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8 September 2011

Amanda Bishop in At Home With Julia. (youtube.com/user/NewOnABCTV)

At Home With Julia: inane drivel of the most idiotic kind

262 Comments

Peter Craven

Peter Craven

There can't be many people even in masochistic Melbourne who went from watching a numbing Bell Shakespeare production of Julius Caesar to the experience of looking at At Home With Julia, the much-dreaded (but Truly Dreadful) homage to our own imperatrix.

Julius Caesar at least had Alex Menglet's richly Russian Caesar and, against the odds, the actor channelled some ancient tradition of Russian classical acting, so that he put the rest of the cast to shame. Caesar, alas, is killed at half time. Julia Gillard in this horrible TV homage to her unloveliness is killed in the first five minutes and so is the reputation of the ABC for producing firecracker political satire and a high level of TV comedy.

You may think that Julia Gillard is the most hapless Australian Prime Minister since Billy McMahon. You may think that she has presided over the demise of a once great political party out of nothing but a lean hungriness for power and that she believes in nothing.  You may even think that her assassination of Kevin Rudd had little to do with the viability of the Labor Party or the Government of the Commonwealth: it was simply that, like Cassius, she could not behold a greater than herself and if the troops marched under her and not unlovable Kevin Rudd - well, what price knives and conspiracy?

You may believe all this and more. That Julia Gillard does not really care about a carbon tax or genuinely oppose gay marriage. You may take the dimmest possible view of a Prime Minister who can attempt to ship children and poor harried seekers of refuge to be flogged and desolated in Malaysia (the country that hanged Barlow and Chambers, the Australian drug dealers, an action Bob Hawke, then in power, described as "barbaric").  You may abhor the way she attacked the Chief Justice when the High Court of Australia rebuffed her on the Malaysia solution in a resounding six to one decision.

Even so, taking the dimmest possible view, Julia Gillard did not deserve this and nor did the nation. At Home With Julia is inane drivel of the most idiotic kind. Had it not been so long in the planning it would look like a blatant attempt to arouse compassion for a Prime Minister whose support had fallen to 25 per cent in the polls.

It is a sorry thing when the nation that produced Barry Humphries, that provoked the political satire of the Gillies Report and gave a harbour to John Clarke could sink to this.  Is the land of Edna Everage and Kath and Kym, the culture that nurtured Magda Szubanski, shrunk to this little measure?

Has Julia Gillard's Australia sunk so low that we are expected to laugh at this idiot rehearsal of snobbery which has the weird effect – because it is so lugubrious and rubbery and bad – of making the Prime Minister look, by comparison, like Dame Maggie Smith at the height of her powers, all grace and style and flawless timing?

The first episode of At Home With Julia revolved around Tim, the first dude, having to cook dinner for the independents – Bob Katter, Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott – and their preference for home-grown ingredients (by way of mince, tomatoes etc).

Julia is preoccupied with her single-minded political agenda of pleasing everyone and, with mild misgiving, is willing to usurp and ruin their date night despite the fact that she's about to get on a plane.

This threadbare situation comedy plotline in fact sounds immeasurably more promising in its hackneyed way than what in fact ensues.

Amanda Bishop's Julia – she also wrote the criminal script – has a rough (though not intricately accurate) version of Gillard's terrible voice, though it has too much hammy vibrato and too little hesitation. But the dialogue is ghastly beyond belief and the detail of the comic set up would disgrace a student revue.

So we get Julia mixing designer beers and serving them up to the fruitloops as Tim's "home brooow". Unable to use the wagyu beef (which has been served up to the small terrier, Bill Shorten – a wan and ghostly gleam of humour there) he ransacks the rubbish bin for last October's discarded chipolatas and makes them into a bolognaise sauce.

There are ho ho scenes with the local kids who simulate enviable laughter as he digs in the Lodge's rubbish bin by moonlight.

Is there some comic consequence – botulism, fruitloop diarrhoea of a convulsively ghastly kind, some massacre of the newer gross out comedy - that the young love and their sober middle-aged parents fear and loathe?

Nothing so interesting. We end up, for heaven's sake, with Tim falling asleep from exhaustion, just as the PM was going to deem him a quickie.

It's hard to say whether At Home with Julia is more of an open provocation to revoke the ABC's charter or a dire indictment of the current policy of buying in outsourced comedy.

I used to think that the ABC's short-lived cultural panel show The Vulture, the brainchild of that mercurial Renaissance man Guy Rundle - and a show, alas, in which I was a permanent panel member for the whole eight-and-a-half weeks of the run – had high claims to be considered the worst bit of television the ABC had ever put to air. Well, At Home With Julia makes it look like The Late Clive James or John Freeman's BBC interviews with Nehru and Evelyn Waugh.

It is appalling television which should never have gone to air. The idea of making Julia and Tim the subject of a TV show was bad from the start. The only kind of political figures you can get away with mawkishly softening into lovable sitcom figures –providing gentle hilarities are political figures of more or less vast objective glamour – the Kennedys, say, or the Obamas.

Otherwise you're better off sticking to the much safer territory of outright political satire.  So At Home With Julia was rooted in (and by) a category mistake in the first place. Julia Gillard has never been a figure of film star-like charisma, as the Clintons were (or in a lesser way the Blairs, maybe the Keatings). She occupies a funny place in the pantheon of the national mythology of those who reach political Olympus. She is not, still not, I suspect, widely loathed, as Hawke and Howard, Fraser and Keating, not to mention Rudd and Abbott were at various stages.

We see her, on the surface, as a cartoon of what the national mannerisms can produce by way of nasal stridency, and we also have grave doubts about her lack of deeper political conviction and prowess. But, oddly enough, we perceive this as a form of personal frailty.

Can anyone tell Julia Gillard who she is?  There is a pathos in that as the plight of a political leader not least when she looks hapless.

But At Home With Julia is such a trite bit of assassination, such a flummery mess of a show, that you oscillate between feeling sympathy for the Prime Minister and blaming her for bringing it into being.

At Home With Julia has far less colour and movement than the Julius Caesar I gave up on when the big florid Russian was knocked off. It did not, however, compare well with David and Margaret doing their shtick about the movies. As it happened they were talking about Fred Schepisi’s splendid film The Eye Of The Storm and Vince Colosimo and Sigrid Thornton in a fine film Face To Face from a David Williamson script. Yes and they ended with a discussion of the Ingmar Bergman masterpiece Cries And Whispers. 

It was enough to make you think the ABC had a function and Julia Gillard's Australia was capable of more than butchering any attempt at comedy or drama.

Peter Craven is one of Australia's best known critics and cultural commentators.

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Comments (262)

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  • Christopher :

    09 Sep 2011 3:22:17pm

    I thought it was alright. The start was hard to watch, I would have changed chanels but i was folding laundry and the remote was like 2m away. When the indipendants rocked up in the one ute it picked up nicly and I will proboly watch it next week to see if I like it again.

    Its not great TV but its alright to fold laundry too and thats alright by todays standerds.

  • Lehan Ramsay :

    09 Sep 2011 3:16:41pm

    Shonky it was, in comparison to the Palin performance. It could have been so much better. A more nuanced performance of Julia. The introduction song sung so almost well that we found ourselves liking it. No blunt this-is-funny,okay? moments.

    Actually I think the best way to improve it would be to take it off the air now.

  • Tony Millar :

    09 Sep 2011 3:05:10pm

    I fully agree your comments Peter! "At home with Julia" was, undoubtedly, the worst program I have ever seen on television (on any channel). Comedy it certainly wasn't. "Drivel" absolutely! "Pathetic" definitely! "Home Shopping" is positively hilarious by comparison.

    Julia's persona and recent political history certainly provides enough fodder for clever political satire but there wasn't a shred of that anywhere in this program. The only thing it managed to do well was unfairly demolish poor old Tim Mathieson who least deserved the attention. I certainly won't bother watching any further episodes of this sorry series.

    To the handful of desperates who claimed that they actually liked this garbage I can only suggest that they should check the dosage recommendations for their medication.

  • Joyce Parkes :

    09 Sep 2011 3:04:27pm

    wise the scam - left, right or middle of the road politics aside, the 'At Home with Julia' show is coarse and crass. Give me the witticism and subtlety of an Oscar Wilde anytime. Note what he said to Mrs. Worthington for starters.


  • Perdita :

    09 Sep 2011 2:40:25pm

    This review says more about the reviewer than the program. It's not Shakespeare (shock,horror) or even Williamson (gloom). Then, he has the profoundly bad idea of reminding us all of that disastrous, pretentious program, The Vulture - a very good idea ruined by self-promoting, pseudo-intellectual nobs.

    The review should have been more focussed on the writing and acting alone and not been an angst-ridden backhanded attack on the ABC for deigning to produce such a program. I reluctantly watched it, being an admirer,more or less,of the PM's, and enjoyed a few laughs and many knowing smiles. There is a place for such entertainment on Australian television, even if it doesn't please the professional culture vultures amongst us. Rather like the Australian actress who sneered at Kylie Minogue for not being able to sing as well as Dame Joan Sutherland,isn't it?

  • Big Ben :

    09 Sep 2011 2:25:10pm

    Absolute crap was what I watched last night. You summarised the experience better than me:
    'At Home With Julia is inane drivel of the most idiotic kind'

  • shortmemories :

    09 Sep 2011 2:20:42pm

    What concerns me is whether we and writers and producers do know the difference between non offensive humour and dehumanising and debasing humour. There is taking the p.... out of another and the hurtful insulting kind. Frankly, I think for many the difference is blurred.

    Many kids are emotionally scarred by so called funny text messages sent to all their friends as an example of humour gone sour. We all feel for kids who are victims of this. But a politician just has to take it. Parody and lampooning of pollies has gone on for years. How Green was my Cactus was one of the funniest ever. But there seems to be an edge to it all these days that leaves me uncomfortable where it all might head to in the future.

    I had decided not to watch the show, so I can't comment on its content. But there is always IView if I change my mind- thanks for that ABC.

  • Bones :

    09 Sep 2011 2:04:25pm


    The only real achievement of the show was the coup fulled off by the producers to get Windsor, Oakeshott and Katter to play themselves in the show ! They were surprisingly impressive !
    But then again, I guess, they have had plenty of acting practice in recent years !

  • wise to the scam :

    09 Sep 2011 2:03:34pm

    if the lefties at the abc drum are complaining, it must be spot on. If it was about howard or abbott they would be guffawing.

    some nice bits from at home with julia,

    julia, 'if I'm late for cabinet, kevin likes to start without me.'

    news reader, 'rob oakeshott said in an extremely lengthy statement. . .'

    keating, 'I can't believe we didnt get rid of that old bastard (hawke) sooner, just because he won 4 elections. . . '

    keating, 'dorcas said, you know so much about everything, someone should write a musical about you. . .

    julia, 'wayne, you left of five zeros.'
    wayne, 'oh shit.'
    swann in background dropping documents, looking around like he is lost in the corridor.

    tim, 'mathieson, spelt m.a.t.h. . . '
    newsagent, 'I'll just put gillard, makes it easier.'

    3 country independents arriving in a ute.

    gillard, 'its tim's homebrew.' windsor, 'where did he brew it, in his arse?'

    tim scratching his arse with the tv remote.

    gillard, 'I can't serve them the best in the world, I said we only eat australian.'

    gillard referring to their dog, 'we call him bill shorten because he is always nipping at mummy's heels."

    katter calling oakeshott a softcock.

    tim, 'and no rob, (oakeshott) we don't have soy!'

    priceless. and katter and oakeshott are hilarious.

      • Jamesonthesea :

        09 Sep 2011 2:48:45pm

        "If it was about howard or abbott they would be guffawing".
        The point is there would not be a cheap childish show like this about Howard and Abbott, they do it for real !
        The ABC should be spending their resources on producing their own high quality programs as in the past, not on this rubbish.

      • Stuffed Olive :

        09 Sep 2011 3:23:43pm

        I'm a leftie and I am not complaining. Anyone taking it seriously is up themselves.

  • jo dallimore :

    09 Sep 2011 1:57:31pm

    How horribly hurtful to Julias partner Tim. the whole show was just pathetic. Bad sitcom, humour, story line and taste. Please ABC I am a fan but not when you serve up such boring off the mark shows. though I did like the pisstake of Oakshot and Katter.

  • foreignsausage :

    09 Sep 2011 1:50:16pm

    Vulgar, demeaning, appalling, lame, ye bleat. I entirely disagree. How ironic that most of the haters here are probably niggardly, ungenerous, clench-bummed, unfriendly liberal-voters, and it's those who are not against the pm who see how humane this humour is. It's no sort of hatchet job at all. Nobody is assassinated. It's humour of the kinder kind, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Also disagree with the 'unsubtle' remark. How subtle do you want your allegory, Mr. whoever you were [tl;dr]?
    Keep it up, auntie. Some of us get it.

  • Mk2 :

    09 Sep 2011 12:53:07pm

    Seems a fair few people just look to be outraged for one reason or another - maybe they need it to keep their blood flowing.

    Neither the best nor worst tv I've seen - a few laughs here and there.

    I did like the pisstake of Oakeshot though.

  • Shirley_you_can't_be_serious :

    09 Sep 2011 12:29:08pm

    Some of the people who are complaining about this remind me of the Chaser with Andrew Hanson as the old man switching the television off and writing an angry letter to the ABC on his typewriter.

    Over something so petty that you can simply switch off quite literally you people are all a joke. Now I will be expecting replies of "Raaaarrrrrr my tax paying money pays for this raaaarrrr! You don't understand what your talking about rarrrrrr!".

  • Jan ACT :

    09 Sep 2011 12:06:52pm

    Good on you ABC. Spicks & Specks, Gruen Transfer and At Home with Julia. It was one of the best evenings of laughter I've had for a long time and it was all Australian! And taken in the context they were all written.

    And to all the knockers, I suggest you stick to scrabble or move to America where everything is so politically correct or try to remember when you lost your ability to see the funny side of life.

      • Joyce :

        09 Sep 2011 1:24:57pm

        Jan ACT, the phrase 'politically correct' was coined by a conservative thinker who had the need to treat progressive thinkers with disdain. And like advertising, it has made an impact on the gullible. We have indeed 'changed joy for pleasure,' note the endless 'rarrrs' you had to rely on.

  • DavidB :

    09 Sep 2011 11:53:21am

    Being thoroughly sick of politics, I almost didn't bother watching. Glad I did though.

    The political references are not the focus. It's really domestic situation comedy.

    I'd describe it as gentle and affectionate.

    Well done to all involved.

  • Noel :

    09 Sep 2011 11:46:10am

    What have we become a nation of wooses! I always thought larrikin Australians loved taking the p**s out of authority figures, kinda pricking them to release the hot air of their inflated egos. It's some humour at a time when we surely need a good laugh and let's not forget all politicians have thick hides from years of, well, being politicians. Nearly all politicians are criticised and caricatured by the media, so what's new? You never know, Gillard may even get some good ideas for improving her popularity in the polls.

  • sinbad :

    09 Sep 2011 11:24:45am

    " inane drivel of the most idiotic kind "

    Well at least it's realistic.

      • Joyce :

        09 Sep 2011 12:15:41pm

        sinbad...'realistic', 'realistic', whose realism?
        'Realistic', he said. What next?

      • Helvi :

        09 Sep 2011 12:37:22pm

        sinbad, comedy fails when it's not funny( this was supposed to be comedy).

        If the same people would have made a show about Howard it would still not have been funny, nothing to do with politics,the lack of acting and writing skills is the issue here.

  • Christine Miller :

    09 Sep 2011 11:04:14am

    'At Home with Julia' should not have been made at all, and should not be shown. Whichever person is in the office of Prime Minister should be given the respect, and personal privacy, that the position is entitled to, and should not in any way be treated in such a careless manner.

    We are certain that such a program would not have even been discussed if the current Prime Minister were a man, with a 'stay-at-home wife'. Nobody can imagine such a program about John Howard, Paul Keating, Malcolm Frazer, or even Kevin Rudd.

    Take it off air now, Do not even finish the series.

      • sinbad :

        09 Sep 2011 11:32:29am

        Oh get off the grass Christine, Howard Hawke, Keating and most politicians since the advent of television have been satirized without mercy by the media.
        Why should the current PM be treated any differently, is it because she is a woman, don't discriminate sink the boot in.

          • Helvi :

            09 Sep 2011 1:36:09pm

            No, sinbad, nothing to do with her being a woman, it SIMPLY wasn't funny, hammy acting is OK in a play done by high schoolers.

            Clarke and Dawe make fun of politicians on all sides, male and female; they get it right.

      • Christian :

        09 Sep 2011 12:30:00pm

        Who are you to dictate what should be shown? It's clearly an unrealistic portrayal and I really don't think anyone who has chosen to work in public life would object to the mild teasing that it entails. How about all of the virulent hate and incitement to violence that has been raised against the PM, other politicians and even journalists who are just doing their job? Chucking her in the ocean in a chaff bag, etc. That is far more serious than a light-hearted parody and everyone needs to just lighten up. I loved the show, laughed out loud all the way through.

      • Michael Bluth :

        09 Sep 2011 12:37:49pm

        What is your kind of comedy Christine?

        Three Stooges?
        Sketch's?
        Satire?
        Crappy Hollywood movies?
        Crappy Hollywood movies trying to be funny?
        American Sitcoms with laughing tracks?

      • PS :

        09 Sep 2011 12:49:10pm

        Agree entirely, Christine. Count me in when it comes to votes to be posted to ABC management

          • Dugong :

            09 Sep 2011 2:14:32pm

            And I can only assume you were as strident when Rubbery Figures (remember the Treasurer, Paul Bearer - "scumbags!", or John Elliot: "Pig's A@$e! Belch!") or How Green Was My Cactus (aka Cactus Island) aired. I remember a description of Keating in Cactus that I'm sure the Moderator would block.

              • Stuffed Olive :

                09 Sep 2011 3:25:35pm

                Rubbery Figures was good fun. Loved all the characters. I'm a leftie and as I have said elsewhere anyone taking this show seriously is up themselves.

  • Stuffed Olive :

    09 Sep 2011 10:58:29am

    I wasn't exactly looking forward to seeing the show but I watched it and I enjoyed it. I had quite a few chuckles and will be watching again next week. The accent given to the Julia character was a bit over the top but this is not a documentary Peter Craven. It is entertainment.

  • Mick :

    09 Sep 2011 9:58:08am

    If the PM had developed her accent from a strong Italian or Chinese family background we would have been outraged by the racist slur of sending her up. Yet the young girl with a heavy welsh accent is marked in later years as a bogan.
    Cheap and nasty.

  • Ursus Augustus :

    09 Sep 2011 9:42:04am

    I agree with you Peter. I and my partner loathe this government and Gillard's performance as PM and think we should have an election ASAP but this sort of utter crap is just plain cowardly. Not even Howard got this sort of treatment by the ABC friggin' C.

    Take the piss in a stand up piece or a sketch show - fine but this is just gratuitously cruel and insulting - just because they can. Bored children pull the wings off flies for much the same reason. That gives us a measure of the level of this tripe.

  • Chris :

    09 Sep 2011 9:26:54am

    I would hereby like to apply for a position on ABCs 'The Drum', my resume is on its way. I have no qualifications, no experience, but if Peter Craven can write something as awful as this, then I'm sure I'm in with a chance.

    I don't normally 'lower' myself to these sorts of personal attacks, but Peter Craven has made the self-depreciating move all the more easier with his scathing and bizarre rant about this television program.

    It's criticisms like "it has too much hammy vibrato" and "idiot rehearsal of snobbery" that turn what could have been a brilliant piece about Australian television talent (or lack thereof, if you insist), into a hate-filled, self-serving and troll-attracting 'blog'. Peter is obviously only a single step above any other home journalist out there, and that's only because he has somehow managed to publish this with the ABCs seal of approval.

    Personally, I loved the show, and will be watching again next week. "Russian classical acting"... what the hell is wrong with you?

      • PSS :

        09 Sep 2011 12:22:33pm

        You may as well ask that of yourself, Chris. You needn't have told us you don't have any qualifications.

  • Clarry :

    09 Sep 2011 9:21:33am

    Wish I’d seen it now. These sort of discussions are always problematical because lets face it, humor is in the eye of the chuckler. PM Gillard seems like an easy target, but then “bushy browed” Howard used to get impersonated to the billy-o…..so fairs fair, I s’pose. I notice the Chaser is returning to the ABC in the not too distant future. Nice timing, with the Libs on the cusp of governance once again. Coincidence? One thing I would like those chaps to do is perhaps abandon the whole “go out into the general public and inconvenience people to make a humorous point” routine. It’s old, tired, mean spirited and surely they are clever enough to actually write “in studio” set pieces that don’t disturb the general public in going about their business. Too much to ask? If it is, then I’ll prepare myself for hilarious running gags of the lads dragging David Hicks through the local mall trying to recruit soldiers of fortune and heaps of Chas Licciardello gotcha moments in his budgie smugglers on the steps of Parliament House. Mature, clever satire indeed…….yikes.

  • Helvi :

    09 Sep 2011 8:55:11am

    With so many people saying they found this show funny, I have to conclude that maybe the well travelled ex-diplomat Kevin Rudd's reference to Boganville was meant to include the whole Australia not just the Lodge.

  • RachelM :

    09 Sep 2011 8:54:35am

    Well done Peter, I totally agree. Apalling television, the ABC should be ashamed.

    The thing that struck me most was the abject sexism of the thing. Can we ever imaging John Howard being depicted in PJ's / undies? talking about sex with Jeanette.

    If this is what passes for good Australian content on the ABC, I think I'll be getting the DVDs out.

      • Christian :

        09 Sep 2011 2:38:54pm

        Fine, let's make all comedians apply to the govenment for a Sexism-free certification before they make a joke. I don't know what kind of dreary world some of those posting want to live in but I prefer to tell you "if you don't like it, don't watch it again". Simple. As. That.

  • Ash :

    09 Sep 2011 8:36:32am

    "inane drivel of the most idiotic kind" >

    I love tautological, badly written reviews almost as much as I enjoyed all the stupid pleasures of At Home With Julia, especially the "idiot rehearsal of snobbery" though I disagree that it created a "weird effect...of making the prime minister look,by comparison,like Dame Maggie Smith at the height of her powers".

    If anything, its weirdest effect was much more democratic, even affectionately nostalgic: a perception of the Lodge as a sort of 21st century Kingswood Country.

    This so-called "funny place in the pantheon of the national mythology of those who reach political Olympus" is the nexus of the whole Rudd/Gillard debacle, something the Labor Party -not Amanda Bishop - cooked up all by itself.

  • rob1966 :

    09 Sep 2011 8:02:26am

    I'm with Peter Craven on this one, the show was just woeful!

    Yet lots of people seem to have enjoyed it.

    I could make elitist comments about how commercial TV has prepared them for mindless entertainment, how people actually talking a script as opposed to rating a performance/food dish may be a unique experience to some, or how this doesn't even measure on a scale that has "Yes, Prime Minister" near the apex .. but I won't.

    It would seem that while many thinking humorists found it banal, just as many (if not even more) found it entertaining.

    What that says about the quality of TV in this country, and how the audience expectations have been progressively reduced, is open to interpretation.

  • Fezzex :

    09 Sep 2011 7:58:32am

    Peter, take a chill pill.

    Whilst it isn't the best comedy ever produced it certainly isn't the worst.

    I really dont think it matters too much whether your political views are to the left or to the right, as this show is not essentially political. It seeks to parody the assumed private lives of Julia and Tim, and as such it has successfully achieved this.

    Peter, you are described as one of Australia's best known critics and cultural commentators. Being best known does not necessarily mean you are good at it.

    Keep up the effort. You'll get there one day. But not today.

      • Miowarra :

        09 Sep 2011 10:51:02am

        "Whilst it isn't the best comedy ever produced it certainly isn't the worst."

        Maybe, maybe not. I didn't note Peter calling it "the worst", either.

        It's certainly down there at the bottom of the pit with the real slimy stuff like Big Bruvver and TMZ and Jackass.

        I suggest that it breaches the ABC's own guideline which requires "quality".
        Even Elle McFeast was potentially better (and never got a fair run. Hard luck Libby Gore.)

          • Hung One On :

            09 Sep 2011 12:49:40pm

            So the apology machine rolls out yet again, dreary Mirror Man. It all comes down to taste and there is no accounting for that.

  • Lodge On :

    09 Sep 2011 7:55:14am

    We thought it a very droll show and gave some smiles. I've seen a lot worse on ABC.

  • Mike C :

    09 Sep 2011 7:52:22am

    As Australians, we all enjoy a good laugh.
    During tough times we create humour to cope with hardships.
    This is a way of having a laugh at some typical life matters that we all deal with regularly.
    We might not be creating international policy arrangements, but we all do our bit and need to have a laugh along the way.
    Julia has shown the strength needed in the position as PM (whether I like her, believe her & trust her or not).
    I believe Julia will have a laugh too.
    We all need it!
    Keep up the good work ABC!

  • John Dillinger :

    09 Sep 2011 7:48:55am

    It was rubbish, I can't believe the ABC aired something so poor it wasn't funny it was truly cringe worthy and everyone involved in should be sacked immediately.

  • ant :

    09 Sep 2011 7:47:38am

    Julia Gillard said she was looking forward to it. If she can laugh about it so should we. I'm sure she knows that things like this go with the territory. And it IS funny. It won't change my opinion of Julia Gillard. I think she's a tough, smart very modern woman. We've needed someone like her for a long time and every worker in this country should ask themselves, "If Tony Abbott is prepared to stop Craig Thomson being there for the birth of his child, what won't he do to me if he's Prime Minister?" That's what I ask myself and the answer I get is frightening, to say the least.

  • TW :

    09 Sep 2011 7:28:18am

    It committed the greatest comedic sin, it was just not funny.

      • yilgahn :

        09 Sep 2011 12:03:06pm

        Laughter is obviously in the belly of the beholder.

        I thought it was a hoot.

        Having said that people call Chris Lilley a genius but to me Angry Boys was a steaming pile.

        If you don't like it don't watch it. Works for me.

  • Dan :

    09 Sep 2011 7:17:55am

    Call me intuitive, but I'm sensing that you didn't like the show Peter. I sure did, lots of "LOL" moments, especially with the 3 Indies. A lot like "How Green Was My Cactus". I look forward to the remaining episodes.

  • Lucy :

    09 Sep 2011 7:12:26am

    There is an assumption amongst some posters here that "lefties" are the ones who want this sit-com pulled.

    I don't think that is true.

    One million viewers watched the program this week - probably out of curiosity. It will be interesting to see how it rates next week.

    What they saw was not the "real" julia, the "real" Tim, the Lodge, the independents, the security guards or anything else real - apart from the kids and the dog.

    If anything this program may engender some projected affection for Julia Gillard herself and so is not likely to be disliked by "lefties".

    The erudite Bob Hawke chose to portray himself an Aussie bloke. Paul Keating was the cove from Bankstown, Neville Wran a Balmain boy, John Howard an upwardly mobile Dulwich Hill digger's son. All of these were recognisable Australian types.
    But Julia Gillard is something alien and she has to overcome that.
    Should she belong to the land of Kath and Kim? Nah!


  • Joseph :

    09 Sep 2011 6:54:33am

    you are wrong Peter.Just like all the lefties who hate Bolt and dont want to allow him the freedom of speech because they dont approve of what he says.Well I have news for you.Its still a free country and over a million aussies tuned into this comedy.

      • Algernon ®:

        09 Sep 2011 10:29:52am

        A million may have tuned in. How may actually enjoyed it or turned it of.

          • Lewis of The Hills :

            09 Sep 2011 12:22:03pm

            From the comments posted below I would say half of the original million will not return but a new lot of half a million will tune in.

              • Sam :

                09 Sep 2011 1:13:44pm

                The saddest thing I've heard thus far, Lewis. Why does the ABC broadcasts to the lowest common denominator watcher these days?

  • Kebisu :

    09 Sep 2011 6:46:34am

    If this woeful show passes for quality political satire then the Benny Hill show must have been a high brow documentary.

  • You Must Be Kidding :

    09 Sep 2011 6:18:07am

    I'm a Gillard fan, I'm a leftie, but let's face it - we love it when conservatives are ridiculed but not ourselves.

    I thought it was, quite seriously, one of the best written, best performed things I've seen on Aussie television ever. Truly, a masterpiece.

    I cannot believe Craven has written what he has, but he has certainly lived down to his surname.

  • TeddySea :

    09 Sep 2011 5:35:49am

    I thought it was light and easy. A relief to see the PM and not the nastiness from the whingers.

  • nina ambrose :

    09 Sep 2011 4:50:53am

    I presume Bruce understands that luminaries and leaders of Democratic Representation Of Satirical Representation Of Elected Deputys,from 1917 and ongoing,(no,not the ABC -but Russia),surrounded their appreciation of Political Satire with metallic barbed commentary.In Australia,thank God and his clouded Bureaucrats,we are just limited, to barbed responses(and not barbed wire).It was funny,mildly and cosily satirical and worth my 8 rubles a day.Thank you Comrades.Whoever your puppetmasters are.

  • mellors :

    09 Sep 2011 4:09:41am

    Without going into a big critical analysis, there were not in my opinion many redeeming features for me to watch a second episode, however people generally don't make a final judgement until they give it a second go. I thought the actor playing Bob Katter had his mannerisms almost nailed down, that's about it.

  • Nano :

    09 Sep 2011 4:04:03am

    The only thing more hilarious than the show is this blog. I can't believe the number of people who are outraged without even having seen it. Nice that you wear your prejudices on your sleeve like that. Saying this demeans the PM while saying the Chaser is fantastic - I guess brandishing a chainsaw at the PM is the height of respect. I found this endearing and even heartwarming portrayal to be respectful while being playful and very, very funny. It is Julia stripped of her worst attributes, her venom and spite, and could easily have been scathing and hurtful instead of light and frivolous. Well, thanks for the laughs everyone, your responses have been champagne comedy.

  • shauno :

    09 Sep 2011 1:22:14am

    "inane drivel of the most idiotic kind"

    Yep pretty much describes this government well.

      • Francis :

        09 Sep 2011 10:20:13am

        So agree.
        Rotten idea
        Rotten Script
        Rotten acting
        Rotten producing
        Rotten bad taste.
        Take it OFF ABC, or they might take YOU off!

      • Adam :

        09 Sep 2011 10:22:37am

        Lol. Sadley, you're dead right.

  • leigh :

    09 Sep 2011 1:00:32am

    People saying that a show like this about Howard & wife not being conceivable are missing the point. Such a show would run out of stuffing after about 1 minute. Such would the boredom factor be.

    I thought this show was surprisingly watchable.. good acting, amusing storyline. Detractors are lost in a wacky reality vortex, for mine. Wiki "parody", "metaphor", and "falstaff" if your schooling let you down.

      • Algernon ®:

        09 Sep 2011 10:17:57am

        "I thought this show was surprisingly watchable.. good acting, amusing storyline. Detractors are lost in a wacky reality vortex, for mine. Wiki "parody", "metaphor", and "falstaff" if your schooling let you down." Surely you jest leigh. It was none of the above.

  • Mitor the Bold :

    09 Sep 2011 12:31:03am

    It reached the lofty heights of 'Hey Dad' with its incisive wit and satirical commentary. Can't wait for 'At Church with Tony'.

  • Paul G :

    09 Sep 2011 12:06:42am

    I love the prime minister. I really do like her. I laughed and thought - lets relieve the tension of a nation poised to crap on her. The shows undelying theme reveals how things really are. A prime minister constantly trying to make sense of all events and without good solid support or advice - surrounded by these and the other missing barking hyenas. How do you or could anyone manage and lead that? No wonder she tries to appear so pleasing - everyone around her is so bloody self absorbed in their own importance. The old Labour had a sense of togetherness and ownership of their party. What appears most true is last scene of her racing around on her own trying to plan the next week - a parallel to being alone in a fracture party. One inherited full of poor advise.

  • Que :

    08 Sep 2011 11:59:54pm

    The shorts had me dry reaching...

    I'm glad I put the vid on...

    Since the boys from CNNNNNNNNN were sacked there hasn't been any decent Australian comedy on the ABC.

    I have more laughs watching Media Watch and Gruen Transfer.

  • conservative :

    08 Sep 2011 11:59:25pm

    the show only reflects the idiotic labor govt. So true, so accurate.

  • Berniemckenna :

    08 Sep 2011 11:55:59pm

    funny script. Funny situation .excellent casting.original ideas.australia is in good shape if the publicly funded broadcaster will fund this brilliant show .top marks to the actors especially" katter " and "t cup" .

  • MP :

    08 Sep 2011 11:25:34pm

    Peter Craven, stop trying to analyse what is funny and what isn't, as if it's a formula that one can either get right or wrong. At Home With Julia was funny in a way that is hard to define. It just was!

    This is Australia and we like making fun of people. Of pin-pointing their peculiarites and then laughing at them. It is because of this that the Obamas and the Kennedy's would NOT be funny. They are too cool.

    Bob Katter just cracked me up, and the bitter coffee from the Kevin 07 cup was classic. Sure the story-line was a bit weak, but it's the gags that count.

    Also Peter Craven, alot of us have never heard of the Gillies Report, and think that Dawes and the other guy have become over repetitive over the years.... and dare I say it... very unfunny.

  • Justin :

    08 Sep 2011 11:00:37pm

    Well done to the ABC. You have done VERY WELL to present a very funny and well written show. The acting and satire reflects the superb tradition of the Larikin Australian nature, and reflects the great lost Australian comic traditions of yesterday years. Time to break our wowser sensibilities and laugh at ourselves and our leader through the eyes of our wonderful 'Aussie Grown' talents. Thank you ABC - I look forward to seeing more satirical comedy such as this in the future.

  • Trajan :

    08 Sep 2011 10:59:37pm

    Funny that. I felt the same way about your article when I finished it.

    Each to their own.

  • Craig :

    08 Sep 2011 10:58:49pm

    I love a good chuckle but At Home with Julia is ghastly, poorly conceived and inappropriate.

    There is no way that anyone would have portrayed former Prime Minister Howard and his wife like this, nor would the female spouse of any male Prime Minister be subjected to that level of unsophisticated ridicule.

    There is nothing wrong with sharp political humour which exploits the foibles of serving political leaders but this was neither entertaining or well pitched. It’s not clever and there is no subtlety or multilayered comedy.

    I think Peter overdramatises the implications but agree this is a new low and a major misfire for ABC comedy.

  • Karen :

    08 Sep 2011 10:57:33pm

    Whats a bet they do a rerun days leading up to the next election.

  • Christian :

    08 Sep 2011 10:48:27pm

    Pretty poor piece of criticism here, I think a few people need a sense of humour transplant. For all those criticising it because they think it disrespects JG, it really was pretty mild. It was in the best tradition of irreverent Aussie TV comedy - comfortable, slightly amateur and very funny. I for one have been appalled at the media's treatment of the PM, and if you think this is disrespectful you would be better off drawing attention to the virulent hate media which has openly called for her assassination. This on the other hand was a pretty gentle dig at her idiosyncracies, and I imagine that Gillard and Mathieson will laugh quite a lot at this clearly unrealistic depiction of their personal lives. Grow up and get some perspective people, have a laugh for gods sake.

  • BillS :

    08 Sep 2011 10:45:27pm

    I didn't watch it. I didn't need to. I watch maybe one program a night, and even occasionally, two. I have learnt (learned?) to discriminate. It wasn't many years ago that all I watched was the ABC, but despite a huge amount of commentary on The Drum saying that the Media and Politics are chasing each other down the plug-hole, they, the ABC that is, seem incapable of pulling back from the brink.
    Some poor buggers have to watch the rubbish so they can at least provide an accurate judgement. Others watch this sort of mind numbing drivel. Luckilly, I don't.

  • Nelly Bly :

    08 Sep 2011 10:44:42pm

    Mocking Julia Gillard's working-class accent as this show's one gag is pretty low. I'm no fan of Gillard, but I thought the show was a disgrace.

  • mattydor ®:

    08 Sep 2011 10:42:25pm

    Oh, come on!!!
    Julia Gillard sipping out of a Kevin '07 mug, pulling a face and saying, 'Oooh, bitter.'
    Champagne comedy, folks.
    And I found the final couple of scenes quite touching, in a domestic kind of way.

  • Gillard fan :

    08 Sep 2011 10:40:13pm

    I don't care if its rubbish. I love Julia so much that I would watch anything to do with her. Even if I have to hate an ABC production unit at the same time.

    The ABC must have worked out that I am not alone, and that their ratings will be better if all of Julia's fans tune back in (noting that they have not made a show focused on the private life of Abbott).

  • Aristides :

    08 Sep 2011 10:34:14pm

    The author of this piece has clearly never seen Spitting Image. Satire and irony, you know?

      • Sam :

        09 Sep 2011 1:15:41pm

        Ohyes, under the cloak of satire and irony we can get away with murder. Or can we, Aristides?

  • pformosa :

    08 Sep 2011 10:21:37pm

    It was a comedy and I laughed alot well done ABC

  • Ben :

    08 Sep 2011 10:18:22pm

    It was a little funny and different. I am not sure what I made of it. But I had this thought. Everyone thought the movie The Social Network would be bad for Mark Zuckerberg but instead changed people's attitude. Sometimes these things play out a lot different than anyone planned.

  • Richard :

    08 Sep 2011 10:12:04pm

    The three independants pulling into the driveway of The Lodge in a wait for it......hilux ute....yes !!!! that is just soooooo funny....because they are country boys right ? haaaaaaaa my sides ache so......

      • Adam Trask :

        09 Sep 2011 9:33:51am

        > yes !!!! that is just soooooo funny....because they are country boys right ? haaaaaaaa my sides ache so......

        Umm... no, that's funny 'cause moments after we hear they can't serve the beef because it's from waygu from Japan, what do they arrive in? A hi-lux from Japan.

  • GrumpyOldMan :

    08 Sep 2011 10:05:19pm

    I thought it was rather funny. It took the 'Mickey' out of everyone and showed a very light-hearted characterisation of our politicians as opposed to the drab and highly controlled view that gets thrust down our throats by their minders and our paranoid media outlets. I thought the humour was very similar to that of 'Clarke and Dawe'.

    I just hope they have done an episode where Julia is confronted by some insane demands from fools like Christopher Pyne, Alan Jones or Andrew Bolt. That could be extremely funny.

      • murk :

        09 Sep 2011 1:22:57pm

        Enough is enough Grumpy, the writers have soooo much material available form the govt. side, it does need trite & droll suggestions of yours so sacrosanct & steeped in bitterness.

        C'mon. admit it, you too are really ashamed by the govt. and its members that such satire at their expense can only do the common people good.

  • Poida :

    08 Sep 2011 10:01:49pm

    It wasn't a documentary?

  • Jelly :

    08 Sep 2011 9:57:03pm

    Peter might be "one of Australia's best known critics", but it doesn't make him one of the best. At home with Julia was hilarious. Perhaps Peter sees some similarities between himself and "Tim" which would explain his ridiculous criticism of the show. Peter, GET A LIFE!

  • Asceptic :

    08 Sep 2011 9:35:54pm

    Wierd, like 'Spitting Image' with real actors impersonating puppets.

    One bloke I spoke to today was totally convinced Julia Gillard had gone to far in appearing in underwear in a reality TV show. Had to explain to him that there is more than one Julia, really, she's a franchise.

  • Pattieone :

    08 Sep 2011 9:27:43pm

    Steve Austen on ABC612 Brisbane, reviewed this today and callers said they liked it. Missed it last night and watched it on iView online.
    Sat through just over half of it and loathed it. It has nothing to do with who Julia Gillard or any of the others are in real life. It to me appears to be a re-incarnation of Kath in the body of Amanda Bishop (aka Ms Gillard). Kath and Kim is way funnier than this 'comedy'...and I truly loathe that program. I enjoy good comedy, but this was total drivel. I don't particularly like Julia Gillard especially her voice, but this show made me feel sorry for her, and I feel almost like defending her now.
    The character of Tim is ridiculed by schoolboys, check-out girls and even the butcher. How could this drivel been allowed to be aired??

  • mick :

    08 Sep 2011 9:22:36pm

    how did the abc get her to ever agree to play the part. why would a pm do this.

      • murk :

        09 Sep 2011 1:24:20pm

        Excellent point Mick, the humor in this obviously aimed at Peter

  • Red :

    08 Sep 2011 9:19:15pm

    Peter...this long winded. waaaaaaay too serious commentary says more about you than the show. Lighten up!

      • Mike :

        09 Sep 2011 12:32:27pm

        'Lighten up', said the cretin to the credible.

  • OAlexander :

    08 Sep 2011 9:17:33pm

    Comments like
    "NO Prime Minister during my lengthy lifetime has been subjected to the hateful ridicule Julia Gillard has had to endure. "
    betray either youthful authors or anaemic memories: forgotten the numerous presentation as Howard as semi-debile idiot, or the Hawke and Keating puppets?

    The show did not work as a comedy - about three laughs in thirty minutes were somewhat poor for a thirty minutes show, and as a political satire it had a rare moment or two, but as such it was without real bite. It might work as comedy for those, who have been weaned on US sitcoms: their standards are in average dismal, but how would they know any better without quality fare from the ABC like D-Gen, Frontline, Chaser, etc., etc.

    Quality can very well be judged on without taking a political position, albeit I thoroughly agree with Craven's sideswipes. I summary, even the comedy on her was a fizzer like her PMship - somehow suitable.

  • Creewood :

    08 Sep 2011 9:07:41pm

    Peter, I went to bed after the show and I was still laughing (in bed) just thinking about it. I thought it was brilliant.

  • Rickman :

    08 Sep 2011 9:03:14pm

    Well, I thought it was hilarious. Bill Shorten the terrier. What's not funny about that? The three amigoes, sorry - independents, taken off to a tee. I think it touched a nerve because it parodies the truth in Australian politics at present. It was worth the wait to see the "real" Julia. I had no idea she was so attractive...

  • amiable :

    08 Sep 2011 9:00:47pm

    I found it to be an amiable comedy - not cutting edge political satire, but a few good chuckles. The portrayals of breathless Katter & the indies were brilliant - absolutely spot on! I will watch the rest of the series...

      • James In Footscray :

        09 Sep 2011 9:35:11am

        I'm with amiable. I don't think Peter Craven goes for 'light and amusing' however.

      • Dugong :

        09 Sep 2011 2:30:28pm

        The best bit was the three indies.

        Wayne Swan's line was sad and predictable - not funny.

        All in all a pretty gently parody. Anyone offended needs a can of harden up.

  • Genexer :

    08 Sep 2011 9:00:34pm

    Did anyone else get the slightly grossed-out sensation of seeing 'Julia' getting all cuddly with Tim 'the first bloke' of Australia? A bit like the thought of your parents (or your school principal)smooching with their other half!? Although I enjoyed the show, I had this rather irrational urge to cover my eyes when she started cosying up to Tim - just such a big contrast to the usual starch-collared 'Marm' image we see on the news!

  • Tosser Spotter :

    08 Sep 2011 9:00:15pm

    This show was/is trash.
    The defenders of it are intellectual vacuums.

  • Noeline :

    08 Sep 2011 8:56:54pm

    The worse show I have ever seen the cast should consult Rob Sitch and "The Hollowmen" crew for some advice.

  • mjr :

    08 Sep 2011 8:54:10pm

    Wow, look at the lefties' indignation. It's nearly as funny to watch as the show.

    Well done Amanda Bishop and cast.

  • Mick S :

    08 Sep 2011 8:44:30pm

    Thankyou Peter
    Ohhh, you have written your piece so beautifully.
    Thankyou.
    I had no words (other than swear words) to describe the nausea I felt for the 10 minutes that this show stole from my life.

    It is difficult enough with the real real real ...Julia in day to day life , but having to put up with this under cooked school play attempt at humour was more that I could put up with.

    They should only be happy that the show went to air before the termination of this temporary PM wannabee experiment that has failed.

  • John the Veteran :

    08 Sep 2011 8:29:53pm

    Peter,
    Whilst I agree to a very samll degree, it may not have been brilliant television, but it was fairly good satire.
    However, I tend to wonder if the same criticism would have come if a similar programme was written about a conservative leader?
    I seem to remember that an ABC programme from the ABC represented John Howard in a most satirical manner. Very few of the socialist left complained about that. And, for the record, I thought that one was funny as well.
    My advice - just enjoy it and get over any bias you might have.
    Kind Regards,
    John.

  • Freddy :

    08 Sep 2011 8:27:19pm

    It's entertainment isn't it?
    So therefore if its entertaining it succeeds, doesn't it?
    So, what's your problem Peter Craven!

  • ben :

    08 Sep 2011 8:23:17pm

    The marvelous David and Margaret started on SBS remember. The ABC didn't create them, they just nicked them.

    P.S. I had a laugh at Home With Julia, and will watch it again.

  • Tristan Snell :

    08 Sep 2011 8:21:46pm

    Yeah dumb review, thought it was the funniest show in years. Political satire is so important in a healthy democracy.

  • Joyce Parkes :

    08 Sep 2011 8:19:57pm

    Completely agree with you, Peter Craven. Under the leadership of Mark Scott, ABC1 has become a cultural wasteland. 'At Home with Julia' is unfunny, unprofessional and unacceptable. A tragic reminder that our film industry moves in a desert of hot air, and that Mark Scott does not seem to care. What bad luck.

  • Tristan :

    08 Sep 2011 8:07:10pm

    I think I will go and rewatch The Hollow Men because that was hilarious.

  • BRUCE S :

    08 Sep 2011 7:56:47pm

    Peter you could not be more wrong! At Home with Julia was the best Australian comedy show I've viewed for a long time. I thought Amanda Bishop's acting was just brilliant. She had captured the role as written so well that I believe her career will be enhanced with this role.
    One of the producers told us that they had very little to work with with respect to the PM's private life as Ms Gillard would prefer to keep that part of her life private so they had to invent it. In that respect it is not a portrayal it is a comedy show. For me the most amusing part is the satirical view of the PM and her partner's lives and how it contrasts with the most important job in the country.

      • Algernon ®:

        08 Sep 2011 9:31:28pm

        Bruce, you must be a simple mind who is easily amused if you thing "At Home with Julia was the best Australian comedy show I've viewed for a long time." This wasn't even satire this was slop. The show wasn't funny.

        The ABC had standards once and this falls well below the threshold.

      • Ed :

        08 Sep 2011 9:49:04pm

        No Bruce, it is you who are wrong. I was appalled at the ABC's lack of both taste and waste of money. I saw much better stuff years ago at undergraduate send ups. This is neither comedy, nor satire. It's jush rubbish.

      • Queensland JAK :

        08 Sep 2011 11:32:23pm

        Bruce S

        Nothing excuses that puerile script. Red wigs and copycat jackets are not enough when the actor lacks any capacity to pick out characteristic inflections or to stop mugging. I'm an old thespian, Laddie and know what I'm talking about. It was pure excrement. It wasn't even a decent smear. It most certainly wasn't satire.

        So you know somebody who confided in you. Oh dear they had "very little to work with"? I think they meant "talent". I can agree with that.

        The ABC should cut their losses and remove the show before they lose face. It's a terrible embarrassment and must be buried as quickly as possible.

      • rumpole2 ®:

        09 Sep 2011 5:51:37am

        What rubbish Bruce S. If they had to invent the life, they should have invented the character as well, al la Yes Prime Minister.

        Attributing fictional actions to a real life person is insulting and degrading to the office of PM.

        The John Howard appointed ABC board and their lackey Mark Scott is getting some political revenge.

      • Gavin :

        09 Sep 2011 6:05:22am

        I thought it was totally embarrassing, poor humour, not particularly funny at all. The actors did a good job, the storyline and humour was very weak.

  • Helvi :

    08 Sep 2011 7:51:26pm

    How terribly sad; The Drum gets a cultural commentator to write a story about a lousy disgusting show like this, is there nothing else 'cultural' happaning in Australia.

  • Joel :

    08 Sep 2011 7:45:56pm

    I thought it was reasonably funny with good impersonation of Julia.

    The show is a reflection of the popular opinion about the current government.

    Maybe the ABC is not so left as I thought.

      • Icedvolvo :

        09 Sep 2011 5:41:38am

        I sort of agree but experience in parliament and politics tells me that the ABC almost always has an agenda and that agenda is almost always aligned with the ALP/Green one.

        Ergo is this show some backhanded attempt to "humanise" the PM or even more devious is it the work of the factions to ridicule here to make a Christmas coup easier and more palatable? Neither of these are too fantastic for the Sussex street mob!

  • Rhod Mcdonald :

    08 Sep 2011 7:45:28pm

    Peter who?

    This was the best ABC comedy in years - well done ABC!

    Peter whatsname : go back in your box!

  • Magic Sounds :

    08 Sep 2011 7:44:38pm

    Oh lighten up Peter. It wasn't so bad - actually it was funnier than any comedy I've seen for a while. I even laughed a few times. Sure it's not exactly high humour but it is a bit cheeky and funny bone ticklish. It is well cast - Julia is good, Katter was very funny, Oakeshott equally funny. So it's not as subtle as some would like but, in truth, there's a lot of comedy around but not much of it is funny - but this one is!!

      • Gillard fan :

        08 Sep 2011 10:51:49pm

        Yes it is a long time since Australians have been able to make merry of a current prime minister without breaking the law for sedition. The old boys writing for The Australian are still celebrating the end of the repressive regime they worked in under Howard and can't stop bagging her. But some of the men whose psyche's were more seriously damaged by Howard's repressive comedic environment won't believe the terror years have ended, and still write for the Liberal party.

  • Pete the gibberer :

    08 Sep 2011 7:43:14pm

    I disagree. It was funny and clever. Not an assassination at all.

      • Gillard fan :

        08 Sep 2011 10:57:43pm

        A tribute, even, to the promise of a new less fettered media era under a Gillard government.

  • Philip Kingsland :

    08 Sep 2011 7:41:56pm

    Fantastic!

    Highly anticipating the next episode, and Im sure that the ratings will agree.

    I thought Peter's comments were unjust, not once did he have anything positive to add which means he is simply on a witch hunt. Unluckily for him, the only time the vast majourity of Australians actually watch the ABC is for the news and brilliant comiedies such as "At home with Julia". They tend to ignore articles such as the above, which joins the forgotten pile with Media watch and club rugby.

  • clancyoftheundertow :

    08 Sep 2011 7:33:12pm

    Our TV decided to program itself to switch itstelf on at 8am and refuses to be manually switched on. The remote has long since given up the ghost so we missed the show. Seems we didn't miss much then.

      • MP :

        08 Sep 2011 11:29:28pm

        You did miss much. Disregard the negative comments and try to find a repeat somewhere on line. It's well worth watching. Can't wait to see the episode with Kevin.

  • Andrew D :

    08 Sep 2011 7:31:26pm

    Was fearful that this was just going to be a lot of cheap jokes about JG. The type that passes for Aussie comedy these days. I was very surprised. It was very funny and I actually found myself liking the show's Julia. Really hope it keeps going and that people aren't so sensitive to satire.

  • Captain Jack :

    08 Sep 2011 7:29:57pm

    It's lame, like most ABC TV.
    Gillard parodies herself anyway.

  • Reader1 :

    08 Sep 2011 7:29:56pm

    I really liked it. I thought it was funny.

  • Me2 :

    08 Sep 2011 7:24:58pm

    In these times when political comedy is seriously lacking, this show is a god send. The political puns are Superb. Can't wait for Abbott and Rudd's appearance!!!

  • Sarah Reynolds :

    08 Sep 2011 7:21:02pm

    This program was absolutely appalling and a total insult to Ms Gillard whether you like her or not. The actress playing her was ghastly - at least Asher Keddie got the voice right. The ABC should pull it immediately.

  • TimG :

    08 Sep 2011 7:15:08pm

    When I saw your heading: 'inane drivel of the most idiotic kind', I thought it must have been a documentary on Julia, not a satire!

  • Fiona :

    08 Sep 2011 7:09:43pm

    I am one of the apparently half a dozen people in Australia who still supports Gillard and I thought it was hilarious.

      • Gweneth :

        08 Sep 2011 11:31:07pm

        Funny but I am one of those too - how can this be?

      • murk :

        09 Sep 2011 1:33:47pm

        are there still more than 10 ?

  • Asgard :

    08 Sep 2011 7:08:56pm

    I cannot believe that citizens of this "country of a fair go" have sunk to the gutter level shown by some of these comments. NO Prime Minister during my lengthy lifetime has been subjected to the hateful ridicule Julia Gillard has had to endure. Get a life - it is only a TV show some of you declaim. NO it is a disgusting denigration of both the office of Prime Minister and of Ms. Gillard. I agree that it was profoundly cruel and decidedly unfunny. Aunty you should hang your head in shame.

      • Jules :

        08 Sep 2011 8:00:07pm

        I don't think it was designed to be ridicule: I think the makers thought it would humanise her. Sadly, it didn't! It just made her look silly.

      • Him :

        08 Sep 2011 10:31:04pm

        The denigration of the office of Prime Minister was brought about by Ms Gillard herself.

          • Algernon ®:

            09 Sep 2011 10:14:26am

            Why? Because she's a woman?

      • Karen :

        08 Sep 2011 10:44:52pm

        With all things being equal on the ABC we should all look forward to a show about Tony Abbotts private home life.

      • jj :

        08 Sep 2011 11:17:08pm

        You missed all those 'denigrating' takes on Little-Jonny-Howard then???

        The thin skinned lefties condeming this attack on the 'dignity' of the PM and the office are being delightfully obvious hypocrites.

      • alcyone :

        09 Sep 2011 6:38:18am

        "a disgusting denigration of both the office of Prime Minister and of Ms Gillard"

        You omit the denigration of the nation - most outrageously misfortunate of all in my view. Who's running this elation-by-predation contempt jag,anyway? It's as if some off-shore corporate enterprise is strip-mining our dignity and laying bare our lack of self-worth and our gullibility. What will the neighbours think?

  • VoR :

    08 Sep 2011 7:06:12pm

    I find the concept demeaning to everyone. Skewer the PM by all means, but not 'At Home'. Perhaps if it had only been a single At Home sketch in a broader concept.

    I saw part of it by accident. IMHO:
    Excellent impersonation of Julia Gillard's mannerisms.
    Not funny.
    Nothing to say.

    I can't imagine what was happening in the mind of the person who approved the program, unless they were looking to be controversial for the sake of it. But personally I just see it as disrespectful in a lame kind of way.





  • OAlexander :

    08 Sep 2011 7:04:06pm

    Soft comedy that only rarely verges on satire. Premise that Tim Mathieson puts out the bins of the lodge is as far fetched as much as Tim preparing the meals and shopping for them in the supermarket. No reference to Tim's sudden "business success" since Julia's ascension to the Lodge. Best features: Bob Katter and Julia's arse. Of course, nobody gets close to the tedious rhythm of the "real" Julia's voice - whoever the "real" Julia is.

    Mark Scott sells the farm for the sake of running a poorly executed and shittily staffed "news" channel. Come back, David Hill, all is forgiven!

    Else, I thoroughly agree with all that Peter Craven said.

  • trevor :

    08 Sep 2011 7:03:33pm

    This article has confirmed what we already knew in out hearts.

    The left does not have a sense of humour.

  • Gollygosh :

    08 Sep 2011 6:53:50pm

    Lighten up everyone. A lot of us loved it, I took a poll of my friends today. It is not earthshaking, just light comedy - a welcome relief.

      • jelly :

        08 Sep 2011 10:20:09pm

        I'm with you. It's light relief from the storm of hate that seems to surround the PM at the moment. I thought it was sweet and funny.

  • Justa comment :

    08 Sep 2011 6:52:53pm

    Well, from your comments, close to the mark then!

  • schneids :

    08 Sep 2011 6:51:24pm

    Oh do lighten-up you you miserable lot. It's hilarious!

  • lynne :

    08 Sep 2011 6:46:38pm

    The previews were boring enough....couldn't be bothered watching such drivel. Is the rightwing element in the ABC taking over I wonder, either way, what a waste of our money.

  • Jan1st :

    08 Sep 2011 6:45:21pm

    What an apalling waste of taxpayers money. Storyline bad, acting miserable, realistic protocol non-existent.

    The great BBC series of Yes Prime Minister was such an excellent program because it was truly lifelike. Realistic people, honest dialogue and absolutely spot on with its satire of politcians and bureacracy. So much so many of our pollies and bureaucrats watched it to learn what not to do.

    This was not even as good as a student level production. In no way comparable to Crownies or Ita.

      • DJ :

        08 Sep 2011 8:22:16pm

        The acting was terrific. This show wasn't pretending to be Yes Prime Minister.

  • Suzanne :

    08 Sep 2011 6:45:20pm

    Why did I know that Drum readers would be calling for this program to be pulled?

    Its like Rubbery Figures never existed!

    Hilarious reading the faux outrage of closet fascist left wingers masking their anti-free speech beliefs by saying this program demeans the office of PM.

    Gillard demeans the office of PM, by her gross dishonesty, incompetence, illegitimatecy, dress sense, intelligence, and hideous speaking voice.

    I applaud the makers of this program fro standing up to the hardline leftist elite who run the ABC and screening this.

    There is literally endless material for this comedy however the voice of this harpy will sadly melt the audience slowly each week into a trickle.

      • Tristan :

        08 Sep 2011 8:05:27pm

        Since when were dress sense and voice demeaning to the office of prime minister? You're ignorant, intolerant and pathetic comments demean humanity and the idea of a fair go. You should be absolutely ashamed of yourself.

      • Trevor :

        08 Sep 2011 8:30:28pm

        You're prepared to call Julia Gillard a harpy, and say she demeans the office of PM by her gross dishonesty, incompetence, illegitimatecy, dress sense, intelligence, and hideous speaking voice?

        Can you let me know what you think of Bob Brown too?

      • Gerd :

        08 Sep 2011 10:35:48pm

        "...closet fascist left wingers..."? One is either right (fascist) or left (left winger). What makes you so confused? Daily differing rhetoric?

      • Smaug :

        09 Sep 2011 7:50:49am

        "fascist left wingers"

        That is what is called an Oxy-moron, like military intelligence or dry Liberal compassion. To be facist you must, by definition, be "right wing"

  • jeff :

    08 Sep 2011 6:45:11pm

    the show was simply not funny.

    watching it resulted in wasting 30 minutes of my life that I will never get back.

      • jaycee :

        08 Sep 2011 8:59:04pm

        One has to wonder if that 30 minutes will be missed by anybody else?

  • profecto :

    08 Sep 2011 6:43:44pm

    My husband and I laughed a lot.

  • poppy :

    08 Sep 2011 6:43:20pm

    Poor sad Peter, methinks thou hast supped from the Kevon07 cup.

  • Trump :

    08 Sep 2011 6:40:14pm

    At Home With Julia: inane drivel of the most idiotic kind.

    I imagine it certainly would be.

  • Jilly Mac :

    08 Sep 2011 6:39:11pm

    I agree - I turned it off after the first 10 minutes which served to confirm what I suspected to be the case after seeing the promos for it. It was embarrassingly bad. Not even fascinatingly bad.

  • Kerryn Goldsworthy :

    08 Sep 2011 6:38:54pm

    Classic, Peter, thanks for cheering me up on a grey day. This review is much funnier than the show and probably more accurate.

  • Evil Genius :

    08 Sep 2011 6:38:33pm

    Well writen Peter, excellent article!

    I absolutely agree that this show is nothing but insulting drivel designed to appeal to the basest levels of the Australian public and even then, most of them would think its a load of wank anyway.

    This show goes after the easist laughs, it targets the low hanging fruit centering around the PM's de facto relationship. It's sad and pathetic and the ABC should seriously reconsider airing any more of these vomitous episodes.

  • Loki Mac :

    08 Sep 2011 6:34:41pm

    An excellent viewing, have not laughed so much since Cactus Island and Rubbery Figures.

  • Farg :

    08 Sep 2011 6:33:34pm

    I watched it. Seven-and-a-half out of ten.

  • Pheasant Plucker's Son :

    08 Sep 2011 6:29:14pm

    But what of the poignancy of the role of the handbag? Think Dennis Thatcher, think Prince Phillip.

    Tim had a breakthrough moment where the worm turned, and this otherwise absurd spoof actually had a moment in the sun.

    However, I have to agree with the author and the first dozen or so commenters that this really was a pathetic waste of time.

  • david r :

    08 Sep 2011 6:27:59pm

    The show had a few good jokes, but overall it was a poor quality production. After the brilliant The Hollow Men, At Home With Julia is pathetic in comparison.

    I also wonder how it fits in with the ABC's policy of political neutrality. Previous political comedies and dramas on the ABC have simply referred to the "government" and "opposition" with no direct mention of political parties or politicians.

  • Sunny - the real one :

    08 Sep 2011 6:26:23pm


    Admittedly, I haven't seen the program. Sadly, my TV reception on ABC is horrible, simply unwatchable.

    I do give you credit for listing some attributes of Gillard in the beginning of your article as reasons to despise, even to mock her. My experience tells that there is nothing to exonerate her from such poor judgement.

    Gillard is doing what Kristina Keneally has done to the ALP in NSW, practically obliterating a once proud Party. I'd be now awaiting of the proroguing of the Federal Parliament, had it not been for the Greens and the Independents.

    The mocking of Gillard meets my stamp of approval, pity I missed out on the show.

  • Alex :

    08 Sep 2011 6:25:25pm

    Despite fearing from the promo's that it would be a truly awful show, I love the show for what it is: a characterture of Australian politics as it stands today. I loved the subtle humour that took a swipe at not only Julia, but all players in the system. I look forward to the Liberal Party getting 'the treatment' in future episodes. Let's face it, if we don't laugh at the farce that politics in Australia has become - it leaves us with nothing but despair!

  • Brett :

    08 Sep 2011 6:21:30pm

    I had started a long post about the failings of this show and my disappontment,but really could not care to give the show even that much extra time.
    Instead I ask the ABC to show us repeats of "Australia, You're Standing In It", as it is surely as "relevant" as this piece of excrement.

  • Trevor :

    08 Sep 2011 6:21:28pm

    I'm just trying to imagine the level of ABC BASHING that would have ERUPTED a few years ago if there was such a show about John & Janet.

    This show is very amateurish and embarrassing as well. Was it put together by the work experience kids? (Sorry, that's an insult to Year 10 students. I apologise.)

    My guess is it's a clumsy rear guard action to mollify the Liberals who I'm sure have already drawn up plans to dismantle the ABC.

  • Darkstone :

    08 Sep 2011 6:20:55pm

    Well I liked it.

    I think it was quite kind to both the PM and partner. It avoided taking a political position and humanised them both, and portrayed Tim in a sympathetic manner, when it could easily have taken funny and cruel shots at all concerned.

    Through its absurd presentation of the PM's domestic life it avoided any suggestion that it presented reality, while utilising the names and situations of real people. Clever, balanced and subtle. It made all the characters likable while still being funny - which is the measure of good comedy.

  • anne connolly :

    08 Sep 2011 6:20:44pm

    I am outraged that a broadcaster would assume that the Australian people would stand by and allow such a disrespectful piece of garbage to be televised. This is an insult to all women, to all men who know successful women and to the public tax payers who fund the ABC. Lift your game ABC. What gives you the right to treat our Prime Minister with such contempt. Her partner and the prime Miniseter have the right to live their lives privately. I cannot imagine John Howards privte life being screened in such a manner. This is an apalling misrepresentation of the life of Julia Gillard whose dignity has been betrayed . Shame on you ABC.

      • Karen :

        08 Sep 2011 10:55:55pm

        Yeah,Just imagine the uproar from the Conservatives if it had been - At Home with the Howards at Kirribilli House

      • MP :

        08 Sep 2011 11:41:43pm

        Anne Connolly take a big breath and relax. John and Janette's private life is not being screened in a public way, nor is Julia and Tim's private lives.

        This is called acting. The people are actors. That was not our Prime Minister up on the screen, it was make-believe. She was actually in New Zealand at the tume of screening.

        I hope your television comes complete with an on-off button to use in situations like this.

  • Mutley :

    08 Sep 2011 6:19:50pm

    I reckon Peter Craven's review is way off the mark. I'm waiting to see what Myles Barlow has to say. Five stars.

  • Helvi :

    08 Sep 2011 6:16:56pm

    We should not axe art shows, we should be putting more of them on, maybe one day we'll catch up with BBC (I doubt it).

  • Coconut :

    08 Sep 2011 6:14:44pm

    The Bob Katter character I liked. He had that half laugh-snigger down pat. I think a show built around Katter would be great, but dump the frump - she aint no star and has no class.

  • Andrew :

    08 Sep 2011 6:12:29pm

    I don't like Julia and I can't wait for this government to go.

    But I thought this show was mean spirited and malicious, I think the ABC should pull it.

  • Kadija :

    08 Sep 2011 6:10:34pm

    A splenetic dummy-spit over basically nothing. In the context of other programs on the ABC such as the appalling "Crownies" and on other channels: "Two And A Half Men","Modern Family", "Mastercrap" etc, etc, etc, - its not that bad. Mildly funny, basically affectionate, it might even get better, but the reason for making it escapes me. Combined with the culling of "The New Inventors", "Collectors", "Lawn Bowls" and "Art Nation" it seems ABC management has totally lost the plot.

  • Filz :

    08 Sep 2011 6:09:31pm

    Usually, the promos (or trailers) put out for upcoming TV shows, movies etc show the best bits to suck us in and get us to watch it.

    I saw the promos.

    I did not watch the programme. I'll let others decide.

  • dgr :

    08 Sep 2011 6:09:17pm

    I actually agree. I do indeed "take the dimmest possible view" of JG but even the shorts irritated me and the minute or so I lasted in front of the teev had me physically twitching as if it gave me fleas just watching.

    But I also think this is just an extension of comedy in Oz at present. The Chaser is also just a professional type of smart-arsery. YouTube vids of street pranks are positively magnetic in comparison.

  • Carolin Thomas :

    08 Sep 2011 5:55:24pm

    I hope Ms Gillard and her government are dismissed but the National Broadcaster should not demean the Office of Prime Minister so I protested to the Chairman & lodged a complaint form on 20/7.

    Ms Lee, Head of ABC Comedy replied with corporate 'spin'. Assured me it was not a personal attack. It was political satire etc., series was required to meet relevant editorial standards. After the series I could complain to ABC Audience and Consumer Affairs.

    What standards? Of course it is an attack on both the Office and the individual. Once it aired the electoral damage would have been done so complaint would be in vain.

    There is a distinction between highly intelligent satire like the Chaser series and opportunistic vulgarity like this.

    We are in need of some ideals in this country. Sadly we will no longer find them in the editorial policies of the ABC. I won't watch and I hope other people won't either.

      • wave function :

        08 Sep 2011 6:30:15pm

        True, we are in need of some ideals in this country. Labor won't provide them properly, but Abbott will only remove any that there already are. It's a case of dumb and dumber.

      • h :

        08 Sep 2011 6:36:15pm

        It's just a tv show.

        Wasn't the funniest thing I've seen, but certainly not the worst. As is the norm with comedy shows, usually the main character that gets the early billing isn't that funny, but the support cast take it away.

      • Reidar :

        08 Sep 2011 6:46:58pm

        I could only stomach the 'promos' and I thought it was just an assinine cheap shot. And I don't support Gillard, BUT...

      • Henry :

        08 Sep 2011 6:52:05pm

        The Chaser 'highly intelligent'???

        Undergrad dribble - a flashback to the early 80's.

        Get out more or read a bit.

  • Plop :

    08 Sep 2011 5:55:10pm

    Immediately made me think of "That's my Bush!"

      • Lindsay :

        08 Sep 2011 7:42:01pm

        Same, although I seem to remember enjoying That's My Bush!

  • Gary Bradbury :

    08 Sep 2011 5:54:59pm

    I haven't seen it yet, the power went down in coogee just befor it started. I thought Peter Garrett must have been sent out in a balaclava or something to cut the wires to minimize the damage. I will be watching it on ivies. I still think your article was a bit scathing. From the shorts I have seen I thought it was pretty good. It surely can't be as unfunny as your article. The problem with Australian tv is that it's hard to get a comedy given a go. The abc should be congratulated for trying to blood some new talent in the comedy world. I will get back to you when I view the show and indeed the series.

  • Fed Up :

    08 Sep 2011 5:51:43pm

    The ABC has plunged to the bottom of the barrel during the past few years.

  • jaycee :

    08 Sep 2011 5:50:42pm

    A bit precious, Peter...clumsy parody and sick,sometimes wincing plebian humour are the mainstay of that great series ;Monty Python!...take some alka-seltzer!...anyway, Julius Caesar was, in real life, killed off at the start of the real Roman drama!

  • Trevor Cook :

    08 Sep 2011 5:48:26pm

    Bloody brilliant, hit it for six

  • gerard :

    08 Sep 2011 5:45:50pm

    Like taking a luke-warm bath. Nothing was risked here, nothing was dared. Not a skerrick of creativity. Just hopelessly lost in trying to get away with mediocrity and shots of 'Julia' trying too hard.
    I did not hear Helvi laugh once in over ten minutes.

  • Duncan :

    08 Sep 2011 5:45:07pm

    Well I thought it was pretty funny. Isn't that the only test for comedy?
    And if you want some political content, what about the deft portrayal of how, despite being extremely busy, the PM still has to humour grandstanding by those who hold the balance of power? And I thought the sight of the independents rocking up in the farm ute for dinner at The Lodge was hysterical.

  • Sheila :

    08 Sep 2011 5:43:47pm

    Sadly, I completely disagree with this author. My partner and I watched the show and LOVED it. We belly laughed and squealed all the way through. I feel the show is witty,clever, wicked and carefully thought through. Great pace, loved the Julia persona, and her home-bound partner and oh, those polititians. Keep up the good work ABC.... and can't wait for the next episode, Cheers and good night.
    Sheila
    ps. I will never, EVER become a politician :) and is Queensland beef that bad?

  • den :

    08 Sep 2011 5:42:29pm

    Thanks peter.i couldnt stomach the show
    well we can do away with the " new inventors "
    that served the country for years in helping struglling inventors which in time helped the nation, then there is informative shows like the collectors that is due for the chop soon, so
    MR. Scot what demographic are you chasing.

    looking at the ratings re news and current affairs especially the 7.30 ( report} the only people watching the abc soon will be the abc.
    and our taxes pay for this drivel, and when for balance is the tony at home show. just wondering.

    my tax payer dollar tells me new management please

  • Kevin :

    08 Sep 2011 5:39:55pm

    This is hardly "Julia Gillard's Australia" and definately not Julia Gillard's ABC

      • Their ABC :

        08 Sep 2011 9:26:02pm

        It is Abbott's ABC. What do you think "ABC" stands for?

  • Argus Tuft :

    08 Sep 2011 5:39:22pm

    Agreed....absolute drivel.

    Worse than Angry Boyz, if that was possible.

    Whatever happened to Frontline and all those other great shows that combined humour with insight?

    And why do you add loud music to Julia's inane accent, so that you can't even hear the dialog? Same problem with Crownies.

  • GRAYAM :

    08 Sep 2011 5:39:08pm

    All of your criticism is warranted.
    In fact, it is actually worse than you say, because it is based on an obvious & intentionally cruel impersonation as the foundation for all its feeble attempts at satirical humour.
    I endorse the use of caricature as a vehicle for sardonic, sarcastic, satire because the exaggeration creates an obvious distorted virtual reality where barbed insult becomes a viable comic theatrical contrivance.

    This puerile, artless, obviously intentionally cruel depiction of Julia Gillard does not come within a bull’s roar of being a caricature.
    Successful caricatures are clever.

    I would love to see a clever caricature of Julia Gillard which may be sardonic, sarcastic & even exhibit a hint of cruelty. Understanding that it is a caricature & therefore has become divorced from actual reality, I would not perceive anything as offensive and would laugh my tits off.

  • Jeasy :

    08 Sep 2011 5:36:21pm

    The portrayal and skewering of the Three Amigos was fun and well deserved. What a pack of self serving idiots.

      • Get a life :

        08 Sep 2011 8:07:56pm

        Agree. For God's sake! Who in their right mind would compare Shakespeare to this anyway. Julius Caesar, FYI, is an epic tragedy. What a drab review, I nearly fell asleep midway; bring back Robert Hughes please! The guy who played Katter was a complete gem, who was that guy?, and the others, Oakeshot and his bloody soya milk with de-caff coffee request, and then Wilkie with his obsession about pseudo sugars were great vignettes; I laughed delightedly at times, to my consternation, because I truly thought I was in for a travesty, being no fan of Julia's- it perfectly encapsulated dealing with conflicting demands of fastidious dinner guests anxious to be important. And the touch of the little doggie called Billy Shorten, some kind of Scotty, as Julia notes "because he's always dancing around my heels" was very amusing indeed. Has this eminent critic ever heard of "Yes, Minister"? I don't recall that politician being the brightest button on the shirt there either, - Sir Humphrey Appelby ran rings around them all. We adore making fun of our politicians. It's not of that callibre, but must admit, I am hanging out to see what they do to the sanctimonious Bob Brown (emphasis on moaning). I may not sell the ABC off to Wot-If yet after all. Seems even The Chaser will replace that chunderous "Lonely Beast" show - don't tell me the humorists are finally going to triumph there over the Greenies! They must all be off having psychological counselling for depression in case Aliens invade due to global warming ( cough, yes, that was in the illustrious Guardian.) , hiding their anxiety with false pitched laughter. For the rest of us, we still have a sense of humour:-) I shall reserve judgement.

  • mac :

    08 Sep 2011 5:36:13pm

    I was looking forward to something funny or at least entertaining...but this was just silly, poor. Watch the ratings crash for the next episode and I doubt they will show all 6 of them. Fill the gap with Faulty Towers.

  • jill :

    08 Sep 2011 5:35:00pm

    Blame this deeply sexist society for bringing this lame show into being, its hardly the fault of Julia Guillard herself.

  • Vytas Lomsargis :

    08 Sep 2011 5:33:58pm

    This is the first Australian comedy since The Gunston Show and Hoges, that actually got me laughing out loud. The actors did a great job imitating their characters especially "Julia" and "Bob Katter". Bloody brilliant first episode with clever scripted themes that are relevant, and can't wait to see more. As for Peter Cravens review, get a life and loosen up.

  • Derp :

    08 Sep 2011 5:33:40pm

    You know what? It's just a stupid television show. Get over it.

    Australia has produced a lot of bad comedy over the years, as has every country. Rather than write a long, boring diatribe about it murdering the culture of comedy and other such nonsense, you could just not watch it!

    Crazy thought, I know.

  • blah blah blah :

    08 Sep 2011 5:32:21pm

    Yes, I was hoping for something much better...it it was pretty poor.

  • rudski :

    08 Sep 2011 5:32:04pm

    "It is appalling television which should never have gone to air. The idea of making Julia and Tim the subject of a TV show was bad from the start"


    You are already calling for this show to end after one episode? Come on!

    And the part about the ABC losing credibility.
    Come off it! If you got that huffy and puffy over this show you need to go outside and relax.

    Its a TV show, get over it.

  • Ted :

    08 Sep 2011 5:31:47pm

    I turned to idiot show off after about five minutes beyond accidently turning to it and read a book.

  • Pink Diamond :

    08 Sep 2011 5:28:42pm

    Thankyou Peter Craven for watching this obo me- for one. Couldn't face it meself. I note that, today, we are told - for budget reasons -- the ABC stands - by its decision to axe the Bowls - not my own cuppa but loved and viewed by many, especially senior citizens.
    I want to know what this sleazey 'comedy' (and also Crownies) has cost the ABC. And then, what did the Bowls cost?
    I have marched for the preservation of the ABC in decades past - now I'm prepared to march for it to be wound-up and written off.
    We can do better. We must.

      • Sunny - the real one :

        08 Sep 2011 6:36:24pm


        Yep, we could do better, much better. Having a responsible and sensible Prime Minister again would be a welcome change.

  • James :

    08 Sep 2011 5:28:01pm

    Brilliant review. Most painful bit of television I've ever seen, ABC should pull it off immediately and put re-runs of Spicks and Specks or The Gruen Transfer on whilst they go back to the drawing board.

  • Kevin Donnelly :

    08 Sep 2011 5:25:03pm

    I have to agree. I'm not a fan of the Prime Minister and looked forward to the first episode, expecting some satire and humour. It was boring, poorly scripted, badly acted and trite. A waste of time, money and resources and we turned the TV off 10 minutes into the show!

      • Mutley :

        08 Sep 2011 6:57:26pm

        They should have just made a cinema verite version of a day in the life of Kevin Andrews. That would have been failsafe funny.

      • Amused Qld :

        08 Sep 2011 8:10:43pm

        Much like the Prime Minister.

  • JohnS :

    08 Sep 2011 5:23:57pm

    Auntie what a shocker! Could only stand it for 15 minutes, what were you thinking about?

  • virgil :

    08 Sep 2011 5:23:27pm

    If you're going to further degrade, trivialise and dumb down the position of PM in this country, you should at least make it funny!

  • Helvi :

    08 Sep 2011 5:23:27pm

    Australians hated Keating but there was a very good show made about him. There was also a play or TV series made of the Kennedys, some English starlet trying to be Jacqueline Kennedy, what a poor show that was. I could not watch it. Still the ten minutes of that was better than the five minutes I managed to donate to this appalling show of Julia.
    Badly written, badly acted, meant to be funny, but wasn't...
    ABC managed put out 'Ita', which was OK, thanks to good acting. 'The Crownies' is very watchable too, but this one about our PM, is simply a flop, embarassing even for Channel Ten, let alone for ABC.

      • Harri :

        08 Sep 2011 6:59:14pm

        You are kidding right? It was very funny - surprisingly.

        Gillard was nailed perfectly and smashed for 6 over and over again.

        As Rudd said 'Boganville'!

          • Algernon :

            09 Sep 2011 8:26:10am

            Funny I suppose. For the simple minds.

  • MAG :

    08 Sep 2011 5:23:06pm

    You can't be serious Peter, I laughed & laughed & laughed. A greater parody I have not seen in a long time.
    Firstly, it made everyone look stupid, when is that ever not funny? Then,....the name of the dog was good, but the explanation of the name's use was rib tickling.
    And, have you ever seen a greater spoof of the 'independents', the way they traveled together & seemed to be the '3 amigos' was almost the best thing.
    I could go on & on, but JG does that all the time so who am I to......NOW the really best bit was...
    it made Timtam out to be smarter than....who woulda guessed ? Brilliant I say, it might be the first box set I ever buy from the ABC!

      • Leigh Lowe :

        08 Sep 2011 6:14:28pm

        It had flat spots I will admit but it was worth a viewing.
        I thought the scene where the independents were all putting their beverage demands to Tim (latte .... no soy ..... tea .... with low fat milk ...... twist of lemon), with each trying to differentiate their order from the other was hilarious.
        And finally, Tim tells them they can have plain old tea or coffee, with milk or sugar - THE END.
        It was an outstanding parody of what many of us think Julia should do with these prima-donnas in real life - HERE's OUR POLICY - TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT.

  • Ted :

    08 Sep 2011 5:22:56pm

    I agree with most of Peter Craven's comments, however, for me the highlight was the excellent cartoon character performance of Bob Katter - excellent caricature like performance. Let's give it another episode or two to see if it improves.

    Cheers

    TedC

  • Marilyn Shepherd :

    08 Sep 2011 5:18:42pm

    I wouldn't watch it even though I can't stand the woman.

    The Chasers are funny because they take the mickey out of everyone, this looked like complete drivel.

    The best satire though were the rubbery figures, bring them back.

    We don't have to stoop to this pap.

      • Justin :

        08 Sep 2011 11:08:26pm

        Why comment if you haven't seen the show? Maybe you should become a little bit more informed before passing such judgements?

  • Kaffeeklatch :

    08 Sep 2011 5:17:56pm

    So I take it you weren't a fan of the US sitcom, "That's Bush!"

      • jellyfish :

        08 Sep 2011 6:17:01pm

        i laughed out loud, funnier than "that's bush". I thought the script was fine too, and what a funny rendition of the independents.

  • Neilly G :

    08 Sep 2011 5:13:17pm

    The program was unfunny, unpleasant and nasty. But was it as light weight and inaccurate as the superficial political and personal analysis presented here in the name of artistic criticism? I think not. All of the name dropping and ridiculous comparisons are on a par with the very show being critiqued.

  • Queensland JAK :

    08 Sep 2011 5:12:45pm

    I have enjoyed political satire of all persuasions in the past. I steeled myself to watch this but honestly found it embarrassingly bad and infantile and had to switch it off.
    Witless, dull and not even well performed.
    I believe the word is 'crap'.

  • Glen Tara :

    08 Sep 2011 5:11:06pm

    I didn't watch it for the simple reason that I felt it demeaned the office of Prime Minister. We deserve better, especially from the ABC.
    *Afterthought* Why didn't they do a series like this on John & Janette Howard?

      • John Curtis :

        08 Sep 2011 6:09:03pm

        Peter Craven,
        You are full of drivel trying to impress the public by taking an intellligent stance on what is obviously THE PEOPLES CHOICE (and mine) of having a damn good laugh at this idiot group of spinners (labour) that is running our country. We cant get rid of the bastards (until next election)so let us at least laugh our asses off at them!!
        Personally Though I voted Labour and HATE the last Double Disolution Im PRAYING for one now as are most Australians...Well Done ABC!!!!!!!!!!!!

          • Gweneth :

            08 Sep 2011 11:49:00pm

            Which double dissolution was that? I think you are talking about the last election?

      • Leigh Lowe :

        08 Sep 2011 6:09:52pm

        Umm .... they did mate.
        Every episode of Glasshouse, Chaser, or whatever was the latest 'cutting edge' ABC undergraduate comedy show used to serve it up to Howard and his ministers mercilessly.
        I think it says more about the exposed nerves of the PC left of the ALP that anyone is complaining about this.

      • jaycee :

        08 Sep 2011 6:11:45pm

        I suspect a "series" of the aforementioned was well and truly "done" within the exclusive confines of the old Liberal Party establishment....in secret!

      • Prof Geoff Wilson (Botany) :

        08 Sep 2011 7:01:46pm

        Why? Need you ask?

        Because Gillard is a joke, a fool, a stooge, a figure of fun amongst the vast majority of Australians.

        Get out more - go for a drink at a pub or something...

      • Lewis of The Hills :

        08 Sep 2011 8:03:35pm

        Julia is doing a fine job herself in demeaning the office of Prime Minister. From your last question you obviously have no problem with TV demeaning the office of Prime Minister when the PM was JWH?

      • mattydor ®:

        08 Sep 2011 10:32:48pm

        because the howards were even less interesting, possibly???

      • ABC 4 ALP :

        09 Sep 2011 9:06:27am

        Glen Tara,
        you didn't watch as it demeaned the office of PM. Then you bemoan the fact that a show demeaning the office of PM was not in during the Howard years! I'm guessing that you would have watched that one.

  • Gerd :

    08 Sep 2011 5:10:04pm

    Yes, I agree - very poorly done! This could have been scripted by some mediocre News Ltd. journalists, and could have been directed by such editors. But - even some anti-government protesters would have winced, I imagine...

  • burke :

    08 Sep 2011 5:09:29pm

    That was appalling criticism, which should never have gone to print.I suppose you are entitled to your view - but it is simply that - your view. were you paid for this "contribution"?

  • Idle Thought :

    08 Sep 2011 5:07:59pm

    I thought I'd give it a watch and the benefit of the doubt before I posted anything on it - I can't say I laughed once during the entire episode. Satire may not necessarily need to be funny, but it should have a point.

    There was no point to this.

    I had initial misgivings about the premise, and I must say, they were justified. I can not imagine a premise about the home-life of a PM being done on any of the past PM's that I have lived through (Bob Hawke onwards - yes, I am a Gen-X). I wonder to what extent the fact that our current PM is a woman played to the appeal of those who thought this was a good idea.

    I don't feel that the personal lives of any politician should be considered fair-game for comedians or comentators. Give them stick over a policy or political platform all you like - I'll join in if I'm in the mood - but private stuff should remain just that - private.

    I may watch the next installment - if its even broadcast - but any of the goodwill I held has been burnt already. It won't take much to turn me off permanently.

  • Silv :

    08 Sep 2011 5:06:15pm

    Lighten up you sad little man!

    I thought it was absolutely hilarious - and much needed inlight of the current viciousness associated with politics and the media.

  • jeff :

    08 Sep 2011 5:06:01pm

    Yeah, but like a lot of aussies, I cant wait for next weeks episode.

    Its better than Angry Boys.

  • Daniel :

    08 Sep 2011 5:03:58pm

    I laughed out loud, great bit of comedy. So entertaining! All this weird, unjustified derision leads one to suspect a personal motivation of some kind. Very strange review.

      • Simon :

        08 Sep 2011 8:54:40pm

        I totally agree. I don't know who Peter Craven is but I didn't bother reading his review because he summed up his opinion quite succinctly in the title. I feel sorry that he couldn't enjoy it but he sounds too miserable. That or his review is just trolling post-bait (it worked!).

        I was literally in stitches last night and probably annoyed my house-mate from laughing so loudly. I don't know how the actress managed to play Julia and keep a straight face.

        I thought it was open for people of any political persuasion to enjoy. Brilliantly mocking in one way and hilariously endearing in another. I did like Julia's idea for Tim's home brew!

        And if you're in the centre or just don't give a hoot there was more than enough observational humour and fun-poking at what seems like a silly and dysfunctional political system at the best of times.

        Congratulations to everyone involved. I can't wait to see the next episode!

  • David :

    08 Sep 2011 4:59:10pm

    Agree with all of this. But I have not watched it. I can't even get past the attempts to promote it. Needless to say, in my case, the "promotions" did not work and led me to my agreement with Peter's analysis. The real thing is bad enough. Why would anyone want to watch this for pleasure!

  • Rusty :

    08 Sep 2011 4:55:02pm

    Peter,

    You are craven in your boot licking of Gillard.

    If this show was about denigrating Abbott you would be lauding it as a masterpieces of Australian TV.

    You are showing your leftie bias to such an extent that you are funnier than Home With Julia...

    And lets face it, Julia Gillard is the biggest political joke this country has faced since Federation in 1901..if we don't laugh then we must cry...

      • Mike :

        08 Sep 2011 10:08:21pm

        bloody ripper -this was a great show -so hilarious and I think it is asign of democracy that we can have a bit of a laugh aound our wonderful PM -she is great I love her -Im looking to a surge in the polls from such great humour -Go Julia
        really cant wait for the next episode
        cant wait for the appearance Tony Abbott and his horse riding gait with riding boots included - fantastic stuff

      • nicolas :

        08 Sep 2011 10:34:52pm

        Just finished watching online after reading the review and would say this:
        the show is quite clever now and then, light-weight, good natured, pointless, well acted, disapointing.

        It's not as bad as the review suggests and certainly not as good as some on this forum suggest. Belly laughs? That's a joke, right?

        The really awful and cringe making comedy was Angry Boys. This is just lame.

      • Sam Galt :

        09 Sep 2011 12:44:40am

        The ad for this was terrible so I went in with very low expectations - and I loved it. I laughed repeatedly (although probably most at the Channel 7 reporter with the iPhone - "who are you wearing?" - the Bob Katter is mad - "I mean angry" - joke and the bit where Julia said she keeps her promises and then reconsidered) and I thought it was a really interesting approach to the material. So what could have been a car crash turned out to be very enjoyable.

        Peter Craven may have a point in his article, but in all honesty it was so badly written I gave up a third of the way through. Try using some punctuation next time, Peter, and if you could control your massive run-on sentences people might actually follow what you're trying to say.

          • J Whan :

            09 Sep 2011 11:01:20am

            I think At Home with Julia is just a bit of fun. There is so much doom and gloom in the world if it is good to have a laugh every now and then. It is just another impersonator who takes Julia off to a tee. I love impersonators they make me laugh. Let's get more light heartedness and fun into our lives for a change. We have enough stress to put up with these days. I remember years ago we had great comedians like Danny Kaye, Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Red Skeleton to make us laugh. We need more of it.

            J Whan