The Rat Pack (The Rat Pack)

Member Name: chris212

Product:	The Rat Pack
Date:	11/08/09 (484 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Unique angle on pest control with Charlie

Disadvantages: Other programmes of the same kind have been on before

The Rat Pack is a programme that follows a small pest control firm in London that is run by a family. The Head of the firm is Ricky Clark, who employs his younger brother Jimmy Clark, the other member of the firm; there is also another member of the firm their pet dog Charlie. Narration of the programme is provided by Hugh Dennis.

The way that the show works is, the camera crew follow either both of the brothers or individually as they go on jobs. Normally the type of jobs that are featured on the show the usual London pest the rat, cockroaches, mice and the odd squirrel.

What makes the programme different to other programmes of the same nature is the inclusion of Charlie. Charlie is a Jack Russell and is the pet dog of the two brothers, and now accompanies the two brothers on selected jobs. Charlie is used to search out rats mainly inside a property and is then used to get rid of the rats. The programme states that originally Charlie was only just the pairs pet and it was discovered by accident his talents to catch rats, as his was brought along one day when the pair were called out to a job.

Within the programme, the reason that is given by the brother as to why Charlie is so good at what he does is because of his breed. As the main instinct of the Jack Russell is to chase and catch any prey; so this is just doing what nature intended him to do. It would seem that he is happy in what he does.

The one thing that can seem gruesome about the show is the way that Charlie disposes of the Rat, or kills as he either breaks the necks of the rats or shakes them. The brothers claim that this is the most human way of killing the rats, as they would feel no pain. Or alternatively if Charlie cannot the rat then rats are left out and equally as gruesome it is shown to the camera what how the animal has been trapped, in the last episode we were shown a trapped squirrel. I would urge caution if children are watching as it may upset them.

While the main action of the show is the pest control element, there is time within the show that we see the lives of the two brothers. Which is ok, but not what I really want to see when I tune in to watch a pest control programme.

Overall the programme is not that bad, but is not the best in the category of programme, as there are other programmes that do the format better. The one unique feature that makes the programme stands out, and probably the reason why the programme got commissioned is the way that the brothers use Charlie in their business. The problem is once you see how Charlie on the job once, the programme becomes a bit bland and samey. Although it is not the best, I would recommend the programme if there is nothing else on TV, but would have second thoughts on showing the programme to a young child.

The programme is shown on BBC 1 at 8.30 pm on Thursdays.

Summary: Ok but can become a bit boring