Outland is Coming (Finally)!
January 25th, 2012 at 8:49
OUTLAND
Premieres Wednesday, 8 February 2012, 9:30pm | ABC1
Starring Christine Anu, Ben Gerrard, Paul Ireland, Adam Richard and Toby Truslove and created by John Richards and Adam Richard.
I’ve been keen on seeing Outland for some time, mostly because I love listening to John Richards on Boxcutters, and his occasional tales of the behind the scenes stories from making a sitcom for the ABC have been hilarious and fascinating.
Also, it’s a comedy series about a group of gay science fiction fans, and those don’t come along every day!
But the more I hear about it, mostly while John flits from podcast to podcast promoting the show, the more it sounds a bit good. On the recent episode of Shooting the Poo, a podcast I have only recently brought myself to listen to, because I hate the title that much, John talks in depth about the show, particularly about the role of the director, art department, etc. in making it more clever and more geeky than the original script even called for. It’s wall to wall anecdotes about Dalek costumes, sex toys and Kylie Minogue outfits.
Most interesting to me is that the guys on the podcast have seen some or all of the show’s episodes, and so are able to discuss it on all kinds of levels, though they avoid spoilers to the best of their ability.
I find it really intriguing that despite the fact that (or in some ways, because) all five protagonists of the show are gay, the focus of it is not in fact about being gay at all, because it doesn’t have to be – it’s about five people who are out about their sexuality, but in the closet (to varying degrees) about being science fiction fans.
Anyone who has concerns that either gayness or science fiction fannitude might be treated lightly or offensively in the show could definitely benefit from checking out that podcast, which discusses all kinds of fan reaction to the publicity stills/trailer as well as the deeper responses to the actual show itself, and how hard they have all worked to make this a good-spirited show that doesn’t mock from the outside.
I for one am looking forward to it – and it’s been a long time since I could say that about an Australian comedy series!
Tags: john richards, outland
January 25th, 2012 at 9:12 am
I’ve seen episodes one and two and they are fantastic. It should be mandatory for anyone who has ever watched Doctor Who or ever made jokes about daleks and stairs. Also, every SF geek, in the closet our out, needs to watch this show. Episode two discusses body image very cleverly; John Richards said that, at a test screening, a trucker identified with this issue. Hubby, who is rather conservative on some issues, said Outland is universal in its appeal: if hubby likes it, it is definitely not just for the LGBT community, although I’m sure the LGBT community will love it.
While it’s brilliant and beautifully acted, it would have been better if the four gays weren’t all white middle class Australians though. I think that’s my only criticism after watching two episodes.
January 25th, 2012 at 10:12 am
I am excited. I can’t wait for the likes of Fred Nile and Margaret Court to start the moral panic.
January 26th, 2012 at 12:13 am
I came up with the title in a moment of inspiration. I know Dave hates it which is why he rarely says it or takes the piss out of it. Of course now it’s all too late.
Anywho we could have spoken to John for another three hours about the show. You can tell he’s very excited but also a bit concerned that no one will actually watch it.
I’ve seen four episodes of the show – which I think I mention 15 times on the podcast – and while the laugh out loudness varies, each episode is great TV. And it’s not hard to fall in love with each character. There’s also some hilarious in jokes.
I hope everyone loves it… It deserves a second season.
January 26th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
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January 27th, 2012 at 2:01 pm
I think I might write the ABC a nice letter after it screens
January 27th, 2012 at 2:38 pm
That’s probably a really good idea, Sean! Also as John himself has pointed out, watching it live on TV is great (especially if you talk about it) but if you watch it on iView then that actually gets counted towards ratings.
January 27th, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Oohh a twitter party, official hashtag?
January 27th, 2012 at 2:57 pm
I don’t know if John is on Twitter but I asked @BoxcuttersCast about a hashtag! Great idea, Sean.
January 27th, 2012 at 3:03 pm
I nearly wet myself listening to that episode of STP, funniest thing I have heard on pod cast all year
January 27th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Hey Sean
I talked to John and he said they used #outlandtv for the previews because it distinguishes the show from all the other products called Outland, so go nuts with that one! I may join you *grins*