tellyjelly

Life of Riley: First Episode

This is a belated response to Life of Riley because I'm just getting over the trauma. The title gave me a warning about how bad it would be and the trailers showing the 'funny bits' weren't funny - bearing in mind this is a comedy, it didn't have the best welcome mat laid out. It has to be seen to be believed, though, so I thought I'd be brave and watch it for research purposes. 

The most amazing thing about it is that it got commissioned in the first place. There. I've said it. And if there are any fans out there, please be offended as you seriously should see the doctor to find out if you've got a funny bone. Two parents, three step-children and one baby; jokes you can see and hear coming a mile off. Still, it pays the mortgage.

Surviving Gazza

This was uncomfortable viewing at its worst and I can't help thinking the film makers were irresponsible to broadcast a 12 year old speaking so abruptly about his father. I only hope that when he is older he does not berate himself too much for saying what he said on film, and remembers that a supervising adult (who has some distance on this situation) should have intervened to make sure this did not go on public record.

Coronation Street and Eastenders: 5 January 2008

Coronation Street, I knew you wouldn't let me down. It was the best episode of the year last night with Liz hiding behind a chair while Steve stole her best lines. His objections to Lloyd sleeping with his mother have to be the most original but stomach churning ones we have had the privilege of hearing (that he came out from between those legs) and so the mummy's boy did good. Once he gets over these initial difficulties he might see that Lloyd would make a good step-father, and perhaps he could take him to the park.

While we're on the subjects of soaps, again, Eastenders came a close second and if you prefer crying to laughing it would be the outright winner. My only problem with it was the way they signal someone has left the house by showing us an open door. Firstly, it is January and they are letting the heating out. Secondly, burglars could get in very easily and so the producers are being irresponsible letting this air before the watershed. Thirdly, surely there are other ways of indicating that Lauren and Jean have left their houses. They could show footprints leading to the door, or a strand of wool could be spotted (by Max or Stacie) where a scarf was caught as they left. Or, somebody could ring the concerned member of the family to let them know their loved one has left the house. Apart from this, though, it was v. moving especially when arch villain Janine reclaimed Terence the dog and made little Tiffany cry.