TV previews
Sydney Morning Herald
Monday June 8, 2009
Flight Of The ConchordsSBS1, 9pmThe first episode of the second season finds the Conchords' manager Murray (Rhys Darby) finally a bigwig (some may argue he already was, given his ample thatching). Murray looks after a much bigger band now and hasn't got much time for Bret and Jemaine, who set about exploring the bottom of the barrel yet again, turning up a gig doing a jingle for a new women's organic toothpaste.Comic capers aplenty ensue as the guys research what makes women tick in an effort to nail their jingle. You may even learn a thing or two: who, for example, knew that the name "Dave" is Latino for "deal"?The songs don't reach the heights of the first series but there's time for that and you hardly notice because the comedy is as good as ever.The Conchords' distinctive brand of self-deprecating madcappery feels as fresh as a mouthful of Femident.ScrubsSeven, 8pmScrubs isn't for everyone its slightly embarrassed, skinny-white-boy humour, recycling of in-jokes and cartoonish characters add up to a show that you either warm to or you don't. But there's no denying over eight seasons Scrubs has quietly worked its way into the affections of many late-night television junkies, achieving cult status. Not many shows make it so far and fans will be sad that this is the end.Tonight JD (Zach Braff) is searching for the dream send-off and, given this is the final episode, you can forgive it a little more schmaltz than usual. Or is it the final? Rumours abound of a Scrubs return without JD, although one has to wonder how long it'd last without prototwerp Braff.French Open TennisNine, midnightAt the time of publication it looked very much as though Roger Federer should get a crack at the French Open final featured in tonight's highlights package a tournament he's never won and his record-equalling 14th Grand Slam title. But that's providing he gets past Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro in his semi.Across the net should be power-hitting Chilean Fernando Gonzalez. And how would Roger feel not facing his nemesis Rafa, who lost to Sweden's Robin Soderling in a shock upset? Pretty damn relieved, I imagine.Living On The CoastTVS, 7.30pmThe cynics might ask: what came first? Community television or programs that had nowhere else to go?Myself, I'm all for well-made community television it's catering to people who can't get what they need from mainstream telly and, hopefully, it's a chance to be original. While Living On The Coast passes the first test a squizz at the merits of the Shoalhaven area for wannabe seachangers, including a walk up Drawing Room Rocks and a project to save threatened Little Terns at Lake Wollumbola it fails miserably on the second.Alas, if only my main problem was that the show was accompanied by a soundtrack about as interesting as receiving a tin of mixed shortbread for your 18th birthday. What turned me off was a general whiffiness about the businesses mentioned. After three solid segments, we hear Shoalhaven mayor Paul Green gushing about a program sponsor whom I won't give any more free publicity. Just as blatant but at least amusing was the pause to film the "Simo's fishing charters" sign on the back of the guide's boat. We know you have to pay your own bills but can't you handle the sponsors with a little more subtlety?
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald