TV Tonight has it on very “good authority” that Mad as Hell will return to ABC1 in 2014. We’re not sure what authority, but since it’s good news, we’re going to run with it.
But as David Knox points out, Mr & Mrs Murder is a long-shot to return for a second series, because, as previously noted on this site, it is largely dependent on funding.
We’ll keep our eyes peeled for an official announcement on MAH!
Shaun turns 51 today!
Well whoop-dee-do, this site has managed to be here for 3 years – that’s longer than the whole internet!**
Since then, we’ve reclaimed the original ShaunMicallef.com (our spiritual predecessor), interviewed Shaun twice, enjoyed MAH, TAYG, M&MM (to name but a few) and built our own lion park.***
Thanks for visiting and making this site worth it, as we look forward to the next exciting projects from S. Micallef.
** A lie.
*** Also a lie.
Adam Hills almost didn’t make it back from London in time to host his tonight show, but Shaun still took the liberty of taking over the hosting duties – until Adam intervened and took control back. You can watch it here and see some behind the scenes footage here.
It wasn’t the first time, as when Shaun appeared as a guest at the end of Season 2, he pretty much took over then too!
There’s a new iOS app by the Australian Bureau of Statistics called “Run That Town”. The premise is instead of just saying “I could run this town better” – you can actually try it. Using real census data, you can try running any town in Australia to determine if you actually can make a difference.
So why mention it? Because it’s narrated by Shaun of course! (see here) It’s not the first time he’s done work for the ABS, with the pre-census spotlight website. (still online too!)
Find out more about the game at runthattown.abs.gov.au.
It’s looks quite slick, but as I don’t have any iDevices, I haven’t played it. Please post comments if you have!
Now that we’ve been treated to the full 13-episode series of Mr and Mrs Murder (without a timeslot change either!), you can now get all the episodes on DVD… as of 19th June.
Pre-order from JB Hi-Fi or your favourite DVD retailer.
With Mad As Hell finishing last Wednesday, and Mr & Mrs Murder next Wednesday, it looks like we’re going cold turkey on Shaun for a while.
As alluded to at the end of the last MAH episode, there will be no more episodes before the federal election (September), which was mentioned at the end of season 1 as a possibility for new episodes. In fact, two sources at the show have advised there is no confirmation of a third season at all yet, but we remain hopeful.
Likewise, we have no confirmation on a second season of Mr and Mrs Murder – this probably depends on a number of factors, including funding and network support.
Shaun’s been flat out since Mad As Hell first aired this time last year, going straight into filming M&MM then the second season of MAH, so most likely he’s taking a bit of a break. Maybe to complete work on a new book?
[Edit: I didn’t double-check my facts, and Mr & Mrs Murder is actually a thirteen week series – I originally suggested they had both already finished. Oops.]
We’ve now been treated to 10 solid weeks of back-to-back Shaun each Wednesday, with Mad As Hell followed by Mr and Mrs Murder. But that unfortunately means we’re down to the last 2 weeks of both shows (what a coincidence?!). Knowing Shaun and the writers, we’re in for some really enjoyable moments.
What have you enjoyed so far about either show, and which would you most look forward to returning?
Not usually one to opine on this website, I did get an email from someone who quite strongly felt that tonight’s Mad As Hell disrespected the ANZACs, and I felt it was worth discussing.
The issue was probably due to the opening sketch and the interview with Francis’s character. (Hopefully I get around to fully re-capping it) In the opening sketch, soldiers were being told they were landing at ANZAC Cove on the 25th of April to honour the memory and skill of footballers (for which the soldiers felt unworthy) – basically a reversal of the real life situation where footballers play a “blockbuster match” to honour the ANZACs. With Francis’s character, I felt the intent was to lampoon the way the events of the day itself can be not in-keeping with the spirit of the day. (By the way, I don’t usually sit and analyse the show so much – this comes from thinking about why I was chuckling when I watched it).
Whether or not the sketches will get any publicity is uncertain, but with its proximity to ANZAC day, it’s a small possibility – emotions will be strong. It’s something satirical material can easily become victim of: the audience misunderstanding the point due to a strong reaction against it. In some ways, it’s a good thing that people have the moral compass to reject it, but obviously it causes conflict with the writers actual intent.
It happened to The Chaser with their Make a Wish sketch, but I felt even then, the satirical point wasn’t strong enough to make it appropriate. In MAH’s case, I actually agree with the points – I’ve never understood the ANZAC day blockbuster, when we don’t play football on Good Friday. Actually, I felt the whole episode tonight was firing on all cylinders, and the team are really doing a good job now at satirising politics, culture and world events.
Sorry to blather, feel free to comment (but keep it constructive) 🙂
