The Jesters

Channel: Movie Extra
Day & time: Tuesday, 8.30 p.m.

One of Australia’s brightest new comedies, The Jesters, returns for a second season on February 22nd. For those who haven’t seen the first season, The Jesters is a comedy series about making a comedy series. It’s not something we haven’t seen before - 30 Rock and Extras spring to mind - but the truth is we all love a comedy about the industry.

The first season told the story of Dave Davies (Mick Molloy) mentoring a group of young comedians as they start their own sketch comedy show – not unlike the The Chaser’s War on Everything. The second season picks up with the show having been a surprise success.

The Jesters - Steve (Ben Geurens), Zak (Andrew Ryan), Michael (Christian Barratt-Hill), Tony (Travis Cotton) - soon find that despite their success, they still have a lot to learn about the industry. They must deal with sex scandals, meddling producers, creative differences and (of course) romance.

As the boys’ stunts get more and more outrageous, producer Kat (Emily Taheny) struggles with her responsibility to keep the boys under control without the help of Dave. This soon brings her into conflict with Julia (Susie Porter), the uncompromising network executive.

Dave also has his own problems to deal with. Di (Deborah Kennedy), his cynical but faithful agent informs him that Paul Barry is writing an unauthorised biography of him. The biography in question contains some unsavoury information about Dave, a gumboot and sex – which turns out to be true. Dave must also contend with a monster of his own creation, known as the Jesters crew. As their stunts grow increasingly outrageous (is dressing a child up as a Nazi going too far?), Dave must accept some responsibility and try to keep them under control.

This season also features a fantastic array of guest stars in each episode. Well known Aussies such as Wil Anderson, Merrick Watts, Mikey Robbins, Steve Vizard and Glenn Robbins are just a few who make an appearance. International comics such as Ross Noble and Jeff Stilson are also seen.

The show is packed full of jokes about celebrities and the television industry. No one is safe from attack from the cynical Di and angry Dave – even Australian Story comes under fire. Though the f-bomb isn’t afraid to be dropped and the attacks are harsh, it’s still all in good fun and not intended to offend. There’s no cringe factor here – it’s just damn funny!

The Jesters though is really an example of how important a cast with good chemistry is to a comedy show. All of The Jesters are fantastic together, and are ably supported by the brilliant Emily Taheny as Kat and Susie Porter as Julia.

Generating some of the best moments however is the interplay between Dave and his agent Di. Mick Molloy and Deborah Kennedy feed off each other brilliantly – they were made to be on screen together.

The Jesters is a great watch both for fans of the first series and those who missed it. It’s definitely one of the best Aussie comedies in years.

Mat Kelly