Top 11 Reccurring Mad As Hell Characters

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Top Ten lists are so cliché… and also trademarked. So here’s a Top Eleven list of the best reoccurring characters we’ve seen on Mad As Hell:

Mad As Hell Ep6: Xanthe reports

11. Xanthe Kalamazoo (Veronica, Roz, Emily)
Mad As’s in-house reporter and interviewer during the first season, Xanthe was a serious reporter who asked the tough questions like “What do people who aren’t in the know think?”. Her very recognisable vintage style, name and introduction made up for her changing face – all three actresses on the show took their turns during Xanthe’s four appearances. Unfortunately, we never saw Tosh take up the role. Video

Mad As Hell Ep9: Lionel!10. Lionel (Stephen)
Lionel originated as a non-speaking background character, but during some of the “Top of the Vox Pops” segments which appeared during the first season, got his chance to share his “views”, while also inadvertently revealing his excessive toilet paper requirements. After this character, Stephen (one of the writers) soon became a full-time on-screen cast member.

Mad As Hell S2Ep1 - Debt Clock9. Jennifred Stoles – Economics Reporter (Veronica)
Introduced in the second season, Jennifred is a bubbly, young reporter, who is very knowledgeable on economics but curiously hasn’t completed her VCE (or as Shaun refers to it, her “matric(ulation)”) and still gets lifts home with her mum. The awkward relationship between her and Shaun due to their generation gap always creates some funny moments after she completes her “Mad As Economics” report. Video

8. Casper Jonquil – Talkback Caller (Tosh)
Straight from AM radio, Casper can complain about any topic, and most of the time will. What starts as an answer-come-complain to Shaun’s question will easily drift into a mix of real and nonsense issues, in the spirit of the Monty Python Travel Agent sketch. All we know is he’s not happy, especially about the lack of privacy his neighbours have while he watches through their window. Video

Mad As Hell: Ian Orbspider proving lightning can strike twice7. Ian Orbspider – Science Person (Francis)
With some obvious inspiration from Dr Karl, Ian is an overly enthusiastic science boffin who is usually responsible for debunking metaphors. He also attracts a lot of bad luck, from falling pianos to lightning strikes, although lately Shaun has been assisting him to tempt fate in the form of a lightning rod.  Video

Mad As Hell Ep7: Gay March6. Gay March – Royal Watcher (Roz)
It was all things UK during the first and second seasons, as London held the Olympics, the Queen had her jubilee and general British things happened, so Royal Watcher Gay March, a stereotypical devout citizen, kept Shaun up to date in her affected, “endearing” manner.  Video

Mad As Hell S2Ep8: Vomitoria5. Vomitoria Catchment – Blogger (Roz)
A right-wing blogger in the style of Miranda Devine, Vomitoria brought some *balance* to the debate throughout the second season in the lead up to the 2012 Federal Election, along with her snarky wit, for which usually she was the only one laughing (or sniggering) to. She dropped by recently in her new role as Press Secretary to the PM, just to rub it in.  Video

Mad As Hell S3E1: Sport with Maggie

4. Maggie Bathysphere – Sports Reporter (Emily)
Maggie and her revolving ABC sports team colleagues have been consistent on Mad As Hell throughout all three seasons, initially appearing in the commentary box at the London Olympics, before moving to Fisht Stadium Sochi (two years early) and now to Brazil ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Maggie’s a true Aussie with her love of sport, particularly the female athletes, and is responsible for explaining the recent wins, losses and draws to sport-agnostic Shaun. Video

Mad As Hell Ep8: The Kraken3. Vice Rear Cabin Boy Bobo Gargle (Francis)
Bobo first appeared as a Petty Officer to explain the  feasibility of the “turn back the boats” policy (before it was actual policy) and has since led his *credibility* to every “on-water” matter since, certainly providing answers as ridiculous as the context. Video

and The Kraken – Sea monster (Michael)
Usually called out by Bobo Gargle, The Kraken is usually RELEASED to the tune of Hey Mickey – it’s Michael Ward’s (one of the writers’) time to shine.

2. Steve McCloud – Union Official (Francis)
There’s very few who have managed to make Shaun quake in his seat, but Steve’s ability to intimidate and impress his will on people without actually saying it directly is undoubted. His thinly veiled threats towards an “over-educated snow-topped TV nancy boy” put Shaun and his questions in their place, quashing any Mad As Hell investigation into union activity. After his initial appearance, Steve returned on the back of the recent union corruption inquiries. Video

Mad As Hell Ep6: Bill's $2 design1. William Duthie – Elder with Wisdom (Shaun)
Shaun in character is always a highlight, and Bill is someone who has had plenty of life experiences, but barely remembers any of them correctly. In fact, put all of his experiences together and he’s lived a few extra lifetimes: working at the mint, running the parliamentary gift shop, being an engineer on the Parkes Radio Telescope amongst them. He’s everything we love about Shaun and his characters. Video

Special mention to Chloris Webbler, Undersecretary of Friends of the ABC, who just missed out, despite her many appearances – including in a Mad As Hypothetical and as a resident of Sponge.

Agree, disagree? Post your comments!

Mad As Hell Season 3 Episode Synopses

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Nobody knows what Shaun and the team will talk about before each Wednesday’s show, so the  synopsis for the TV Guide’s can’t really describe what will happen in any detail. Rather than a generic description, the writers opt for a more creative approach.

This season, the ABC launched a new website for the show, and once each episode has aired, they update the description to actually reflect the content – which makes catching these gems even harder! But we’ve saved you the effort, and put them all together, including the ongoing story of Stav and Voula:

Episode 1 (Feb 12)
New government, same show. Shaun Micallef returns for a third series and he’s still mad as hell.

Episode 2 (Feb 19)
Voula, please help me Babe! I’m trapped inside the TV. I’m like a ghost or something. Can see you see me? Stav.

Episode 3 (Feb 26)
Fill-in host Lee Lin Chin gets laughs with an over-sized torsion wrench. Also stars Emilio Tahoeny, Veruca Millstone and [TROUBLE CODE E01. THE DOOR OF YOUR MACHINE IS OPEN.]

Episode 4 (Mar 5)
Mad as Hell cast travel to Mexico to find out their job as fake bull fighters has been cancelled. Then the Minister for Communication switches the fake bull for a real one! Rated R.

Later changed to:
Shaun Micallef and cast return to lambast the bombast, satirise the lies and shake the fakers and newsmakers.

Episode 5 (Mar 12)
Would Chikita Dimplex or anyone knowing of her whereabouts please contact State Trustees Limited within the next 14 days. Also stars Tossed Greensalad and [ALERT: HEY, MKR’S ON]

Episode 6 (Mar 19)
Oh my God, Voula, there are others here with me in the White Void. I can’t see them, I only can hear them. They sound angry. Get me out of here, babe! Is there a button on the remote? Stav.

Episode 7 (Mar 28)
Larry is up to no good having an affair with Moe’s wife, and looking to have another one with Joe’s fiancee. Moe catches on and plans revenge, except Larry frames Joe for being the new man in Millie’s life.

Episode 8 (Apr 2)
Eastbourne Meats Xmas 2013 Promotion Winners: Mrs. L. Clarke, Camberwell VIC. Trumben2(email). D. Ng, Eastbourne QLD.

Episode 9 (Apr 9)
Voula, I reckon I’m dead or something. Do you think it’s from that pact we made because our love is too much for this world? Where are you? Shouldn’t you be here in the White Void too? Stav.

Episode 10 (Apr 16)
The Stooges try to mine uranium to help their father pay for his surgery. They end up striking oil, but Joe tries to stop it! Also Stephall Hen. Strong Language Warning. IT’S IN ENGLISH!

Mad As Hell Cast and Crew at Comedy Festival

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It’s time for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and three of the clever creative people behind Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell are starring in their own shows. Check them out, won’t you?

Raiders of the Temple of Doom's Last CrusadeStephen Hall in Raiders of the Temple of Doom’s Last Crusade
Bringing back his one man show, Stephen performs the first three Indiana Jones movies in an hour. Stephen previously tackled the James Bond films in Bond-A-Rama (with Emily Tahini and Michael Ward), which was a thoroughly entertaining show. If you’ve enjoyed any of the Indiana Jones films – you’re going to like this.

Veronica Milsom Do Not IronyVeronica Milsom in Do Not Irony
Veronica’s first solo show involves her bringing the musings of her idle mind from her family lounge room into the real world. A talented writer in her own right, this should be a great opportunity to see some under-the-radar comedy.

Roz Hammond (with Bob Franklin, Steven Gates) in The Writers: The Difficult Second Episode
There’s not much information on this show, but with a trio of comedy legends in it, it’s sure to be amazing.

Fresh Blood

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Last year, the ABC launched “Fresh Blood” – a call out for new comedy talent to submit their videos and proposals for a chance to receive funding for their video sketch or comedic performance project, so it can be screened on ABC iView and other online channels.

The winners were announced recently, but when the competition was first announced, the ABC used a ‘Game of Thrones’ parody to promote it – starring the Chaser team and Shaun. If you missed it, here it is:

Shaun misses out on Logie nominations

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Shaun with his 2010 LogieIt’s nearly Logies time again, the annual Australian TV awards, with this year’s ceremony set for Sunday April 27th.

There may have been two shows on our TVs last year with Shaun in them, but neither Channel Ten or the ABC remembered to nominate Shaun for either Most Popular Presenter or Most Popular Male Actor, despite nearly every other personality being on the list. Furthermore, Mr & Mrs Murder was left off the list for Most Popular Drama!

So only Mad As Hell has a chance at a popular award, and only if you vote. Voting closes tomorrow (Sunday).

There’s still a chance either Mr & Mrs Murder or Mad As Hell could win a “most outstanding” award, which is industry voted. Last year, Mad As Hell was nominated but lost to… The X Factor?!

Sample content for Shaun’s next book?

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Back in 2011, Shaun wrote a piece for Tony Martin’s website “The Scriveners’ Fancy” (no longer online) called The Resolute President. Move forward to recent times, and Shaun has hinted his next book is about the President’s Desk – one of which is called… The Resolute Desk.

Could this except from his original post on Tony’s website give us a hint of what’s to come….?

The President sat at his desk and ran his hands over the brilliantly polished timber. It had been only a month since he took office – and, in the rare moments he was alone, he still liked to revel in the newness of it all. He had managed to duck his security detail a couple of times to go off exploring, but as he was always on CCTV, they invariably found him after a few minutes. Even when he’d discovered that tunnel that Kennedy had used to smuggle in Marilyn Monroe, the Secret Servicemen had turned up in about forty seconds. The Oval Office was his favourite room, though, because LBJ had ordered all the wiring ripped out after Nixon. There were no cameras, no hidden microphones and, this morning at least, no people. He swivelled around on his chair to face the window and watch the peacocks in the Rose Garden. A gentle dawn filtered through the trees and chased away the last shadow of night, the distant drum of Washington’s waking traffic beating through the triple-glazing. A knock at the door broke his reverie and in walked Fellowes with a brisk ‘Good morning, Mr President.’…

Recap: Mad As Hell, February 12th 2014

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Shaun was resetting his election doomsday clock (for just 5 months time), before he began updating us on the happenings since last season – mainly a new government. Rest assured the statue of Abbott was already on order from season 1. And to help with the government efficiency drive, the cast will assist Australia Post to sort the mail, the audience will complete Medicare forms and the left-over NBN asbestos will be stored in the studio – making us, the ABC viewer, feel better about how our taxpayer dollars are being wasted.

This week: No Flourish. No Embelishment.

It’s a catch up episode, with Shaun having ignored the news for twelve months – but that takes time and preparation. Justin Bieber invading the moon with China, Shaun winning an AACTA, and Schapelle resuming her holiday will have to wait – the big story is Asylum Seekers.

Scott Morrison won’t answer questions on the navy turning back the boats for “operational reasons”,  so Shaun asked Vice Rear-Admiral Bobo Gargle (Francis) who couldn’t answer Shaun’s question on whether Shaun was actually speaking to him. Sarah Hansen Young says Scott Morrison is hiding behind the word “operation”, but Shaun showed footage of Scott standing in front of it, on a board at a press conference.

Spokeperson for immigration Rosemary Kipflers (Emily), won’t divulge what Operation Sovereign Borders is for “operational reasons”, and Lieutenant General Angus Campbell won’t comment on anything related to “on water matters”.

To comment on what other people are commenting on what’s not being commented on, specifically the straying of navy ships into Indonesian waters, Bobo Gargle joined Shaun from the Brisbane studio instead of the Mad As Hell one due to positional error. His explanation: “Water is what we in the navy refer to as wobbly”. He also claimed that if there was a “secrecy sandwich” as Bill Shorten claims, how would Bill know the ingredients?

Bobo was still hoping for an apology by the ABC over the navy cruelty scandal, and since Shaun failed to give one, he released The Kraken! But as Spicks and Specks wasn’t on yet, the Kraken went back into the cupboard.

We’ve apologized for our navy breaching Indonesian waters , which could happen to anyone, but they still drew a line in the sand over it. If Indonesia tows our boats back, then we tow theirs, eventually we’ll have a pontoon of boats for asylum seekers to walk to Australia.

The Government takes the breach seriously – the Navy “breached government policy”, a policy apparently against breaking international law. So when it comes to the accusation over the Navy personnel injuring asylum seekers, Tony Abbott asks: “who do you believe” – those who are attempting break Australian law, or those that have broken international law.

When asked if Indonesia was on a war footing with Australia, the Foreign Minister said “No, not really”. And on rival news parody Wake Up, our PM defended their secrecy “if we were at war, we wouldn’t be giving out information that is of use to the enemy.” But the customs department is also declaring it is at war over illegal drugs. Shaun asked Retired Field Marshal Wesley Pock, President of the Predictable Responses League (Stephen) if war rhetoric should be used for civilian matters like the postal service, but cut him off when he rambled on about water boarding postal employees.

Coming up: The $25m Royal Commission into the Homeowner Insulation Program, starring Kevin Rudd and Peter Garrett on APAC and a brand new series of Paper Giants: Trading Post, with Vince Colosimo as Kerry Packer on ABC2.

With an efficiency review in progress, Shaun thinks it is SBS who are really under the microscope. Malcolm Turnbull describes them as “lean and hungry”, but as Julius Caesar teaches us, the lean ones are the untrustworthy ones – likely to do away with Caesar/Abbott. Recently SBS even discovered “Reporters without Boarders”, such is their efficiency.

The ABC is also efficient, with Bill Shorten asking and answering his own questions in a recent interview, but the interview still has plenty of the usual ABC bias.

It’s clear Bill Shorten and Tony Abbott aren’t getting along, with Bill declaring Tony is too ideological to save SPC, whereas they could be like Labor and have no ideology. With all his Oxford education, Tony labelled Bill as “cocky” for saying Abbott would be a one term prime minister, holding back on saying: “better than Labor’s habit of a two prime minister term.”

In sport, Russia’s new gay-dar is watching over the Olympics, and Maggie Bathysphere (Emily) is still in the stadium at Sochi, but they can’t say much due to the secret police. Maggie had her eye on the story of a refugee who had been given a Visa simply because he was good at cricket, and thinks we should be checking all incoming boats for anyone who exhibits the same skills.

Putin has been trying to play down the anti-gay propaganda laws, saying that millions of Russian’s love Elton John, despite his orientation. Nikolai Orkic, president of the Australia Russian Alliance, agrees,  saying that he doesn’t think any less (or more) about Elton due to his sexual preference – about 1 or 2 twice a week. Shaun offered Nikolai a DVD copy of Millionaire Hot Seat, the Interviews: “Nearly four hours of Eddie McGuire’s conversations with the contestants”, but Nikolai had disappeared.

Eric Abetz had been trying to help the workers of Toyota before the decision to end manufacturing, even selflessly wanting to set aside their enterprise bargaining agreement so the workers could directly vote on a management proposal. Draymella Burt (Emily) from Mr Abetz’s office sympathised on the situation, but said business had to run without interference from big government: “we can lead the horse to water, but it’s up to them if they sink or swim.” Tantamount Scrillo (Stephen), quisling and chef in the Toyota executive boardroom “guesses” they care about the workers. Draymella continued: “workers need to stand on their own two knees. Competition means a healthy market. Without it, we’d still be eating tariff protected bananas.”

On a final note, bias is in the eye of the beholder. So Shaun left us with a “where are they now” of ex-Labor front benchers, including former resources minister Martin Ferguson, who now manages a road house near Dapto.

Shaun talks about getting Mad

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In an interview with David Knox, Shaun revealed a lot about what we can expect from Mad As Hell this year, plus a few other tidbits.

Firstly, there will be two seasons this year, each of 10 episodes.

His original plan for Mad As Hell was to push to 5 nights a week, similar to shows like The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (although that’s only four nights). And Shaun still wants to get there: “A proper, nightly show. And the idea is to eventually have it 2 nights a week, then 3 and then be on every night.”

This season, he’s looking forward to the new content provided by a change in government. “It’s great. If we had more of the same we’d be worried about repeating ourselves. But it’s a very different dynamic.”

Some favourite characters will return: “Roz Hammond seems to have the best hit ratio. She has lots of characters that everyone loves writing for.” But Shaun will continue to avoid any shots of the audience: “I loathe them.”

And there’s a few hidden gems in this season for fans like us: the humorous episode synopsis will continue, with inspiration from some Three Stooges episodes; plus the Micallef Tonight sign, saved from the old GTV9 building before it was demolished recently (or “burned down” as Shaun put it), will make a background appearance somewhere on the set.

Finally, he also confirmed that his decision to pursue two seasons of Mad As Hell this year has halted any chance of Mr & Mrs Murder returning, had Channel Ten been interested.