This week we’re getting the ick over that Netflix Ashley Madison documentary, lusting after a grand old house in Brisbane featured on Restoration Australia, catching a ride with Tony Armstrong for his new show, and watching Aussie celebs be silly on the new season of Taskmaster Australia.
As for The Kardashians — yaaaaaaawn.
A Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal (Netflix)
OK, so someone has to say this: you’d have to have been an absolute fool to sign up to an adulterous dating website and expect your personal details to remain secret forever. I mean — it’s just CRYING OUT for a data leak, surely? How naive can you get? Suffice to say: I was struggling to have sympathy for “good Christian boy” Sam, who not only handed over his deets to Ashley Madison, but then willingly subjected himself to this documentary — dragging poor wife Nia along for the ride. Surely they’re not THAT desperate for fame. Hmm. Second thoughts — a google search reveals they have a book coming out. The Lord provideth! This here is some delicious schadenfreude.
A Restoration Australia (ABC)
Put your hands up if you’d like Jane and Steve Wilson to adopt you and give you a wing in their newly restored historic mansion, Lamb House? Um — yes, please! You have to admire this couple — they’ve been painstakingly restoring their beautiful riverside Federation home in Brisbane for years. And what a home they’ve created! If I had the kind of coin they do, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend it. Give me this splendid historic home over a McMansion in the burbs any day. Got room for one more?
B+ Tony Armstrong’s Extra-Ordinary Things (ABC)
Really enjoyed the first episode, which saw Tony hop on a weird, tiny folding bike to potter around Australia chatting to people about things that hold special importance and an interesting story. Deducting points for that bike though — it was entirely unnecessary. Tony is a compelling enough host in his own right without having to resort to stunts to keep us interested. Great concept, and I’d quite like to check out that accompanying exhibition. More, please!
B Taskmaster (Ten)
I’m not 100 per cent on board with this season — perhaps it’s the mix of celebs? Or that the games seem to go on forever? It’s not as pacy, or as fun, as I’d like. That said, it’s early days, and perhaps the comedians just need to settle in, find their feet . . . and get better at popping balloons with fake seagulls strapped on their heads (yes, this was an actual task, and yes it was very funny). Side note: Anne Edmonds and Lloyd Langford are married? Who knew? Need to see more.
C The Kardashians (Disney Plus)
For a family with so much going on, The Kardashians sure makes for some boring TV viewing. I say this with love in my heart — I still think the show is glorious, escapist fun. But this fifth season on Disney Plus marks 25 in total for the First Family of Reality TV, and frankly — it’s all starting to feel a little samey-same. Another baby. Another health scare. Some catty comments about Caitlyn — I’ve heard it all before. Will I continue to watch? Of COURSE I will.