The Morgana Show

Tonight saw the launch of new comedy talent Morgana Robinson's self titled show. Because Channel 4 have, in my opinion, had a string of successes with their comedy outings recently (The Inbetweeners, The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret) and only showcased them on their companion channels - E4 and More4 - the new show they've saved for the main channel ought to be something pretty special.

It wasn't.

I was a bit skeptical from the minute I saw the first advert of a seemingly mentally ill teenager dancing in front of the camera (see picture). It wasn't much bettered by a follow up advert starring a drunk has-been making a fools of herself. But I decided to give it a go anyway - like with music, often the singles realeased aren't the strongest tracks on the album.

As expected though, the rest of the show followed in the same footsteps. The characters we are introduced to are just recycled ideas from other more successful shows, and none of them really managed to make me laugh. The only one which stood out was the aforementioned 'Gilbert TV' skecth which I actually just thought was pretty sick. Despite the fact that it isn't very funny it just seems to laugh off the bear bating and anonymous bullying of vulnerable people on things like YouTube.

'But what about Andy & Lou from Little Britain?' you say? Well that wasn't Lucas & Walliams taking the piss out of a disables person, the comedy came from the way Andy manipulated and tormented Lou. The equivalent would have been Lou kicking Andy in his legs and laughing.

The only redeeming feature is her impressions; they are very well observed and benefit from being timely. The Cheryl/Dannii tarot sketch worked well with the current X Factor hype and Lady Gaga on her sit down mower received a chuckle. And, the only bit that truly made me laugh was the Fearne Cotton sketch - but she's pretty much a parody of herself anyway so it isn't exactly hard to do that right.

She may be very talented in terms of impressions, but the sketches and her own creations simply aren't funny. If this is the best she's got then lets be thankful that C4 have only invested in 5 episodes. This one just isn't for me.

The Morgana Show can be seen on Channel 4 on Tuesdays @ 10.35PM

Misfits

E4 has been criticised in the past for not delivering enough original programming (and to be fair, quite deservedly; "Accidentally on Purpose" anyone?). The fact is that when they try/commit the funds the channel has developed some good quality programmes, namely Skins and The Inbetweeners (which holds the top spot in the channel's most watched programmes). And Misfits falls into this category.

Don't get me wrong, it's a ridiculous premise; Asbo teens get super powers (catch up on series 1 here), but set that aside, suspend your disbelief and watch it for what it is and at its core lies quite a good, and more importantly very funny teen drama.

Because of the wooly premise the first series was slightly dodgy and didn't quite hit the mark, it felt like it hadn't quite been given the care and attention it deserved. However, it was good enough to warrant watching the new series opener, which seems to have found its stride. Taking a leaf out of Smallville's "meteor freaks" book we had an intelligent plot about a girl, also affected by the storm, with the ability to shape shift, who terrorised our heroes before they finish her off.

But unlike the heavy, serious "weight of the world on our shoulders" teen shows like Smallville, Misfits is far more tongue in cheek and light hearted about everything. The characters find the idea of a shape shifter a bit daft, as they should. And the writers know the premise is a bit thin, but embrace it and pack the show with good self referential humour (such as offing their third probation worker!)

Misfits obviously owes a lot to Smallville, Heroes (especially the comic book style marketing) and E4's own drama Skins, but doesn't ever try to be a carbon copy. It's gritty cinematography and visual style gives it an identity and sets it apart from other programmes on the channel.

Sadly, it's still plagued by unrealistic dialogue, particularly when Kelly hears their thoughts), which again suggests a slight lack of care and attention. However, it makes up for this with some fantastic one liners - "A man can't enjoy a quick shuffle in his own coffin?"! The writers aren't afraid to stick in some risky, occasionally slightly sick content, they just need to deliver it better.

They have however set up an intriguing mystery and series arc in the "man in black" which will make any viewer continue to watch to find out who he is. Let's just hope its some intelligent plot involving Curtis going back in time to save his future self (wibbly wobbly timey wimey) instead of some disappointing crappy villain.

The Trip

Don't you just love the tension, hype, flashing lights, loud music and screaming audience of X Factor? No, me neither. It's ok though, because the repeat of Michael Winterbottom's The Trip starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon provides a quiet, quirky antidote to this after a busy Sunday night schedule.

The Trip follows the semi-autobiographic characters of Coogan, recently dumped food writer and critic, and Brydon, who has been invited along as a replacement companion on the restaurant tour.

Comedy lovers, foodies and appreciators of the beautiful north alike will appreciate this little gem. It's not big budget, its not deep and meaningful, it just is. And that's what I like about it. It's a keen observation of human nature and the first episode promises a series full of intelligent humour and comic oneupmanship from the pair.

Decorated and prolific director Winterbottom brings a fantastic documentary feel to it, and some inspired improvisation from Coogan & Brydon provide genuine heartfelt moments as the pair bicker and banter. Despite a lack of plot and forward momentum, there is a lot to enjoy about the first episode.

There's no frills in this programme, and barely any changes of setting either. For 2/3rds of the pilot we watched the pair try to outdo one another at the dinner table. Some viewers might find this dull, others a bit bland, I find it quaint and extremely watchable.

At only 30 minutes you don't have to invest that much time, energy or emotion into this, you can just sit back let it wash over you. It's like sitting on a park bench and watching an old couple squabble; it's genuine, which isn't a word that describes many programmes on TV these days.

Give it a go, what do you stand to lose.

The Trip airs Monday evenings @ 10.00PM and is repeated Sundays at the same time.