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| Has Eating Media Lunch Gone Too Far, Again? 18/11/2005 Phil Bostwick Hide behind your couch, Eating Media Lunch is back and in fine form. In fact the first two episodes of New Zealand's favourite satirical TV show have been so brilliantly controversial it begs the question, how far is too far? The show's producer Paul Casserly says it's hard to know anymore. "I don't know where the boundaries are actually. We've definitely been pushing the limits more because it's the end of the year," he says. "We're hoping to get taken off air early so that we can have a longer holiday." Don't be alarmed by Casserly's nonchalant attitude, however, it comes from his experience in the job and knowing EML's goal standard is and has always been to shock. "One reviewer said he had to hide behind his couch to watch the show. I like that, that's exactly the kind of reaction we want." And no doubt they got it last Tuesday. A story about TV news featuring candid interviews with former TV One newsreaders Anita McNaught and Tom Bradley eventually turned its focus to the "International F*** News". Two horny individuals were featured fornicating while at the same time delivering the days news in a professional and authoritative manner. "It's amazing what's going on in other countries," says Casserly of the footage which was apparently found on the internet. "It's also amazing what's possible with a camera and two up for it actors, but that's another story. Whether true or not the piece certainly garnered the right reaction - surrounded by a group of open-minded twenty somethings I was pleasantly surprised to see most of them gawp in complete disbelief." "Not surprisingly EML has already had its fair share of formal complaints especially in regard to Tuesday's effort. "If I wasn't working on the show I'd probably complain too," says Casserly. "It's the best way to know you're doing a good job... We often listen to talk back radio after the show to hear what the old buggers have to say. ZB is good for comments." Those who haven't come to expect humour and controversy from their EML experience should of course change channel. However, something tells me they wouldn't want to miss the celebrity slaps in the face, timeless moments in broadcasting and questionable social experiments. The first episode featured a look back at the best moments in New Zealand media from 2005. Tony Veitch spoke 'cling-on' with surprising aptitude; Alison Mau got high on party pills and Michael Laws spoke candidly on his radio show about what he liked to do with foreign female hitchhikers. But nothing compared to the squirm-fest that was a cat having its testicles removed live on Breakfast - what better way to start the day. An intrepid and talented actor also took to the streets to raise money on behalf of some unlikely charities. For the record the Business Roundtable got the biggest thumbs up gaining $7.80, while Al Qaeda took home $2.80 and the Nazi Party nothing. Next week EML takes to the red carpet - also known as a "celebrity bait catcher" - for the inaugural Qantas Television Awards. Among the highlights is a chat with Marc Ellis who won Most Popular Male Personality at the awards despite his recent drug conviction. Luckily, according to Paul Casserly, Ellis does have a sense of humour unlike some celebrities. Of course, lest we forget, EML is officially a 'comedy'. Screens on Tuesdays at 10pm on TV2. |