Bill is back with a bang

TV REVIEW

BILL is back and if the first of The Apprentice hopefulls to go is to be believed, he is all drama.Indeed, the first episode of the news series was all drama; drama and calamity. I echo the sentiments of many more across the country when I say that if we are relying on the creativity and entrepreneurial savvy of these contestants to lift us out of the depths of ths recession, I wouldn’t hold my breath.
In many ways, it was the most entertaining opening episode of the show either here in Ireland or across the water I have seen. This was pure gold. The women were likely to stab each other with a fake nail at any second and the lads came across as bumbling idiots. The best of course had to be the salesperson who couldn’t even use a phone.
As for the cup-dropping incident, well, it was like a scene from Fawlty Towers – no wonder nobody wanted to buy the vouchers.
The same problems exist as with previous series. The set still looks like the cast-off from an old 1980s news set and Bill could up his game when it comes to the creative put downs. The producers, however, could not have done a better job at picking some of the most entertaining characters ever to be seen on television.
Sit back, relax and get ready to cringe because this series is bound to filled with hilarious fumble, after bitchy comment, after handbag fight. I can’t wait! Tune in Monday nights on TV3.
Another fine drama which started again on BBC on Monday night is Spooks. Starring Richard Armitage, the opening few moments turned some previous plot points completely on their heads and I for one was hopelessly confused, albeit in a good way, for the first 15 minutes or more. What unfurled of course was the usual espionage, fast talking, home security nightmare.
Highly entertaining, slick dialogue and a lot of scowling. There were love confessions, identities exposed and some fine baddie hunting as well. Who knew there was a magnetic pulse weapon hidden in the bowels of Westminister or that Richard Armitage could hold a scowl for almost an hour. Okay, we knew the last one.
The ever-popular series looks like it is going to give us another very good run but it remains to be seen if it will live to tell another tale after this year. I feel the franchise, despite numerous character changes and complex but relevant plots, is beginning to tire and very soon we may need a new drama to show us how the secrect world of political espionage is keeping us safe in our beds.
Of course, it really has no effect on us here in Ireland. While the British have Lucas and Harry, trained killers and masterminds to protect them, we have Pat Shortt in the guise of Mattie to keep scum from our door. To be honest, if it was a battle between Lucas and Mattie, my money is on Mattie. That seargent has the luck of the Gods. Spooks continues next Monday at 9pm on BBC One.
As a Minister for Justice, I couldn’t stand him but when it comes to convincing the nation that indeed Micheal Collins may very well have been the greatest individual to ever have borne the name of Irishman, he didn’t do a bad job. Michael McDowell was never known for his softly, softly approach and although his attack-dog skills were firmly on hold in this documentary, his passion and belief that the Cork man was the greatest Irishman ever was evident.
A mixture of old footage, historical narrative and McDowell’s input, the programme does as it should. It gives his reasons ina an attempt to convince us of the merits of the Big Fellow and why we should put our faith in him once more. Will it go against Collins that McDowell is arguing his case, it shouldn’t but there is no denying that it might. He was not a very popular politician despite being elected to the Dáil and holding one of the most important posts in it. But his skills at arguing his case and his ability to present the show are evident and I for one will not fault his abilities here.
Is Collins my greatest Irish person? No, but after watching McDowell at least present the case, I began to look at the man Michael Collins once more and to forget the spin and the legend that surrounds him. McDowell describes him as the Scarlett Pimpernell of Ireland, a man that took on the Empire and won. Well that statement is definitely open for debate but one thing is for certain, it won’t be the last or indeed the most outrageous statement to be uttered, as many more familiar faces in the series try and convince us that their heroes are the greatest Irish people ever. One can only speculate as to what gems will be be uttered when it’s Bono’s turn. But that’s for another column. Tune into Ireland’s Greatest on Monday nights.
One to watch: Want to watch a travel programme hosted by someone who hates travelling, then tune into Karl Pilkington’s adventures around the world in An Idiot Abroad. Karl, a radio producer, author and podcaster, is best known for producing and co-presenting The Ricky Gervais Show.
He is known for a rather dry wit or in some instances totally devoid of humour altogether. Although most likely hugely staged, this does promise to be filled with a few laughs. Rather like watching your dad do outdoor pursuits, a but awkward but ultimately satisfying. Check it out on Sky Two on Friday night at 10pm.