Burning-Monk

(2012-05-13 06:05:22)

Worth Watching

Having just watched the first two episodes, I have mixed feelings butthere are some actual positives to this show.I have always loved Skinner's brand of humour and he is always verygood at interacting with his audiences. Here is no different. Theformat of the show is on one hand interesting and has some potential,but on the other maybe too lightweight. If you haven't seen the show,Skinner is joined by two 'celebrities' and amongst them and theaudience they discuss topical current events - Just saying it makes itsound lame I know. It's all very light-hearted and easy to watchthough.My initial thoughts were that I really wasn't interested in the viewsof the general public on things they often don't actually know anythingabout ("Like.... I think this....and like it's really rubbish coslike.... ETC), but thankfully this isn't one of those morning chatshows with Jeremy Kyle & the 'like'. Often the person that speaks fromthe audience is somebody who is there for a reason. For example,discussion about the recent Volcano saw two Volcano experts (whilstlooking a bit uncomfortable amongst the pleb's), offered some actualexpertise on the matter. It's not all nerdy scientists though, and hasa mix of experts, normal people 'in a position' to actually offerinsight, and THEN the odd average Joe who wants to get involved.Skinner hosts this forum extremely well and offers up plenty of laughs.Often these things do depend for me on the guests, and if I likesomebody then it will make the show more enjoyable. There are some goodpeople around the circuit who I feel can really produce some goodepisodes of this. Not necessarily the same faces who do the rounds(although that will be hard to avoid), but I have a few favourites whoI would be very happy to see here. Unfortunately the standard so farhas been a bit weak. Episode 1 had Al Murray who was a total bore, andMiranda Hart who I generally am not a fan of (although to be fair shewas quite tolerable here). It improved in episode 2 with Dave Gormanwho fitted in well and some girl who I don't really know but she wasOK. They could do better though. There are some funny people out therewho do actually have some intellect and ability to do the topical thingvery well, so I wait and see who they use in the following episodeswith interest.Ultimately it seems a reasonable watch. I much preferred episode twoand laughed quite a bit. I can see this getting some stick (noteverybody likes Skinner for example), but in all fairness if you dolike him or at least can tolerate him then there is far worse on TVthan this to relax to. It's quite good fun, is very easy going and ifthey can have some strong guests on then it has some potential.