Jonah from Tonga

These spinoffs from the Summer Heights High TV show feature one of the characters in depth rather than switching between them. This gives us more focus but at the expense of wearing the material thin. I think I liked the original format more because it kept things fresh. I'm surprised that Jonah and Ja'mie got spinoffs but not Mr. G considering that he was probably the most popular character. This show demonstrates why. Although Jonah is a funny and endearing character, it is only entertaining up to a point and there is a finite limit for his much they can get out of this one character.

Jonah from Tonga the predecessor to Chris's previous show Ja'mie Private School Girl is a great show, edgy but great. The dark comedy has a slow start as you will wonder what it is leading to but shortly after watching the second episode, you know your in it for the long run; each episode just gets better and better. The show shows light to many issues that are a reality, it very real, but its hilarious at the same time. The character Chris has created has a lot of depth, that will be hard for many people to see, the character Jonah may seem ridiculous to you after watching the series, but he is very real. Ultimate this show is another great representation to the genius Chris Lilley is, to date I find it to be his best work.

Another reviewer here put it very well: Summer Heights High was balanced and engaging, but when Chris Lilley ventures off with single characters, the stories and character development falter.

Jonah is not an unrealistic character; he is that hyper, intensely irritating, in-the-name-of-all-that's-holy-STFU teenager that we've all seen somewhere, even if only in passing. He's pure, concentrated annoyance, desperate for any kind of attention or reaction. And I give Chris Lilley full points for being able to recreate that. But unless you're a social worker or a teacher specializing in behavior disorders, do you really want to spend time with that kid, even from the safety of your living room? Seriously, when the teacher breaks a chair against the wall or Jonah's father chases him across a bowling alley with a steady stream of obscenities and death threats, you understand completely.

And that's probably Lilley's point: How do you deal with someone so profoundly and unrelentingly obnoxious, but who is, after all, still a kid? I like that there are no Very Special Episodes (at least not so far) in which Jonah learns his lesson and vows to do better. Instead, we're only given brief glimpses of his possible humanity, e.g., his love for his younger brother or his semi-endearing delusions regarding his dance skills. But while it's more realistic for Jonah to carry on with little forward movement, the lack of development does mean that the show is repetitive and circular.

For the other imbeciles who are leaving reviews saying "I don't get it", of course you don't because Jonah from Tonga isn't your usual low brow American comedy.

It's smart, funny and extremely dry. Probably more suited to Europeans and our mates down under.

The reason why JFT is so brilliant is because the writing brilliantly captures exactly how a troubled teenager would act, right down to the speech and behavioral nuances.

Yes the show gets a bit weird at times, but if you "get" dry humor, you will love it.

That is all.

I think Chris Lilley is a comedic genius and I've loved all of his shows even though I've pretty much loathed all of his characters. Unlike, say Frasier or Niles Crane or David Brent and Michael Scott, Lilley's characters are simply NOT appealing human beings. Not only would you not want to know them, you'd likely want to avoid them or even kick them in the throat. Jonah is the second of Lilley's "Summer Heights High" characters to get their own show -- J'amie was the first -- and he is the most annoying of the three characters from SHH. The problem a lot of people -- specifically Americans -- is that the story lines don't resolve in the Hollywood way and the characters are so abhorrent. If there's any justice, Mr. G will get his own show as well!