I’ve heard the hype, the radio and TV adverts, I’ve heard alot about this show (The Coconuts) in fact. But then I missed the first episode. Luckily I was able to watch it after the pilot was broadcast.
Let’s get right into it. I like the show. I like the idea and I am happy that the black actors don’t remain white for too long (early into the first episode). The makeup wasn’t phenomenal in spite of the 7 hour marathon to put it on, apparently.
What I do like about this show is that it is very politically incorrect. Yes there have been other shows with similar ideas, think Madame and Eve and Going up to a certain extent I suppose. But this show is different, direct and more in your face.
The Coconuts also features something a bit new, black people getting stuck in to other black people. It’s not just about race, it’s about class too! Fantastic.
However it’s not all good. Some of the jokes are old and outdated (however funny). A new approach to a relatively old experience would’ve been grand. Alas I feel as if South African writers stick to what is safe.
A Little britten has opinions about the show too, so pop over there and have a read for yourself.
Jason Von Berg from The Times managed to put together a great video on The Coconuts. Check it out:
Brought to you by: The Times Multimedia
So to end of the post let me answer the title: No, I don’t think this is a new generation of humour or Television in SA. I think this is the old generation in a new hat. Something good needs to happen, something great needs to take place in SA T.V. to make me sit back and go “wow”.
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