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Sydney Morning Herald

Monday May 12, 2008

Clare Morgan

Bed Of Roses

ABC1, 7.30pm

After kicking off last week with all the fizz of a spent sparkler, episode two of this tree-change drama is a vast improvement, thanks to the absence of excruciating exposition and clunky dialogue. Oh, all right, not as much clunky dialogue. There's still enough froth to warrant a mop and bucket, and it's hard to believe anybody could be as ditzy as Kerry Armstrong's Louisa, but it helps that we're getting to know the residents of Rainbows End.

There are even some laughs, such as Louisa applying for jobs; when asked about any experience she has with Excel, she chirps, "Oh, yeah, I try to."

Finally realising the seriousness of her financial situation, Louisa trades in her Merc for a clapped-out ute and moves into her father's shack, planning to demolish it, rebuild and make some money. Her plans hit a snag when her mother (Julia Blake) intervenes.

Raw Comedy 2008

ABC1, 10.10pm

There are few things more cringe-inducing than would-be comedians bounding onstage at an open-mic night and bombing. What might be a screamingly funny conversation at the pub does not always translate to a good comedy routine for an audience.

Several acts in this showcase of up-and-coming comedians fall into this category but for the most part they're funny. There are some clever musical numbers, an amusing dork who works in a bookshop and one chap who was probably hilarious in Darwin. You might be surprised when they announce the winner - I was.

Big Love

SBS, 8.30pm

"Home Plus is us," reads the billboard as a giant Bill Henrickson (Bill Paxton) smiles broadly at passing traffic. The smile sours, however, when a witty vandal adds a spray-painted reference to the Henricksons' polygamous set-up. This is The Brady Bunch meets The Stepford Wives as the increasingly harried Bill struggles to keep his hardware dynasty afloat, while his wives Barb (Jeanne Tripplehorn), Nicki (Chloe Sevigny) and Margene (Ginnifer Goodwin) wage their own power struggles.

The wonder here is when you realise you want these weirdos to triumph in a world that doesn't understand them. We might not agree with them but we still root for them. In a great cast, Sevigny is the standout; just when you think you have her figured out, she says something profound such as, "How do we survive the bad times on just love?" Answers on a postcard, please.

Australia's Funniest Home Video Show

Nine, 6.30pm

I laughed out loud at a recent clip from this usually dreadful collection of bumbling cyclists, clumsy toddlers and sozzled wedding guests - but that's one genuine laugh in four years. The jolly Shelley Craft, who took over from Toni Pearen as host, does bring an easy charm to the role. It's the voiceover guy I'd like to see hit by a swing.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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