tellyjelly

Outnumbered

Something strange happened on terrestrial telly last night - a comedy was shown, on BBC1, on a Saturday night, and it was funny. Outnumbered might be a little twee for some, but what a relief to not have to watch a programme that involved dancing dogs or people, or Simon Cowell lording it over more star struck ordinary members of the public (as they are always referred to). Speaking of which, I can't help thinking he should get his comeuppance some time soon. It seemed to be heading that way on the news in the middle of the week when he was seen to mock someone on the American Pop Idol/X Factor who then went on to commit suicide, but his reign continues as people wait for his pronouncements as though he were God - or talented in any way.

Rich Kid, Poor Kid

The premise for this documentary seems to be that it's possible for two teenagers living on the same street to live such contrasting lives and I suppose the film maker was saying this could be a metaphor for the rest of England. Except these are real people being observed and with little background information to support how divided this country is it came across as prurient and judging of both girls - of the richer one for her initial inherited snobbery and of the poorer one because she didn't have much money. I wonder if it was 'personalised' in such a way because the viewers couldn't be presumed to take in a film that explains the disparity of wealth without such a narrow focus.

Lady Randy: Churchill's Mother

This programme was proof that Churchill had at least one likeable person in his family despite the voiceover and some of the contributors trying to get us to think otherwise. One of the more fascinating insights into his mother was that she wore a musical bustle that played when she sat down and she had relationships with men other than her husband. The latter was the main focus and I wonder if we were supposed to be shock, especially as this was reiterated on a number of occasions. We were also told she had the eyes of a panther. I'm surprised he didn't ask for them back, but that's another story.

Celebrity Scissorhands

Steve Strange's hair allergy has finally got the better of him and,for now, he has left the salon for good. If this had happened in the last two series, it might have been difficult to replace his artistic genius, but now we have Zammo of Grange Hill and Just Say No emerging as a worthy rival. The pink pom-pom that he superglued to a woman's forehead in the name of a creative makeover will probably never be bettered, and is an idea that Steve Strange, or anyone else, would never have come up with. It might even catch on, you never know.