet, but we're doing Chuck on next week's show.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 105

Ross — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 17:34:23 -0000

Has Howard ever won a political debate during an election? He usually gets thumped...

Re: Boxcutters Episode 107

Ross — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 23:35:03 -0000

Yes, I thought Speers was fair and did a good job. He seemed a little nervous to me, but it's a big job.

Plus I would have thought Brett's political leaning would have been fairly apparent many times in the 107 ep back catalogue.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 107

Ross — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 23:36:53 -0000

And we forgot to discuss the grammar issue on the show - THE LEADERS DEBATE or should it have been THE LEADER'S DEBATE?

Are they debating or is it their debate?

Re: Boxcutters Episode 107

Ross — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 04:46:16 -0000

Interesting Chaser postscript - Last Friday both major Metropolitan papers used their Reader’s Polls (a barometer of truth if ever there was one) to ask whether the Chaser went too far with The Eulogy Song.

The Age result was 23% Yes, 77% No, while in the Herald Sun the result was 59.9% Yes to 40.1% No.

Surely this says something about something.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 107

Ross — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 20:17:02 -0000

I agree. It's nice to have a professional point of view to counter all the opinions.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 108

Ross — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 18:35:52 -0000

I completely agree. The scene was a mess (as is so often the case with edits). Disappointing.

Also we forgot to mention The Librarians is replacing Summer Heights High this Wednesday.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 108

Ross — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 21:14:44 -0000

Give him whats for on the show next week Jimbo.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 108

Ross — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 08:15:23 -0000

It's worse - it's no sizzle or sausage. At least if there was some sizzle you could watch minimum 5 to 10 minutes without getting bored...

Also, I jumped the gun a little with Californication - there are two eps left to screen on Channel 10 in the current series, not one.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 110

Ross — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:12:39 -0000

I tried Burn Notice but I couldn't get through the first ep so I gave up. Not for me.

I am pretty sure Doctor Doctor, Night Court and Dear John were all together in some kind of 2 hour mash up at some stage, with an hour of Night Court, the the other two. It was always pretty late by the time Doctor Doctor aired. And all on Ch 9.

Then later of course was the awesome Pacific Drive with the evil disc jockey Trey Devlin who morphed into an equally evil serial killer and bumped off half the cast.

And Pacific Drive introduced us to Danielle Spencer ie Mrs Russell Crowe.

Course we can't produce quality garbage like that ourselves anymore. Instead we have to import Outrageous Fortune from New Zealand.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 110

Ross — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 23:58:02 -0000

Phew - I feel a pretty big Raywatch coming on with the seemingly endless Chaser/Today Tonight stuff going on.

Re: boxcutters episode 111

Ross — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:20:33 -0000

Oops.

Clearly it was meant to read: ... so WE apologise about that.

But in fairness CB you were there too, so maybe it is a little your fault...

Re: boxcutters episode 111

Ross — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 06:06:17 -0000

That's awfully tempting Guy........

Also apparently Chilli Peppers (or Chilli Willi as they will always affectionately be known thanks to Barney) are suing over the name Californication.

Why now? I guess they waited to see how the show would pan out, but with the last episode being so dreadful they had no choice.

Re: boxcutters episode 111

Ross — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 20:33:16 -0000

I wouldn’t be so presumptuous as to tell people who to vote for… We get in enough trouble when we get off topic with things like Apple Vs Microsoft.

Speaking of politics, did anyone catch the PM on the 7:30 Report last night? Amazing. Typical of the whole election really. He was completely defensive and unable to get on message much at all.

Plus he actually said (with complete seriousness):

“You can’t learn by reading book.”

Amazing.

Be interesting to see how Rudd goes tonight. Maybe we should be voting for Kerry O’Brien.

Re: boxcutters episode 111

Ross — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:59:03 -0000

Thanks Bolden

So what happens with for example Ten, when they have a separate schedule for HD like they are launching soon?

Does that mean House will be in SD because it is on the regular channel not their HD channel?

Re: boxcutters episode 111

Ross — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 07:59:55 -0000

That is terrible about Matt Price...

Barrie's message was very nice but it did have the feel of hopelessness about it.

Very sad.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 112

Ross — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:38:23 -0000

I made the point about surround sound, not Brett. And as we mentioned out some weeks ago the Australian people are remarkably ill-informed about digital tv, including one would assume sound.

I don’t think anybody would think that a new HD service would cause a HDTV to instantly materialise in the living room

I think you completely wrong - I think there will be many many people who say "I've got a set top box, why don't I get the HD channels?"

And I think you missed my point about subsidies. Running both digital and analogue broadcasts is ridiculously expensive. The general argument is you can't turn off analogue until everybody has the opportunity to go digital. Therefore it would be cheaper in the long run to give everybody set top boxes and turn the analogue off now.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 112

Ross — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:28:49 -0000

I saw a mic at a new conference yesterday that was just dots. No Nine there at all.

Is that the new logo?

Re: Boxcutters Episode 112

Ross — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 17:15:45 -0000

I saw the mic again - it's a cube deal with dots on opposite sides and 9s on opposite sides.

Unless there is something new in the works it really doesn't look that different to what has been used all year.

Like Gyngell's return in general - lots on lots of very healthy press for a seemingly minor change...

Re: Boxcutters Episode 112

Ross — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 22:00:45 -0000

Belly pork.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 114

Ross — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:38:17 -0000

I am not going to write a list of shows because I am sure there are reasons why all of them were not nominated, but looking at it broadly the resurgence in Australian comedy has been one of the stories of local television this year. The level of critical acclaim and or audience response has been astounding.

I just don’t think (with the exception of The Chaser) this list of nominees reflects that in the slightest.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 114

Ross — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:12:58 -0000

Yes, I agree.

Re: Boxcutters Special Edition BRAVO

Ross — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:30:57 -0000

Thanks Mord. Is Jim the one who died at a pay per view a few years back? Fell from the roof or something trying a stunt?

Happy new year.

Re: boxcutters episode 117

Ross — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:24:44 -0000

Wayne Carey has been sacked by Channel 9.

It has also been revealled he allegedly smashed a wine glass over his girlfriend's face before allegedly assualting police in the states last year.

In the end I guess Nine had little choice.

Re: Wayne Carey Sacked From Nine

Ross — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 22:58:26 -0000

Mord is right - Nine and 3AW were well aware with what they were getting with Carey, Seven were aware too and passed over the opportunity to get him.

Just to clarify - I think there is lots to like about Footy Classified, but there will be a big hole without Carey and I can't think of anyone who could replace him to achieve the same sort of dynamic they are after.

What a pity Kouta's gone to Gladiators.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 118

Ross — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 04:27:42 -0000

Thanks for posting that Mike. I understand watermarking as an ID, then to add the ad for the Olympics is one thing but the Gladiators as well is just too much. That is why screens are getting bigger and bigger – the size of the content on screen is continually shrinking.

Fourth – I freely admit I don’t really like Sci Fi (with a couple of exceptions), but didn’t you feel Terminator: TSCC was just rehashing the Terminator 2 elements? Suspension of disbelief aside it just felt (to me) like a cynical grab at the Terminator audience.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 118

Ross — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 03:09:00 -0000

I saw a bit of that CNN nonsense some weeks back on <del datetime="2008-02-06T08:07:14+00:00">The </del>A Daily Show. Ahhh, pointless technology...

Wish I had CNN.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 118

Ross — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:29:01 -0000

I agree. The new 2/ABC/symbol watermarks are terrible, in idea, style and colour.

By the way - apparently ABC3 has started. Anybody know what's going on there?

Re: Ep 119: Underbelly, Other stuff

Ross — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 22:25:54 -0000

Stupid Judy Betty.

Shocking decision - of course I am only speaking as a television fan. But it's a huge blow to Nine and to anyone in Melbourne who enjoys quality drama.

Disappointing.

Re: Ep 119: Underbelly, Other stuff

Ross — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 22:28:40 -0000

...they’ve gone with the old chestnut of “It’s too violent for television - agree, or disagree”

Gold. Gotta love a bunch of ill-informed idiots take a stand about something which they know nothing about.

WON’T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN!?!?!?

Re: Ep 119: Underbelly, Other stuff

Ross — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 06:14:16 -0000

I reckon they are in trouble. How stupid can you be? If the authorities want to make an example of someone, who do you think they'll choose? And for what? A handful of extra people at your pub on one night, maybe. Ridiculous.

Interesting both Aussie Torrents and Diwana appear to be down at the moment...

Re: Ep 120: Cashmere Mafia vs Lipstick Jungle, Underbelly, Monster House

Ross — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:19:49 -0000

Corn flakes. Is that what I am meant to say? (Obviously I haven't actually listened to the show)

Also, the ABC logo seems to be broken at the moment - at least their 1 one. They have reverted to the old soundwave.

It's so confusing though. Is that just the ABC or is ABC 1 or ABC 2 or ABC 3? Come back horrible blue watermark.

I'm off to post abuse on the ABC website.

Re: Ep 120: Cashmere Mafia vs Lipstick Jungle, Underbelly, Monster House

Ross — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:44:50 -0000

You raise a good point FTC.

It will be interesting to see how Underbelly rates when and if it finally does screen in Vic.

Re: Ep 121: In Treatment, Oscars, The Biggest Loser

Ross — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:48:06 -0000

Yes, you are spot on there Rob. In Treatment requires a big investment of television time and I don't want to see these characters every day or invite them into my life for two and a half hours each week.

Re: Ep 122: James Talia, Ashes to Ashes, Tony Mokbel

Ross — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:47:37 -0000

OK Brett - yes the site is a bit of a mess, but this analysis below the visual clue is the sort of stuff I like.

There is a quote below. DON'T READ ON IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN EP 3 OF SEASON 4.

We returned to the scene later in the episode as the rocket screeched through the sky and landed at Faraday's feet. He excitedly opened the rocket and pulled out a stop-clock, but his colour drained and panic overtook him when he noticed the time difference of 31 minutes 18 seconds. "This is not good!" In other words, something during the rocket's course caused it to arrive 31.18 LATER than it should've.

I sent you there last week, but I'm going to direct you there again - go and read Michael Faraday's wiki entry. People on LOST are named for a reason, and Faraday is no different. Around 1831, Faraday began working on the theory of electromagnetic induction, or the idea that the electromotive force (moving charged metals) in a closed loop is directly proportional to the time rate of magnetic flux. He then built on this idea time and time again, but the theory we're most interested in is Faraday's Paradox.

Faraday's Paradox states that a magnetic object placed on an free-spinning axis near a metallic object on a free-spinning axis should both remain still, yet force each other to move at the same time. In other words, there is nothing is forcing them to move except themselves, and they're not actually doing anything to achieve this other than remaining still, which is their ideal state, yet they still move. It makes no sense, yet it makes perfect sense... until you try and apply it in the real world.

The reason this is so applicable to we Lost fans is simple - the air between the two objects charges with electromagnetism which, when allowed to grow, will begin to bend light, effectively creating an area where time can move at a different speed to that around it. Remember Faraday's comment last week that the light "doesn't scatter right"? Bingo. Time is dictated in relation to light and recent studies have called into question whether time really exists; it may very well be a construct of our minds so that we can understand our inevitable trajectory towards entropy. However, even if time does exist, it is a construct of the observer from his perspective. You know what time it is now. Someone in Berlin knows what time it is for them. Yet, someone standing on the moon would award the earth a specific time in relation to the galaxy. Time is dictated by the observing perspective.

We've known for two seasons that there are strange electromagnetic properties at play on the island; Kelvin confessed that the hatch's purpose was to keep it in check. Could the button have acted as a regulator, reversing the polarity of the charge every 108 minutes so as to not allow the field to grow beyond a point and become self-fulfilling? Even scarier, did Desmond's turning of the fail-safe key unleash the electromagnetic sphere covering the island, forever unhinging them from real-time?

Re: Ep 122: James Talia, Ashes to Ashes, Tony Mokbel

Ross — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 03:42:37 -0000

I agree with Brett - Ninjas are over-rated.