It's all good
Seems
everything old is new again at Network Ten. It’s been nearly
8 long years since it last aired episodes of Good News Week,
Paul McDermott’s blend of quiz show and variety hour. Well
it’s back, and not that much has changed – which is
a good thing in my book.
McDermott – having in the interim hosted the
surprisingly successful Strictly Dancing and the surprisingly
unsuccessful The Sideshow – steps back into the
host’s chair. Although it’s been a while, he slips
easily back into the groove, the only giveaway being a few more
crow’s feet around his eyes. He’s re-teamed with former
GNW regular Mikey Robins; but Julie McCrossin is missing
this time around, replaced by effervescent comedian Claire Hooper
(who worked with McDermott on The Sideshow).
The format remains basically the same. It’s
a game show that involves two teams (headed by Robins and Hooper),
usually consisting of entertainment or sports types, trying to
score points by answering questions related to news and current
events. When you say it like that, it sounds as dull as Meet the
Press; but the show is enlivened by several factors. High on the
list is the fact that McDermott, Robins and Hooper are funny people,
and their wit and interplay elevates the material. While the show
doesn't shy away from the more “serious” end of the
news, it hooks into the key issues with more than a little wit
and (thankfully) intelligence. And finally, it doesn’t take
itself too seriously – always a good look for a comedy show.
The really optimistic part of me sees GNW
as having the potential to perhaps galvanise those people who
drift along blissfully unaware of what’s going on in the
world to actually seek out some of the things that are talked
about on the show. The cynical part of me is resigned to the fact
that won’t occur; but hey, it’s a nice thought.
As
I mentioned, McDermott has slipped back into the groove of the
show with considerable ease. He looks very comfortable in the
host’s role; his opening monologue is good and he gets a
lot of laughs with his comments during the various rounds. Robins
also seems relaxed about his return, and still has a better grasp
of the news than many who actually read the news. As the newcomer,
Hooper has to battle a little for attention between the two seasoned
campaigners. She went missing in action a little during the season’s
first episode, but she’s a talented performer who I’m
sure will warm to the task in coming weeks.
Good News Week, despite its vintage, is
something of a breath of fresh air at the moment. With local networks
awash with (mostly dull) reality series covering everything from
rescuing puppies to weight loss, it’s a joy to see a locally
made program that actually sets out to entertain.
And who knows, maybe some who tune in for the entertainment
factor will actually be informed about some of the more important
things happening in our country and the world. We live in hope.
Phil James
