Banzai

Post-pub TV at its best. The programme is basically a series of bizarre bets, where the viewer is invited to bet on what the outcome will be. Recurring bets (and characters) include Mr Shake Hands Man (guess how long he can keep shaking the hand of famous celebrity) and Lady One Question (she only asks one question to celebrity, bet how long celeb will last before wandering off).

Hilarious voiceovers, suitably Oriental graphics and sound effects, and many celebrities (current and old) making idiots of themselves in the name of gambling opportunities. Surprisingly compulsive viewing!

Betting Ends!

STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For A Meal Instead*Avoid At All Costs

This show is completely barmy.It's non-stop sillieness all the way,and to be honest,those who like their humour subtle and sophisticated would do better to look elsewhere as well.The viewers are asked to wager bets on such silly exploits as squirrel fishing and guessing the weight of an individual's genatalia.

Nevertheless,it is probably this madness that inspires the viewer to watch for as long as they do.A real guilty pleasure.***

"One must seek self happiness... The path of self-happiness leads to.... SQUIRREL FISHING!!" "BANZAI!!!!" "PLACE BET NOW!! BET BET BET !!! BET TIME OVER!" ---[True, not lying (!)] THIS IS the funnyest most silly little show i have ever seen! Its fantastic. The faces and the noises! You have to watch this show a few times per episode to really get every subtle joke!

THREE THUMBS UP!!!

This is one of the most disturbing and unusual shows that I've ever seen! The challenges make those of Dog Eat Dog and Fear Factor look like child's play. Where else can you see things like Squirrel Fishing, Old Lady Wheelchair Chicken Challenges and Nectar of the Goths drinking games? This is a weird, yet mind-numbingly interesting program with Kato from the Pink Panther films as a co-host and a quintet of strange presenters(Mr. Cheeky-Chappy, The Bald Guy, Mr. Shake-Hands Man, Mr. Shake-Hands Man II and Lady One-Question) making both regular people and celebrities look foolish! All in all, a great series for those with have a warped sense of humor!

At first, it looked and sounded annoying, with English spoken in thick Japanese (and I believe some Chinese too) accents and some silly calisthenics by a bald, psychotic co-host. Later, despite the nudity, proclivity towards gambling and simpleminded fun, you get used to it. I did! Just hope this program is shown in Japan and Singapore. The contest portions are really stupid, but then so is gambling. Fred Silverman shouldn't see this or he'll re-think the Pink Lady and Jeff concept!