The Mick Molloy Show

This will probably go down as Australian television's most infamous failure of 1999. After its axing, a body of opinion seems to have been formed that it wasn't such a bad show. Unfortunately this wasn't the case.

There were many problems with the show. Firstly, it seemed to be mandatory that every sketch in the show had go for as twice as long as it needed to be and this is presuming the sketch was funny in the first place, which it often wasn't. Secondly, Molloy himself was one of the show's central weaknesses as he seemed to constantly rely on his blokey, crass and laidback persona for laughs rather then attempting anything witty or clever.

Finally, Molloy's show made the mistake of being similar in structure to his successful radio show. If the show had been tailored more to the medium of TV, it might have been a success.

A Much missed piece of Anti-formula television Comedy that was never appreciated for it's unique attitude and exceptional group of performers in particular Mick Molloy's radio partner and comedic soul mate, Tony Martin whose ability to summarize the week's highs and lows, was satire at it's finest. (The JOHN LAWS fiasco Anybody ?!!!!) That it was axed after only 8 weeks was a disgrace, considering the show's obvious potential and abilities the stunning cast possessed (Bob 'How Delightful' Franklin, Judith Lucy, Dave O'Neil and Mick's own close friends including Chowie,The Morley Brothers ....)

Thankfully Mick and his cohorts have gone onto new and exciting work, but I for one will never forgive the Nine Network for it's appalling treatment of The Mick Molloy Show and it's utterly shameless commitment to profit,ratings and the inconsequential, against Originality,Raw Humour and Honesty. Traits, The Mick Molloy Show had in spades!

What is it about commercial television that takes the greatest talent of the day, enslaves them by expecting instant ratings results, then bulldozes them into the sea when they don't come up to scratch on time?

The Molloy era at Channel 9 Melbourne will have to go down as one of the most painful for programming executives, but one of the most entertaining for devotees of live broadcast. The show was a "free-for-all" combining the talents of some of the best comics of the day with an attitude of "bugger-it" on the night. Great intro & interlude music from Hester & others and a steady stream of regulars ready to cater to Mick's every whim. And live it was - When a guest came on to sell a new book about Barby's in Australia, Mick pointed out that the Dragon shaped Barbecue on one of the pages was the spot where they cremated Mark Hunter!

"Crass, urine soaked, visual sputum" was how one critic described the programme at the time. However in the next paragraph the woman went on to praise Friends. Unfortunately the intellectual minnows of the journalism world seem to hold as much sway with readers as those who seek higher enlightenment.

It has been a few years now since its' passing and barely a word has been spoken of it. There will obviously be no re-runs on the horizon and I'm sure 9 won't allow it to be released on DVD under their banner. Therefore, it is up to those who were recording on those lazy Saturday evenings to treasure their tapes. It was the last great live show of the 20th century and if 9 has its' way, we'll never see the like of it again.

I loved this show. While on the whole it may not have been brilliant, there certainly were flashes of brilliance each week. A particular mention must go to Bob Franklin, whose surreal skits ("How delightful") were groundbreaking as well as very funny. The music guests were always good, too. Sadly, it seems that the Australian viewing public wasn't ready for this type of show and now we are forced to put up with the inane Rove McManus and Good News Week.

The way that this show was axed is an example of how the commercial Australian networks stifle original talent in the endless search for ratings.

One of my favorite memories of the show was a segment where Tony Martin had access to the Channel 9 archives and showed the more bizarre material. In the 70's, Ernie and Denise did a variety special live from Pentridge Prison (WTF??). A big stage was set up titled something like 'A night in the Pen' making it sound like a fun place to be. Mick and Tony had a field day.

That is something I will never forget. Thanks boys!