This repeat was justified

Press, 29 July 1976, Page 15

This repeat was justified

By

KEN COATES

There are many times, after watching a repeat programme, when one ends up feeling cheated. But TV2’s repeat of “Upstairs. Downstairs,” was more than justified, even if you had seen the particular episode before.

It is a measure of the success of the programme that watching it a second time brought with it a special sense of savour. The episode “On Trial,” was also particuarly interesting because it introduced Sarah, the underhouse parlourmaid, Pauline Collins , who plays such a co4ourful role in later episodes. The programme, which is one of the most popular television dramas ever to be made, is strong on characterisation, and quite rightly TV2 argued that repeating the series from the beginning will be a worth-while aid to viewers’ enjoyment of future episodes.

“Something to Look Forward To” did not live up to its title on Tuesday night. But largely due to David McPhail’s talent, there were real flashes of spontaneous mirth. The programme was best when it reflected some clearly identifiable aspect of New Zealand life, such as the “stately

New Zealand homes” in the form of State houses. It is doubtful whether the nonsense about the English Romantic poets would have grabbed anyone, even those viewers thoroughly familiar with their works.

The “Savillero Torridor” cooking spoof had the makings though, and could perhaps have formed the basis for a longer segment to the programme.

One gained the impression that the creators of the programme had tried to pack too much into 30 minutes and that the scriptwriters had been unable to resist the temptation to embroider what would have been better left alone.

One of the limitations imposed by the production of this series of the programme is that topical issues , and current arguments could not be used. The subject matter had to have a quality of' limelessness.

The important thing about “Something to Look Forward To" is that it is being attempted, and that it should continue. And it is heartening that TV2 has sanctioned a second series. It is inevitable, with a show such as this, that there will be teething troubles until it settles down into a genuine New Zealand effort, and not just a pale copy of an imported programme.

Television One’s “Tonight" team made a good fist of examining the links between truancy and crime.

There were, however, one or two noticeable gaps in the survey. In spite of the emphasis placed on the importance of social work in the future by the director-general of education (Mrf Bill Renwick) little attempt was made to explore family backgrounds.

Several of the schoolchildren interviewed spoke with some feeling against teachers they had hated, but here again no attempt was made to take a look at the relationship between a teacher’s approach and the response he is likely to get. “News at Ten” came up with an excellent and telling item about graduate students. The plight of some of these people made an interesting comment on the values of our societv.

Incidentally, it might be nit-picking, but is it really necessary for TV2 to have two commentators in the studio during Olympic report? And TVl’s Philip Leishman’s companion. Chris Whitia, must be about the most colourless “colour” man to appear on television.