Arnold
CibbuanoFrontline - The Souffle Rises
February 2nd 2007 11:56
I was recently given a box set comprising of all three series of Frontline on DVD. I was very happy to recieve this. I used to love watching Frontline, it was such a great show. Very ahead of it's time, I watch it now and I can see shades of 'The Office' - the same mockumentary-feel, the lack of a laugh-track, the realistic interaction of the characters, the presence of a major dickhead who is sometimes a little too awkward to watch (Mike Moore)...
Unlike 'The Office', Frontline was aimed a more serious target. It had a lot to say about shoddy journalism and Current Affairs-style shows in particular, and acted as a kind of satirical, fictionalised version of the infamous 'Mediawatch'. Unfortunately (for the show), a lot of the celebrity-references have dated in the 10 years since it first aired. Doubly unfortunately (for Australian television), the style of television journalism it so gleefully rips apart is every bit as prominent on Australian television now as it was back then.
Anyway, it's a great show, and I'm going to go through it episode by episode as I watch it again.
Episode: 1.1 'The Souffle Rises'
What Happens: Frontline-host Mike Moore is labelled as 'lightweight' by the media and decides to counter this with some spontaneous and poorly thought-out editorialising. Death-threats follow.
The Issues/Cliches of Current Affairs television: Editorialising (ala Derryn Hinch). Interviewing a 'living legend' (AKA any old celebrity that most people have forgotten about).
Elliot-Watch:
MIKE MOORE: Elliot Rhodes, taking another light-hearted look at the week that was.
Celebrities: Then-current Liberal leader Dr. John Hewson appears, as does second-rate Australian comedian Ugly Dave Gray. Both are fairly good sports (especially Ugly Dave, who allows himself to be killed off onscreen!).
Celebrity mentions: Ray Martin. Richard Carlton. Imran Khan. Jackie McDonald. Derryn Hinch. Stan Grant. Jana Wendt. Kerry O'Brian (referred to by Brian to Mike Moore as "Your red-haired mate from the ABC with the pen"). Morrie Fields. Malcolm Turnbull. Mark Mitchell.
Quotes:
GEOFF: If you feel strongly about an issue make a comment.
MIKE MOORE: Alright I will.
GEOFF: Great.
MIKE MOORE: What's in the show that I should feel strongly about?
GEOFF (on Mike Moore being lightweight): They obviously didn't see your run-in with Jackie McDonald!
MIKE MOORE: I happen to feel very strongly about the Macedonian issue.
BRIAN: So do the Greeks! Those crazy wogs burn down houses.
BRIAN: I want a living legend... look, all I'm asking for is some old showbiz bastard who doesn't mind perving at Brooke all afternoon.
DOM (reading a death-threat letter): 'Mike Moore is dead'. Geez some people are rude.
MARTIN DI STASIO: You've got balls mate... actually that's what they cut off first (makes cutting sound and motion), then they send 'em to your parents.
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Comment by Damo
Fat Pizza is pretty close.
Comment by Questionable Content
I don't make a habit of reading your blogs, but long live Frontline.
Comment by Luke
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
hmmmm
I'm not sure if that's a compliment or an insult.
you still owe me $10 for your false accusations regarding 'A Confederacy of Dunces'.