Caffeinated Clint
Unlike “The Last Show” – which had a whole band of players – this thing is the weekly work of only three guys, Sos, Valvo & Lynchy. Together, they star in skits (they have a funny regular characters like Steve, the neighbour), sit about on their set talking [well, crap] and other times, hit the streets to scare the public into uttering a few irrational words through a camera lens – as such was the case with the 2006 Logies.
Sos, Valvo, Lynchy, Tony Martin, Shaun Micallef, Russel Gilbert, Livinia Nixon, Pink, Anthony Callea, Lisa McCune, Bec & Leyton.
They may run on the equivalent of a 1992 Motorola phone battery and the reception may be about as clear as the fine print on a land deed from 1932, but Community Television in Australia is really producing some fine talent these days. From Rove McManus to Hugh Jackman, Clint Morris (sorry, had to) and now, The Shambles, it’s a breeding ground for the up-and-coming badasses of the box.
Obviously influenced by the late-night comedy sensation of the early 90s, “The Late Show” (ABC-TV), Channel 31’s “The Shambles” combines good old waywardness with crazy converse, silly skits and gratuitous cameos. This one is as no-frills as a generic brand of washing powder – that’s pretty evident in the sound quality of some of the episodes; but remember, there’s no money at Channel 31! – but comes close to rivalling the fun factor of its predecessor. (Just needs a hot chick to co-host if it wants to top Jane Kennedy – though Valvo in a dress, donned with lippy, is kinda close).
Unlike “The Last Show” – which had a whole band of players – this thing is the weekly work of only three guys, Sos, Valvo & Lynchy. Together, they star in skits (they have a funny regular characters like Steve, the neighbour), sit about on their set talking [well, crap] and other times, hit the streets to scare the public into uttering a few irrational words through a camera lens – as such was the case with the 2006 Logies.
The Logies media coverage from the boys is easily the funniest thing on the Season 3 DVD set. It is just hilarious. From Pink to Anthony Callea to Lisa McCune, the guys stick a mic in the mouth of any celebrity that passes by – typically, Dave O’Neill is in no hurry to move on – and the impetuosity of it, coupled with the fact that most of the celebrities (notably former “Neighbours” star Daniel MacPherson) say whatever the heck they want because they don’t think anyone’s going to be watching anyway, makes for rib tickling viewing.
The DVD includes all the best bits from the third season, commentaries, the Logie footage, a bit from the Antenna awards, as well as some amusing bloopers.
Ah, the community television tomfoolery takes me back… the memories. Time for a fourth Shamble ain’t it boys? Watch me juggle three Verne Troyers at once? Or, pin the tail on Casey Donovan? (hang on… can’t find the tail).
Rating : 
Reviewer : Clint Morris
