2016-07-18
Nathan Hart
Reality TV programs dominate our screens (and ratings) these days. With the commercial networks feeding our desire for controversy, nothing seems taboo. In light of this, there are still a small amount of production companies and content creators who produce intelligent drama and entertaining comedy. Among these shows are a number of stand-out political characters who audiences love to hate. If you're finding it hard to watch the news because real life has reached peak satire, perhaps viewing one of these will ease the pain?
1. Clarke and Dawe: John Clarke and Bryan Dawe
The most amazing thing about the weekly videos by John Clarke and Bryan Dawe is their ability to communicate the most complicated political situation in a way that is entertaining and accessible for all. Their commentaries tackle issues of the day and still remain timeless comedy.
2. Catriona Bailey in Secret City: Jacki Weaver
Better known for her menacing role in David Michôd's Animal Kingdom, Jacki Weaver is one of Australia's most prestigious actors. Her performance in Secret City is no less impressive, and the subject matter manages to make even the dullest parts of Canberra appealing.
3. Andrew Dugdale in The Ex-PM: Shaun Micallef
No stranger to comedy, Shaun Micallef's ex-PM is an hilarious look at a retired Prime Minister with all the time in the world and no idea what to do with it.
4. Cal McGregor in Rake: Damien Garvey
Perhaps the finest piece of casting in Australian television history. You really do have to love Cal for being so good at being so very, very bad.
5. Ian Bradley in The Code: David Wenham
The Code is possibly the greatest Australian TV show you have never heard of, and not just because of the super suave David Wenham as the deputy PM. Its unconventional narrative structure should have made it stand out, but it seems to have flown below the radar. Definitely one of the best TV dramas ever produced within Australian shores.
6. Geoff Matthews in Cleverman: Andrew McFarlane
Appearing in the stand-out drama for 2016, Cleverman, Matthews is a corrupt politician with a strange sexual fetish.
7. Sir Les Patterson: Barrie Humphries
Perhaps best known for being Minister for the Yartz, Sir Les Patterson is a highly offensive, obtuse, farting, swearing alcoholic that encapsulates the great Australian ability to take the piss out of anything.
8. Pauline Pantsdown: Simon Hunt
Can't even believe she's back on the radar. At least the new memes will be good? While you're waiting, we strongly suggest mainlining all of Pauline Pantsdown's videos and songs from the 1990s.
Nathan Hart tweets @iamnatehart. Image of Clark and Dawe from John Clarke's web site. Image of Jackie Weaver courtesy of Fox. All other images courtesy ABC TV. Image of Pauline Pantsdown used with permission.