Generation Game (Generation Game)

Member Name: polydeuces

Product:	Generation Game
Date:	15/06/08 (1 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 2

Disadvantages: 2

The Generation Game was at its peak with Bruce Forsyth and then featured a completely miscast Larry Grayson. Forsyth remains the best at this because, as the multitalented entertainer he was, he threw himself into the challenges every bit as much as the contestants did and is always excellent when working the public. Grayson made the show his own but relied on Isla St Clair to lead him about rather like a dog trainer and errant puppy.

The format of the show has hardly changed in the 20 years since it began. There is a sequence of parlour games like guessing the value of antique items or charades with a theme like nursery rhymes or songs. There is often a more physical challenge like dancing or a regular favourite - something military- or sometimes some building like bricklaying or plastering and sometimes cooking or icing a cake. The professional or expert does the task first and then the contestants have a go. Often the programme does rely on the quality of the contestants to provide the entertainment, sometimes they do with very funny results. Now Jim Davidson is supported by Melanie Stace to give the scores and lead couples about and Mel does this passably without displaying any great breadth of talent like Isla St Clair or Rosemary Ford did.
Which brings us to Davidson. He is not my favourite comedian being politically reactionary and with an offstage private life full of enough baggage to suggest he is not the nicest man around. But I judge him not for what he is like in private but for what he does in public and like Uncle Jack all those years ago I will make my choice and that is not to like what he is like.

Summary: 2