Treasure eludes Pirate Master

The first episode of Pirate Master with Cameron Daddo as host has aired in the US.

The reality series is the latest offering from Mark Burnett. But the 7.1m viewers were not enough to win its timeslot, losing to Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader's 8.7m. And early reviews are not promising. Most see the show as a Survivor clone, and although The Apprentice used similar power games it had a different backdrop plus the character of Donald Trump.

"Reality show addicts who took in last night's debut now know what Jack Sparrow felt like when he was swallowed by that awful, foul smelling Kraken. Neither were pleasant experiences, that's for sure," said John Powell of Jam Showbiz. He was kinder about Daddo, saying, "Daddo did an admirable job as host. He came across as authoritative and commanding. I know he is new to the gig but I hope he becomes more involved with each episode so as to become synonymous with the series."

One reviewer even thought he was British. Time's blog accuses it of resembling Survivor outtakes, adding, "does the fact that Mark Burnett was ripping himself off make it any better?"

At least the show is premiering in the equivalent of US non-ratings.

Pirate Master is due to air here on TEN. Australian Eden Gaha, who has worked for Burnett on Survivor and Rock Idol is a producer on the show.

And if that isn't enough, Mark Burnett has a real struggle on his hands with On The Lot. It's terrible ratings will see it quickly merge its Results show with its Competition edition into one single hour -that's assuming it even lasts long enough.
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21 years at Eastenders

After almost 22 years on screen as an original cast member of Eastenders Wendy Richard's farewell episode is about to screen in Australia on UKTV.

Her dramatic exit which was seen by more than 10m viewers in the UK will air on Tuesday June 19 / Wednesday June 20.

Richard played Pauline Fowler regularly seen at Albert Square's launderette, moaning about life and despairing of her children.

She is also well known for her role in Are You Being Served? as Mrs Slocombe's sidekick, Miss Brahms.

In Eastenders Richard was the show's second-longest running character.

And fans should also check out Parkinson on Saturday June 23 in which Richard appears to discuss her roles in both television programmes. Read more...

Justin time for Parky

A quick reminder that Justin Timberlake appears tonight on Parkinson along with Jude Law and Kate Winslet.

Timberlake sings "Sexyback."

Next week it's Michael Caine and Tony Bennett.

And the week after, Sir Ian McKellan and Take That's first TV appearance after their reunion.

Parkinson airs tonight at 10:20pm on ABC TV. Read more...

First Review: Kick

It’s been a long time since an Italian immigrant was affectionately dubbed ‘a bloody dago’ in “They’re a Weird Mob.” But ethnic humour has entrenched itself in Australian culture ever since. The stage success of "Wogs Out Of Work" led to Acropolis Now, Effie: Just Quietly, and indirectly to Greeks on the Roof. Along the way we’ve seen other memorable characters in Home Sweet Home, plus Con the Fruiterer, that ‘bloody wog’ in Kingswood Country and Fat Pizza’s Pauly to name but a few.

Now we have Kick from SBS.

This 13 part feelgood drama (or is that a feelgood comedy?) hosts an array of diverse characters who live on Hope Street in the Inner Northern suburbs of Melbourne. It’s a humble, somewhat ramshackled neighbourhood of terrace houses, 1960s brick veneer and the obligatory Euro-statue by the gate. There’s not a McMansion or an Erinsborough middle-class house in sight. Still, these neighbours are more than just good friends. They are the United Nations of fun.

Central amongst its lazy-susan of lively and colourful characters is Miki (Zoe Ventoura) who is forced to move back with her parents when she can no longer pay her bills. Miki mid-20s, is a modern Australian woman under the roof of her traditional Greek parents (George Kapiniaris and Maria Mercedes) who meddle in and mismanage her personal life. Miki takes a job as the local medical centre receptionist where she meets Indian doctor Joe (Raji James) and a romantic comedy of errors ensues.

The opening episode is brimming with characters -possibly too many- including Hoa Tran (Anh Do) who while running the local Vietnamese Bakery is more interested in his karaoke night. Serb-Russian Tatiana, 16 year old Lebanese Osama and Muslim Taghred are into football. Taghred even cheerfully plays sport while wearing her headscarf.

And proving its diversity is adept, we have 19 yo Lebanese Layla (Nicole Chamoun) who while fencing with Jackie (Romi Trower) is struck by an instant, electric attraction. The sword-fighting touch was totally original, avoiding any lesbian stereotype, and if anything, only made two sexy girls way sexier.

The series is an affectionate, fresh multicultural take on our suburbs. It bubbles in a melting pot of spicy flavours with a range of playing styles from broad to unassuming. Throughout it has its heart on its sleeve.

Colour leaks from every corner of Kick. It bursts onto the screen with a stunning visual look from the late cinematographer Will Gibson and production designer Jo Ford.

Creator / Director Esben Storm (himself from Danish origins) drew upon workshops with multicultural Australians in devising Kick. Not dissimilar to American sitcom writing, separate writers were assigned different scriptwriters, in order to capture individual voices.

This is a lively romp that celebrates what it is to be a dinky-di ethnic in Howard’s Australia.

Kick premieres 8:00pm Saturday June 9 on SBS
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BBC denies Dr Who axe hovering

The BBC has denies rumours that Russell T. Davies plans to close down Dr Who after Series Four.

Series 4 begins filming this month in the UK and neither David Tennant, or sidekick Freema Agyeman are contracted beyond the series.

There is talk that the workload is wearing Davies down but a spokeswoman for the BBC dismissed the rumours as "idle speculation."
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BB UK gets their man

The UK Big Brother, which kicked off this week with a house full of females, has added its first male -'Ziggy.'

Ziggy is Zac Lichman, 'a fashion conscious ex-model and ex-boyband member. ' He is 26 and ' 'if he could make a law it would for there to be a National Short Skirt Day.'

Ziggy will also single-handedly decide the first nominations.

The UK house also has two older contestants, Carole aged 53 and Lesley, 60. It's an idea we need to see here!

Big Brother UK. Read more...