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REVIEW: It is described as the first search for the most talented stray dog in the country, but, in truth, Almighty dog (debuting tonight, Monday at 7.30pm on TVNZ2) is simply the latest incarnation of one of New Zealand’s oldest forms of reality TV.
From 1977 to 1992, Kiwis were captivated by the battle of wills between canines and sheep in A dog show, While Tux Wonder Dogs (and his golden lab co-host Dexter) became a Saturday afternoon staple in the mid-to-late ’90s.
RICKY WILSON / THINGS
Jono and Ben have gone with the dogs (and TVNZ) with their new show Dog Almighty.
Almighty dog certainly has more than a nose for the latter, with their agility courses and lovable, but slightly disobedient leaders, in the comedy duo Jon Pryor and Ben Boyce (now in serious danger of becoming the New Zealand version of Ant and Dec). .
Certainly, unafraid of being embarrassed, the pair throw in as many dog-related puns as humanly possible, while pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable to watch at 7:30 pm. “This and Island of love they’re the only shows where we have to pick up the contestant’s droppings, ”says Boyce.
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Seeking to take home the $ 100,000 jackpot (and the coveted golden dog bowl) are the canines (and their owners) from all over Aotearoa, initially divided into four categories: Micro, Midi, Maxi, and Mega. The first step consists of an agility course around a specially created Doggy Dome, with the top four from each section moving on to the next round.
Monday’s opening episode focused on the Minis, featuring French bulldogs, Jack Russells, and Maltese shih tzus (“can you even say that on TV?” Reflects Boyce) among those performing the jumps, tunnels, seesaws, and crossing of bridges. Unsurprisingly, the drama, delight, and comedy stem from their mixed success.
You’ll be thrilled as Coco, a nine-year-old from high society, does a short job in the fields (perhaps driven by her owner Scarlett’s promise of a Wagu beef steak if they win), let yourself be enchanted by the three-year-old puppy Maisy’s paws despite her disability and struggles to stifle laughter as the owners try to control and cajole their recalcitrant charges (some even resort to demonstrating how to get through the tunnels themselves). There is even a moment of controversy when Jono seemingly gets in the way of one of the competitors, one that caused my family to yell at the television in disgust.
TVNZ
Coco and owner Scarlett, members of high society who seek the glory of the Almighty Dog and a Wagu steak.
So far, very entertaining. But there is a modern twist that seriously spoiled my viewing pleasure. I can see the appeal of us learning all about human handlers from the contestants. And there are certainly some characters, even just in the Minis, including 60-year-old Wendy (who travels the country with four of them in a motorhome and whose charge Crystal May has her own pram, which she jealously guards), horse. the masseuse May and the charming Louie, who we are led to believe seems to love the dog Bo more than his wife.
But did they have to provide the comment as well as the starting color? Listening to their Dance moms-Satisfies-GoogleboxThe forced encouragement of one another and incessant observations made me long for the laconic manipulative days with Swanndri and the measured, sweet tones of John Gordon.
Surely this was where Jono and Ben could have done the same, allowing them to show off their freestyle verbal skills, rather than gawking from the sidelines and yelling “free the dogs” across the Doggy Dome (a catchphrase not just taken borrowed from Mr. Burns, but also Rebel Wilson’s terrible dog grooming competition Perfect dog, where the canines looked as miserable as anyone forced to look at it).
SUPPLIED
If you want a gripping animal sports drama with killer commentary, then check out Farmyard Olympics, now part of What Now every Sunday.
With its mix of heartwarming storylines, unpredictable action, and wacky human and canine contestants, this Ninja warrior-Satisfies-Vet Tales is destined to be a ratings winner. But like all those Got talent Y Idol programs, unless you are particularly interested in schadenfreude, I recommend waiting until the last rounds in the open air when surely the chorus of contestants must diminish.
And, if you want pure animal action without the off-course “drama” then you should be watching. Now whatis Barnyard Olympics every Sunday morning. Hear Tony Palmer’s brilliant narration – it’s a masterclass in understatement and an example of the good Almighty dog could have been.
