Frontline

[CK]

Have been watching some of series three again lately (with Steve Bisley as Executive Producer) and still pleasantly surprised as to how well this show holds up, over 15 years after it first premiered on Australian TV. Watching a current affairs show was never the same from the first time I saw it back in 1994 when it started. A number of hosts still have that Mike Moore element to them ("Mmmmmm, Martin Di Stasio with that..chilling report"), reporters very much like Brooke Vandenberg who want to be the real star of the story, and the older reporter like Di Stasio, grafting away for years, still searching for THAT story that will bring them another Walkley.

One of the more interesting parts for me has been the different E.P's over the years. Series one's Brian Thompson (the late Bruno Lawrence), series two's Sam Murphy (Kevin J. Wilson) and series three's Graeme "Prowsey" Prowse (Steve Bisley). The latter is probably the one that brings the most laughs, through the sheer audacity and hide of what to do to get a story.

The respect the show had from many was probably best illustrated by some of the cameos. Pauline Hanson, John Hewson, Pat Cash, Glenn Ridge, George Negus and many others, all playing themselves as integral parts of the story. It's interesting now to note that the series forms part of the English syllabus for Year 11 and 12 in Victoria, and Year 10 and 12 in NSW, with some episodes studied in depth for VCE and HSC respectively.


Are there any other hard core fans out there of this brilliant show, or is just me who still finds it brilliant?

[dedja]

You're not alone ... it's just brilliant.

[godoubleblues]

I am another big fan, I bring it out every now and then for a laugh
Jon English was another to cameo
loved the character of Marty, poor old long suffering reporter always picking up Mikes slack
once I had seen an episode of Frontline I could not watch any real current affair show again, and I still dont to this day

have any of you seen The Hollowmen, another good quality understated Australian comedy from 3 or 4 years ago

[FOURTH ESTATE]

I am another big fan, I bring it out every now and then for a laugh
Jon English was another to cameo
loved the character of Marty, poor old long suffering reporter always picking up Mikes slack
once I had seen an episode of Frontline I could not watch any real current affair show again, and I still dont to this day

have any of you seen The Hollowmen, another good quality understated Australian comedy from 3 or 4 years ago

Could not take Ray Martin seriously after that show or any other current affair show. Having worked in the industry its very close to the bone

[Hondo]

That was a fantastic show. I must have a look at it again.

I remember the scene where they are filming some rare moths in their enclosure when someone from the TV crew turns on the lamp and the moths fly into it and die (not laughing at the poor moths, just the absurdity of the situation)

[am Bays]

Fantastic show, so cutting and so true. Loved how the Working Dog Crew used their Logie win for the Late Show as part of an episode for one of the episodes of FrontLine in series one. I think Santo, Rob and Jane all got up in their characters for Frontline.

[CK]

That was a fantastic show. I must have a look at it again.

I remember the scene where they are filming some rare moths in their enclosure when someone from the TV crew turns on the lamp and the moths fly into it and die (not laughing at the poor moths, just the absurdity of the situation)

After finding out they had been responsible for causing the extinction of a rare species....

Marty: "Well how we were supposed to know that moths are attracted...(trails off, defeated)...to light"

The by-play between Mike and Geoffrey Salter (Santo) was, at times, a near mirror image of them doing Graham and the Colonel on the Late Show. Geoff laughing uproariously at jokes he didn't understand, merely to placate Mike.

[PhilH]

Big Fan,,, again cant watch TT or ACA with a straight face ever again.

Especially loved their coverage of womens cricket CK, maybe an angle to try Monday Mornings ?

[am Bays]

CK and PhilH, one of you have to do the fake laugh and "Heh heh, I'm not touching that one..." As Mike Moore used to do after the funny man sketch (can't remember his name) at the end of the week.

[Punk Rooster]

CK and PhilH, one of you have to do the fake laugh and "Heh heh, I'm not touching that one..." As Mike Moore used to do after the funny man sketch (can't remember his name) at the end of the week.

Elliot Rhodes

[CK]

CK and PhilH, one of you have to do the fake laugh and "Heh heh, I'm not touching that one..." As Mike Moore used to do after the funny man sketch (can't remember his name) at the end of the week.

Elliot Rhodes

One of the best episodes of series three is when Mike forces Elliot's sacking from the show; not knowing at the time that a "This Is Your Life" is being prepared about him. Mike finds out later about the TIYL and has to act surprised when he is ambushed.

What Mike doesn't know is the final guest on the show, until he hears the voice and the doors swing back to reveal* Elliot.

Fade to black.