The Wayne Manifesto

I was the same age as the title character "Wayne" in this show when it was aired in Australia back in 1996. And what a time the '90s were. It was a time when ABC Kids Television was great and we could catch "Ahhh! Real Monsters", "Hey Arnold", and "Superted" in one sitting. Or catch the fresh new show "Rugrats" and the old great early "Simpsons" (OK, that wasn't ABC, but you get my point.) These days I look at the cheaply made, dull crap that passes for kids programs and feel insulted for this generation of youngsters.

I remember "The Wayne Manifesto" fondly - easily the best written, acted and plain funny Australian children's TV show I can remember. Wayne was a funny guy, and his exploits with his mates, family and teachers were real and fresh. In the first few episodes the family were still awaiting the arrival of their furniture, which proved elusive on the many cargo ships and trucks across Australia. And often little sequences would pass in each episode only to be revealed as what Wayne was hoping to happen, and then the show would snap back to reality while Wayne mumbled "But that bit's a lie...." and reveal the real situation, often much worse.

It wasn't quite "The Office" or "Arrested Development" but it was as close as my primary school generation ever got to such subtle, sometimes cynical and often bittersweet humour. And it would have made a great export for foreign countries to show people what a real Australian childhood was like. As for my take on the show now? Well, I wouldn't know since I haven't seen it since, but it's probably been repeated in the mornings on ABC, but that's prime sleep time now.

A watchable show for children in the 6-14 age group, and their parents. Follows a year in the life of 12 year old Wayne Wilson and his friends (best friend Squokka, girl next door Violet, and her younger sister Rosie) in suburban Australia. A nice secondary theme is his older sister Charlene and her awkward romance with Rupert. All good clean fun and I've absolutely no idea what Carmo-2 was thinking when s/he saw references to Wayne's libido or it being inappropriate for children under 17. The most we get is a mild crush by Wayne as he builds a friendship with Violet - very typical of boys his age. For the parents, Wayne and Charlene (and their parents) provide some nice observations on the differences in behaviour between boys and girls (stereotyped, but in a humorous way).

As a parent living in Australia today in the new millenium, it is so refreshing to encounter a show which we can comfortably allow our children to watch with only minimal supervision. The show, aimed at a family audience, while it does contain some mature themes (the Wayne character's familiarity with the nextdoor neighbour Rosie is something which I think is inappropriate for a younger audience) it also features many situations which todays young teen will encounter in day to day Australia. Wayne gets up to such hi-jinks as not doing his homework, coming late to class and failing to study for a test. Normally, I wouldn't allow my children to watch such things, but this show demonstrates the consequences of such feckless behaviour. Perhaps it will scare some negligent parents' children straight.

There are also positive examples to look to. The Rupert character is one, for example, whom any mother would be delighted to invite around to dinner - although one would like to steer clear of some of his oafish, load-mouthed mates.

It is therefore clear that the appropriate age group for viewing this show should be that of such characters as Rupert - late teens, perhaps 17 or 18. In Wayne's libido, although at times horrifyingly frankly discussed, many youths would see a parallel to their own problems with growing up. Take note, however: any younger than 17, and these risque messages would be lost, and the show would no doubt have an unintentional corrupting effect on innocent young minds. You have been warned. Please, please be discriminating.

I'm always looking for good quality entertainment, whether it be books, movies, or TV series, for the young or the not-so-young, and "The Wayne Manifesto" is a rare gem that doesn't disappoint.

Based on the books by David McRobbie, it follows the life of 12 year old Wayne Wilson, who moves to a new neighbourhood with his family, and is therefore the 'new kid', in almost every aspect of his life.

Chronologically, I'm definitely not a 'kid' any more, and wasn't when I first watched this excellent series either, but I still couldn't resist its charms, and thankfully, had the foresight to record most of the episodes.

Apart from hoping that more great Aussie shows like this could be made, my only other wish would be that it be released on DVD in the not-too-distant future.

This show is usually on Children's BBC in the morning in Britain, and, considering most of the garbage that's shown these days, it should be shown later when more people can see it. The cast are adequate for their given roles, the stories admittedly, are well written and know what buttons to push, in the right order, delivering many clever twists and turns. But one person sticks out in this: Wayne's mother, Rainee Skinner.

In my mind, she is one of the most beautiful, attractive actresses I have seen on a children's programme. She is so cool as well, and sort of anchors the show in realism whereas without her it would lose it's reality. I mean, in the first episode, the way she turns the rules of the manifesto inside out is extremely devious, as it seems to be so well written and infallible, yet she finds holes and uses them to her advantage.

Rainee should be on more programmes. If I were to make films, I would write parts for her and Nancy Allen straight away.

If anyone has info on her, e-mail me?