Anagram from TV Tasty Knows

Penelope Cruz Sanchez := Nup, Cheap Screen Lezzo

TV Tasty Knows loves Richie

TV Tasty Knows has been scouring the halls and back rooms of TV land in the hope that there something more for transmission than the famine-like of offerings we have been getting. Alas, there is nothing much to report.
Of current interest, TV Tasty Knows recommends only the Sopranos and West Wing, and that is about it. The rest is just packing material akin to what one might get upon opening a cheap Taiwanese toaster, or the interesting but bizarre plastic hook things that keep socks together that you'll get from Aunty May this Christmas. See? Already you are more interested in the analogy than any TV programs.

TV Tasty Knows Pick of the Summer
One bright beacon does shine, and that dear GG blogees, is CRICKET. TV Tasty Knows will be watching (and listening) to the cricket all summer, tuning in to watch in accordance with the adage:
"Ashes to Ashes,
It's a must, a must."

The Poms need to be given a cricket lesson my friends, and following that, be ground into the dust and returned home, stripped of laurels too easily bestowed last year, by a country starved of sporting success. 5 tests, of 5 days each equals 25 days of slow cooking English oompa-pa goonery on a spit. Just the way we like it.

Finally, TV Tasty Knows wishes that all you TV punters enjoy yourselves at the Turf Bar.
(They have Kronenbourg 1664 and Hoegaarden on tap - TV Tasty Knows !)

Colonel Sharpe - TV Tasty Knows

Much like the British soldiers shown serving in India, last Sunday’s airing of "Sharpe's Challenge" (Part 1) took TV Tasty Knows by surprise.
As a period drama, Sharpe's Challenge (a later one in the Sharpe series) has all the ingredients that make this rollicking adventure great fun : there is a hero we can barrack for, a steady plot, lots of action, tension filled moments, evil scheming, historical context, class actors who can fill the scope of the story telling (making some acting allowances for the striking female support cast), a striking female support cast, and importantly, following the characters through the ripping adventure.
Sharpe's Challenge was shot on location in India which adds greatly to the impact and lush viewing : stunning scenery, indoor backdrops, local people, local props, amazing architecture, etc. Just the thing that should be scheduled for a Sunday night. Bravo Colonel Sharpe, and all speed to you sir.

TV Tasty Knows Pick Of The Week
Won't be to everyone's taste, but Bro Town (Mon SBS 830P) is out of the box watching.

Its Summer, Its Daddo, Its TV Tasty, And I'm In Love

In an exciting initiative, TV Tasty Knows visited the Daddo brothers as part of an in-depth follow-up interview for loyal GGblog-ees.
TV Tasty Knows can report that the boys are living together in the big family house, though as the lads have got married they have separate rooms these days. This is a good thing as the usual fights, horsing around, playing up, unbridled hilarity and squabbles were very much still in evidence, and on more than one occasion Mrs Daddo (Snr) had to separate the boys using the time honoured ear-holding technique (with the wooden spoon also threatened at one point).
After 3 hours of hanging out with the Daddos, TV Tasty Knows was sore from Chinese burns, one of Andrew's model planes was broken, everyone was still giggling from Cameron being sprung stealing choc-bits from the cupboard and no-one wanted to hear Lachie's pimple dramas.
The most interesting fact of the visit (aside from the old Dexter compatibility printouts the Daddos had run on many of their past girlfriends) was the fact that a TV studio had been set up in a converted bedroom, which included an amazing collection of location back drops. Apparently TV producers from the various channels often found it easier to just go to the Daddos house some weeks to film segments.
Thankfully the visit ended in good spirits with a game of backyard cricket - though Andrew insisted he did not snick a caught behind and though it was his cricket bat, a lot of ill feeling remained. Last seen though, Lachie and Andrew were ganging up on Cameron who had been hogging the X-box.
TV Tasty Knows had a great time with the Daddos, and suffice to say, so do viewers.
(GGBlog Note: TV Tasty has been invited back to the Daddos for a Monopoly and Squatter weekend.)

TV Tasty Knows Pick Of The Week
You are being told now right now you little punk-rap-$#%er, "The Sopranos" is back (Wed 9 1040P)
(Who wants out of the Mob? TV Tasty Knows....)

Tasty Daddo

TV Tasty Knows sources have the breaking news that the upcoming 50 years of TV celebrations are currently being scheduled at Channels 7 and 9.
Channel Eddie is doing mostly clip show stuff, while Stokesy is out to mix it up a little, with events such as "Dancing with the Stars" judges actually dancing, A Country Practice reunion special, and the three Daddo brothers appearing together for a stage show. Will Ferrell is also being brought out to host an event.
This is not made up (TV Tasty Knows) and is perhaps an interesting comment on the 50 years of TV itself.
The only bright spot in the above is clearly the Daddo brothers. These boys have grown on TV Tasty Knows in recent years. Sure they were too much at the start with their oh-so-wholesome approach and dimples to die for, as they paraded across a vast array of TV shows like clones spewing out of a bad Batman prop.
And it WAS a bit much.
But as the Daddos have spread their wings, gigs have been harder to come by and the boys have got on with their lot, they have found some very nifty niches in TV Land (Zoot Review aside). In a landscape of plastic people, the Daddos are really shining now as likeable, down to earth, I'm-not-taking-myself-too-seriously-coz-my-brothers-will-take-the-piss-out-me-if-I-don't-first, personable hosts and presenters (and also in fact, evil suave henchmen as "Big Mommas House 2" has proved - TV Tasty Knows too much.....)
TV Tasty Knows will be raising a big frothy glass to the talented Daddo's in the next installment.

TV Tasty Knows Pick Of The Week
Well choices are getting thinner folks. Boston Legal (Mon 7 1030P) has peaked, but give it a go.

TV Tasty Knows Desperation

Are the TV channels getting desperate? It's a rhetorical question.
As Yasmin is now embedded as an industry joke, there are some new, sparkly offerings to tempt viewers being floated this week. TV Tasty Knows will now take the roll call:
Celebrity Survivor - hosted by Dicko with C-list celebrities. TV Tasty Knows thinks there will be little new apart from the fresh silicone top-ups and the odd spat.
David Tench Tonight - Denton crafted and has potential.
Great Comedy Classics with R.Gilbert presenting Brit classics. Not a bad match up when you consider the cheesy (and sometimes painful) but lovable pairing of content and host.
Cracker - back as a telemovie and solid as always.
Real Stories - Featuring a "Hey Dad! - The Movie" segment which could be worth a spoonful from the bain-marie of TV land.
Two-Twisted - Bryan Brown pulls in some stars for some Aussie drama.
The Force - Will rate a bit. This doesn't necessarily mean it will be good, but here's hoping.

TV Tasty Knows Pick Of The Week
Extras, Extras Extras! (Wed ABC 9P)

Last nights episode was comprised of beautifully crafted and excruciatingly awkward moments, some very clever observational humour, intruigingly layered characters, and a biting send up of film making.
It contains hybrid elements drawing from the "head in your hands" comedy pain of Curb Your Enthusiasm, the beautifully edited and subtle body language and pauses from Arrested Development, and a healthy strain of the verbal virtuoso from The Office.

TV Tasty Knows Morning TV

Is there just too much attention being paid to it? If "yes", why are you reading this? TV Tasty Knows says "yes" too, but is writing to enhance your knowledge - it's a community service essentially (and NOT part of a community based order either).
If the Kochy/Mel Vs Rowe/Stefanovic 58 round ratings fight hadn't already started grabbing more than their fair share of press, then the Beaconsfield mine disaster certainly put the spotlight well and truly on the competition between these two morning animals. Ridiculous updates about their tom-foolery seemed to count for news while the nation waited for the workers extraction.
TV Tasty Knows scratches his head (with a TV antenna) at the supposed appeal of any of the hosts. Popularity surely comes down to which is more bearable in this case, and let's face it, Jessica "the laughing kookaburra" Rowe is way too much to face at any time of the day.
And then there came the "when should we bone her" scandal, followed by the announcement that had already occurred in a manner of speaking, and Jess was pregnant (best wishes), AND now she has fallen down some stairs, which also made the news (and TV Tasty Knows wishes a full recovery).
Meanwhile Karl will lucky if that is all that happens to him through the Dancing on Ice (or "Falling Like Flies") debacle. If you find it hard to believe that people care this much, just remember the nature of recent events, the personal pain, the “Eddie said”/”she said”/”they said”, the magazine covers, the goodie/baddie debate, etc. and then think about the generous proportion of the market segment most likely to be watching daytime TV. Welcome to soap opera city.
As for Kerri-Anne Vs Reyne/Watkins later in the day, you gotta love the snarly anti-host performance of Mr.Reyne. At least it bears more resemblance to how TV Tasty Knows wakes up........


TV Tasty Knows Pick of the Week:
Broken News (Mon SBS 830P); a 6-part British send up of news presenting, specialising in scripting that zings with verbal gymnastics and solid comic timing. For those with quirky taste and although not for everyone, you will get a return on your half hour investment.

TV Tasty Travels with Jennifer Hawkins

TV Tasty Knows
Well, it's now later so more about Travel show presenters.
There is definitely a change in the air. TV Tasty has received word that even Mr. Ernest Dingo squeezed into a pair of lolly bags to wallow in the blue water whilst showcasing a recent island resort segment. It appears they are spreading the togs around, if only perhaps to take the edge off the usual offerings from Mrs ex-Packer Jodie, advertising her wares (AND swimsuit design company). It certainly can't be the barrel torsos of the male hosts that are the attraction.
But let's look at the presenter as a species.
They are perky, desperate to identify with the viewer and share the experience, almost always gushing and over the top about the location (THE most amazing ever), often too sparse with real info, never critical of the freebie accommodation, rarely budget travelling in luxurious locations (this is saved for African safari "experiences") and they usually provide a quirky fact or two just to pretend they were there long enough to unearth heaps of other interesting facts. And they're usually young things too. And there's a vast array of chicks, which would include the frizzy red head from A Country Practice (who always leaves TV Tasty cold), but usually in the Catriona Rowntree mould, who frankly is getting very tiring with her patronising sing song voice, and understandably, we have all worked out her particular travel tastes.
Curiously however, Ernie Dingo hosted the Great Outdoors for years, and TV Tasty can't understand why. His cutesy, "I'm a bumbling big kid" schtick was beneath him and gave the viewers nothing, appearing to be aimed at entertaining 6 years olds. He is far better with his thoughts now as a segment presenter, showing us his own personal travel style, and appears to have dropped his mugging approach. Perhaps there has been a missed opportunity for Ernie to be a mould breaker as host.
Other mould breakers would include Ben Dark (when he started, though now emphasises goofy aussie thickhead), Laura Csortan (a more down to earth, sporty presenter and TV Tasty admires her back tat), Sorrell Wilby (who was easily the most experienced traveller with an authentic wide range experience, offering very different insights accordingly), and David Reyne (who doesn't get too carried away with locations, presented a verbal barrage of alliteration to keep himself amused, and had a slightly sneery style now being further developed on morning tv - but more of that later). And a relative new comer in Daddo #26, Cameron, who is actually someone you could have a laugh with on a holiday.
Just before signing off for this week, some travel TV magic occurred recently when Jen-red G Hawkins went swimming with the sharks off South Africa. Through the audio, TV Tasty heard a VERY authentic and blood curdling scream of terror, with some later footage and audio of a very unnerved presenter underwater in a cage while great white pointers (no jokes please) came open mouthed at the mesh. On surfacing, the range of emotions were not left on the editing room floor, and I think this story will have attracted a lot of admirers for the personality, as well as the derrière. A more authentic travel experience for the viewers was the winner.

TV Tasty Knows Top 3:
Mike and Mal Leyland - Doyens!
Cameron Daddo - you can just relate to him
David Reyne - gush free

TV Tasty Knows Pick of The Week
Top Gear (Mon SBS 730P)
Covers the wonderful work of motor cars. This series has got a little blokey (last week they had the new sports Land Rover trying to out run a British tank over rough terrain) but hopefully they will still do the quirky stuff from last year, like the race between the presenters to see what will get you from France to Belgium quicker - a Ferrari or public transport. (Answer available on request - TV Tasty Knows.)

TV Tasty Knows Special Comment
Very best wishes for Saturday Lachlan.
(Yes, TV Tasty Knows)

TV Tasty Travel

Tasty TV Knows
As you'll recall, TV Tasty Knows' recent examination of Quiz shows was interrupted by an important development in another tube genre, the Travel show.
It is to this that TV Tasty Knows returns this week (if you can't keep up, ride a bike).
Travel shows are perennial, formulaic, rarely experimental and well juiced with hyperbole. The highlight offerings are usually the specials, featuring the "best of" category destinations. The superb camera work is often underrated and taken for granted, as there is much talent in getting the right shot, capturing the sunset, composing artistically and visually communicating the destination flavour within the limited production timelines.
The hosts too are a key element of the destination experience (but more of that later).
Unfortunately the information is the weakest part of these shows. Not at all what it should be for a travel show, even for the more escapist ones. Usually the information is lost at the expense of an over-emphasis on the presenter of the story (but more of that later).
We also often get the "same old destinations" (we KNOW the Greek islands look spectacular, can we move on now?), with the usual array of perky presenters, each just a bit different but usually not too much different (but more of that later - don't you listen?). At least there is the fun of guessing the trip costs at the end though.
The main features are the pretty pictures in your lounge room through the cold winter nights and a thumbnail sketch to hold your curiosity.
And speaking of main features, based on the last four year trend (TV Tasty knows) and the promos, they don't call Getaway, "Get'em Out", for nothing : Cue underwater swimsuit shot, emerging from pool shot, getting a massage shot, relaxing in a singlet-top shot (but more of that later).
And lest we forget the ones that started it all, "Bill Peach's Australia", and more importantly, "The Leyland Brothers". What Mike and Mal could have done had they gone overseas is a simple joy to ponder. Readers suggestions on places they would like to see Mike and Mal reporting from would be welcome.

TV Tasty top 3 travel shows are:
Getaway
Postcards
Lonely Planet
And Coxy's Big Break?...................thanks for trying big man.


TV Tasty Knows Pick of the week
I say again for the slow learners: Planet Earth : From pole to pole (Sun 2 730P)

Tasty Quiz Shows (Part 2)

TV Tasty Knows
Before TV Tasty Knows was so rudely interrupted by the startling revelation of seeing a MALE presenter in a travel story involving swimming underwater, TV Tasty Knows was poised to deliver Quiz Shows Part 2.......
And TV Tasty Knows MEANS quiz shows.
We're not talking about games shows, such as the highly acclaimed Family Feud (Tony Barber and Rob Brough eras the standouts) which had so many classic elements that some phrases have entered the lexicon. Nor are we talking about "Who wants to be a Mill-yonair (honk-honk try again) - sure there are questions, but the whole drawn-out milk-it-till-the-cow-falls-over affair is more game show than quiz show. TV Tasty Knows says "Once they have movable spots in the studio lighting grid you can be sure it's a game show." We are talking QUIZ shows, and TV Tasty's Top Picks are:

Sale of the Century - the game for everyone. It takes an ad break to learn and a lifetime to master

Mastermind - pure unadulterated quizzing

Spick and Specks - for sheer innovation and clean fun, and real trivia (though Richard Stubbs had a similar crack 10 years ago)

We can discuss games shows another day......


TV Tasty Knows Pick Of The Week:

Planet Earth : From Pole to Pole (2 Sun 730P)
If you have never seen a great white shark take-out a seal on the fly (and I know you haven't) you will watch this series

TV Tasty is outraged

TV Tasty KnowsIt is with much soul searching that TV Tasty Knows will not present Part 2 of TV Quiz Shows as intimated last week.
"What", you may ask, "could prompt this departure?" "What, pray tell," I hear you ask annoyingly again, "has appeared in the sights of the metaphoric telescope which has been diligently scanning the TV landscape by TV Tasty Knows?"
Well my immediate response is to say that the expression "pray tell" is pretentious, superfluous, and underused (mostly for the previous two reasons). And furthermore, any use of "metaphoric telescope" is passable - but only just.
More importantly though than these distractions, is a serious aberration which occurred in TV tasting land and TV Tasty Knows.
A golden rule has been broken namely: "If a travel show segment involves snorkeling or similar underwater activity, it shall exclusively be undertaken by the female host/s of that show, including but not limited to, a wide descent shot, with body arch." (The inclusion was an amendment passed in 2002).
This rule, one of many in TV production land, was broken on Monday night, when Cameron "suck-in-that-tum" Daddo was seen resplendent in budgie smugglers and toppling into some azure sea and then struggling down to admire the vegetation / fish / picturesque wreck beneath. Yes, I nearly brought up the days takings as they say, but it was the shock as well as the sight itself. TV Tasty is a Cameron fan (easily the best presenter of the 26 Daddo brothers) but this sort of willy-nilly disregard for long established TV statutes is just plain wrong.
I will return to TV Quiz Shows Part 2 and your correspondence next week where, as they say, "We will return you to normal programming shortly."

TV Tasty Knows Pick of the Week
Dip into "Absolute Power" (Wed ABC 9P)

Tasty TV - Quiz Shows

Quiz shows (Part 1)
(n.) The perennial plant of the TV garden.
Currently dear viewers there are a narrow, but generally high level of quality quiz shows to service our trivial needs.
The king, without doubt, is Sale of the Century (M-F 9 7P) (I know its "Temptation" but who is kidding whom?). TV Tasty still turns on Sale occasionally to fill the 7pm gap and if you can grit your teeth as needed for Ed on occasion, it's still a fine bit of TV crumpet for what it is. And if you're like TV Tasty (well I guess you can dream) you have the nights where you run red hot and think "I should go on this show! Where did I put Skinny Nixon's number? Perhaps John So can text it to me"; and then you have the nights when you think, "Have I developed Alzheimer's?"; and THEN you have the worst nights when you realise, "I am being given a trivia pasting by my Significant Other".
I draw our attention this week however to a newer set of Quiz shows. I speak of the "Einstein Factor" (Sun 2 630P), "Rock Kwiz" and "Spicks and Specks" (Wed 2 830P). TV Tasty says make sure you have a look at any of these three that you haven't yet sampled. There could be a quiz on it next week.

TV Tasty Knows Pick of the Week:
Clearing a swathe through most of the sad offerings, I draw your attention to "West Wing" (Thur 2 830P).
Yes, it is a sugary sweet idealistic soap on one level with dialogue that would never actually happen, let alone in an office or the White House where everyone shares the same brand of dry humour. On another level though it offers some decent brain food, well drawn characters, hypothetical situations that are involving, production values as lush as you'd find and the drama unfolding like a warm blanket. The repeats currently being shown on the ABC are without ad breaks and the 1.5 hours uninterrupted really does justice to the writing, acting and very snappy dialogue. If you can shout yourself the time, you will be rewarded.

New Segment : TV Tasty Knows

We have a very welcome new entry to Thursday=Green Guide Day blog spot this week. TV highlights are a portion of the market not traditionally covered by your regular correspondent and so I have great pleasure in introducing TV Tasty Knows. - ed. GGBlog

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TV Tasty Knows:
As you may have seen mentioned within this pithy tome, the World Cup is upon us. And verily, verily I say unto you, there is no getting around it. And it grows on you (like mould). News reports, radio updates, talk back, discussion at the office printer, (and yes, even blog spots) are humming with talk of Ronaldo this, and off-side that. For late night relief, TV Tasty Knows refers you to the current gems of American Dad, Scrubs (though current series is more forced), and any episode you can find of Arrested Development. Indeed these are among the best of T.V. offerings, and those looking to catch the Cup action would be well served to tickle themselves with these while they're up.


TV Tasty Knows Pick of the Week:
Enough Rope (Mon ABC 930P)
Interview with Peace Activist Ciaron O'Reilly
I heard Ciaron O'Reilly's story told with dry Irish humour and his highly thought-provoking motivations earlier this year and immediately thought, "he should be on Denton." On Monday he is. If he has time to tell the full circumstances of facing ten years gaol for $U.S. 2.5 million criminal damage to a US Navy warplane enroute to invasion of Iraq, you are in for a very well spent hour. His legal reasoning and stance in non-violently (and farcically) challenging our world leaders solutions for peace is highly stimulating and perhaps even inspirational.