Had a strong sense of déjà vu this evening while watching 10 o’clock live. I was tempted to post exactly the same blog as last week to make a point. There were the same problems only exacerbated while the good parts worked better. There there was one real difference, they used Lauren Laverne this week – oh and they ran out of time. Below is a summary of the key players.
Carr – I compared him last week to Stephen Colbert and I stand by that. His opening gags about news of the week were funny (although the one about planes may have gone too far) but he also has his own serious points which, while often cloaked in humour do come out in the round table sections. His interview was once again great and educational to watch. Just like Colbert
Brooker – nothing really needs to be said, but he should be hosting this show, on his own, maybe with Jimmy. His piece on sexism and The Sun was spot on. He also seemed visibly bored with his co-hosts during one round table. Brooker is our Jon Stewart, take advantage of this or put The Daily Show back on the air.
Mitchell – is a comedian, he is not a professional interviewer. You get Alistair Campbell, one of the most famous spin doctors in British politics, who has been interviewed by the best Britain has to offer and you have David Mitchell interview him. I say “interview”, it was more like a platform for Campbell to speak directly to Channel 4 viewers. The discussion panel he chaired was again a bit of a shambles. It may not be his fault, he seems lumped with the “serious” interviews and discussions which don’t really work with the rest of the show.
Laverne – she had a part this week (and not some stupid embarrassing VT about US news) and it was a serious part too, a couple of gags but I’ve never heard of Serco, now I have and I’m wondering the same thoughts she raised. Serious points raised via monologues work better than a point scoring interview conducted by people ill equipped for the task. More Laverne next week please.
The Audience – they were back, oh how they were back. Its useful they’re there or there would be no one to cut to after each “joke” to remind us we should be laughing. Like an auto cue for the viewers at home.
Time – the show is an HOUR long yet not much seems to happen yet it feels rushed. The show just ended abruptly this week, they ran out of time. Was it an interview which over ran? Was it the post-interview banter? Is it bad form to interview a guest and then as soon as they’ve gone off stage say all the things you wouldn’t say to their face?
There’s good and bad in 10 o’clock live, I still don’t think it knows what it wants to be. You’ve had your second chance 10 o’clock live, I want to like you, I really do, but you’re making it difficult. I’ll be catching up with Skins on 4OD over the weekend so you best hope it’s not really good or you’ll be switching places next week.
