Mind you at the risk of being accused of being overly PC.
A white male actor plays a Polynesian boy, a teen girl, and a gay teahcer.
All as grotesque charactures, held up to unflatteirng comparison with supposed normal chracters.
There's something quite ugly, and dated about that.
I mean it's funny, and clever but....
But yet again, you're reading far too much into things.
Nope not in this case it's all right there on the surface.
I mean characters blacking (or I suppose in this case browning up), to say ha ha, stupid Polynesian kids can't read, and are bullies.
There's nothing subtle in that.
Jonah's a great charcter with real pathos, but he's an uncomfortable one for me.
Quote: sootyj @ August 6 2008, 12:14 AM BSTstupid Polynesian kids can't read
Does he put makeup on to be the boy?
I hadn't even noticed that!
So unobservant.
Yah he looks like a roast chicken (colouring wise).
Quote: Aaron @ August 6 2008, 12:18 AM BST
In the show all the Polynesian kids are illiterate.
Aaron I think you'll have to accept mockumentaries are not your style of comedy, but others do find them funny. As it happens I'm with you on Kath and Kim being a bit rubbish, but Summer Heights High was brilliant IMHO. Looking forward to seeing what his other show, We Can Be Heroes (which the BBC have now bought the rights for), is like.
Quote: Matthew Stott @ August 5 2008, 10:18 PM BSTKath And Kim is great. I've seen picutres of the American re-make, in which Selma Blair, the very skinny Selma Blair, plays Kim. Hmm. Isnt half the joke with that character that shes this podgy lady in too tight clothes who thinks she's gods gift to men?
That does sound a bit wrong... but after predicting the American version of The Office would be rubbish (and just look at that now!) I'm going to avoid pre-judging.
Quote: Mark @ August 6 2008, 12:26 AM BSTAaron I think you'll have to accept mockumentaries are not your style of comedy, but others do find them funny.
I'm happy to admit that I have superior comedy tastes. 
To a camel.
Quote: sootyj @ August 6 2008, 12:21 AM BSTIn the show all the Polynesian kids are illiterate.
So?
How do you know they're Polynesian anyway? Should I call all black people Zimbabwean? You're far more racist than you argue the show to be, and are clearly out to find offence where there is none. It's a simple character in a simple show. So the character happens to be a dick. So what? There's no implication that he's a dick BECAUSE he's non-white.
Quote: zooo @ August 6 2008, 12:30 AM BSTTo a camel.
And every other member on this site. 
How ruuuuude!
And clearly untrue. As I am the one who is the best.
Quote: Aaron @ August 6 2008, 12:33 AM BSTHow do you know they're Polynesian anyway? Should I call all black people Zimbabwean? You're far more racist than you argue the show to be, and are clearly out to find offence where there is none. It's a simple character in a simple show. So the character happens to be a dick. So what? There's no implication that he's a dick BECAUSE he's non-white.
In defence of sootyj, you should watch the episodes Aaron - the show does clear label which are the Polynesian characters - specifically and clearly stating that they are from that background... and then goes on to portray them as the illiterate and anti-social group of the school. I do not see this as racist however as I think, much like Ali G, Lilley is trying to highlight societies un-fair natural tendancy to stereotype.
Lets not get in another bloody race row though - that's all that seems to happen on these boards now.
What do others think about the potential for a second series? Have the characters run their course or could you see more of them? I'd like to see a Mr G sitcom spin-off.
Quote: Aaron @ August 6 2008, 12:33 AM BSTSo?
How do you know they're Polynesian anyway? Should I call all black people Zimbabwean? You're far more racist than you argue the show to be, and are clearly out to find offence where there is none. It's a simple character in a simple show. So the character happens to be a dick. So what? There's no implication that he's a dick BECAUSE he's non-white.
Actually it's pretty blatant. And the script is pretty clear that the guys in Gumnut college are Polynesian (hence the Poly day episode).
And the show is anything but simple. It's one of the most complex dramedies I've seen.
I love it, but it also makes me uncomfortable.
I mean I love the scenes when PC staff run into Jonah's dad, Rocky they're hysterical.
But it doens't make it less uneasy.
Quote: Mark @ August 6 2008, 12:40 AM BSTWhat do others think about the potential for a second series? Have the characters run their course or could you see more of them? I'd like to see a Mr G sitcom spin-off.
It must return and the evil Mr G must get his comeuppance.
But are you uneasy becasue it brings up uncomfortable truths about society etc, or are you uneasy because you actually think Chris Lilley might hold some of those views himself?
Cos I think it's pretty clear he doesn't, myself.
Quote: Mark @ August 6 2008, 12:40 AM BSTthe show does clear label which are the Polynesian characters - specifically and clearly stating that they are from that background...
Ah, ok then. I withdraw half of my previous post then. 