LIVING WITH THE ENEMY
3.5 stars
Wednesday, September 3, 8.30pm, SBS One
The West Wing did it. The Chaser boys did it. You don't need to be a Biblical scholar to do it. When it comes to fundamentalist Christians and Bible literalists, you just need to engage with the argument. So it's intensely frustrating that the gay couple that feature in this interesting if problematic new documentary/reality series don't even come close. The idea is that two people with passionate and diametrically opposed points of view are compelled to spend 10 days living with each other – five in each camp. Tonight that's David, a conservative Anglican minister and father of three; and Michael and Gregory, a gay activist couple determined to be married. While the latter are spending time with the former (in a caravan in the front yard – the minister refuses to have the gay couple actually sleeping under his roof) he takes them to church and, reading from Leviticus, explains that according to the word of God they're detestable, and an abomination. Now, naturally enough, that upsets the gay couple. But if this series were really about people interested in putting their case and hearing an alternative view, a quick glance at Chapter 20 of Leviticus would have unearthed the fact that the word of God – just on those few pages – also includes instructions to never shave your head or your beard (the minister is clean shaven and bald); to kill people who curse their mother or father; and, indeed, to kill homosexuals. If Michael and Gregory had raised that with David, we might have had a very interesting discussion indeed. Instead, they just shout at him. And the discussion never really rises above that level, even if it eventually becomes less heated. So as an exchange of ideas, this is a bust, which is disappointing. As a study in human nature, however, it's fascinating.
THE 100
3.5 stars
Thursday, September 4, 7.30pm, Fox8
Okay! Neat set up, neatly told. Post-apocalypse, while the earth remains hideously irradiated, a group of teenagers are sent there from the space station on which they were born. There is a reason, but the first five minutes tell it better than it can be retold here – indeed, the exposition on every level in the opening instalment to this new teen sci-fi adventure ain't subtle but it's certainly compact. Character types may be broad, but they're deftly sketched. And by the time our hapless teens arrive on Planet Earth we feel genuine excitement as they step onto soil, see trees, feel sunshine, breathe actual air for the first time in their lives. Of course, the joy was always destined to be short-lived and it's not long before it's all getting a bit Lord of the Flies. There's certainly no better environment for Teens Gone Wild than a deserted planet and the prospect of imminent death. The rapidly escalating events downstairs (as it were) are also in nice counterpoint to the ongoing drama up on the space station. Plus – while the action is certainly well-handled – what's most promising about The 100 is its philosophical aspect. For instance: does imprisonment inevitably create criminals, regardless of their state when they're incarcerated? And is the survival of the species worth pursuing, regardless of the cost?
REALITY CHECK
3.5 stars
Wednesday, September 3, 8.30pm, ABC
In the style of (if not the identical format to) the Gruen series, this excellent new comedy/factual half hour delivers exactly what it promised: a fond, funny, intelligent and non-judgemental exploration of how reality TV works, and why we love it. Tom Ballard does an excellent job of both guiding the conversation and bringing some laughs while the rotating panel of experts deliver mostly frank, always interesting and sometimes surprising insights into both their own work and the reality TV highlights of the week.
IN HER SKIN
3.5 stars
Sunday, August 31, 10.30pm, SBS2
Well! Now I understand why telenovelas are so famous, and so addictive. After watching just the first episode of In Her Skin (En Otra Piel) I regaled friends for days with details of the insanely complicated and, frankly, insane plot which crosses international borders, class divides and generations to set up what promises to be a sublimely silly narrative arc. The acting – and the sets – is certainly reminiscent of The Bold and The Beautiful, but whereas in B&B it can take months for any a single moment to resolve itself, here the pace is breakneck. Fabulous fun.
PADDOCK TO PLATE
3.5 stars
Wednesday, September 3, 8.30pm, Lifestyle
It's not quite as magnificent as River Cottage Australia but there's still an awful lot of pleasure to be had in this picturesque and often surprising food/travelogue. Season two opens with Matt Moran on the wild and beautiful Eyre Peninsula. When you think of food-plus-South Australia it's not the first destination that springs to mind but Moran unearths a terrific range of local produce, from saltbush lamb to Coffin Bay oysters. And, as always, this is gorgeously shot, making it a feast for the eyes as well as an inspiration for your taste buds.
HOUSE OF LIES
3 stars
Wednesday, September 3, 8.30pm, FX
There's an awful lot wrong with this raunchy Showtime comedy – and by wrong, we mean morally, ethically or philosophically suspect (and often not in a good way). But it's saved by some really interesting characterisation, and its cracking cast. Don Cheadle as our main man Marty Kaan is certainly a compelling presence. But the wonderful Kristen Bell and our own Josh Lawson as his offsiders are both terrific in their very different ways, while Dawn Oliveri as Marty's ex is just magnificent.
