Over the BBC’s ninety years, people from across the political spectrum have taken shots at the corporation and its alleged political bias. From accusations of pro-left, to accusations of pro-right, the BBC has always resisted a fight. However last year, BBC Three commissioned a show that was as political as it was controversial. In attempting to make examples of those in Great Britain who exploit, lie and belittle their opponents for political and financial gain – the Beeb have taken a very definite political stance.
Returning for its second series last Sunday, presenters Jolyon Rubinstein and Heydon Prowse continue to run amok targeting politicians and companies who they believe have lied, cheated and screwed over the British public. The show creates stunts with hidden camera footage in which the presenters humiliate companies or politicians. Whether it’s through Dale Maily, the sarcastic newsreader mocking people at protests or upper class events; or through James & Barnaby, the fictional MPs gate crashing conferences or secret political events to annoy major politicians, the show is unnerving in tackling anyone who has double crossed the British public.
What I love about this show is that it presents itself with a real recklessness. It gives the show an air of anarchism and frustration through its unplanned and improvised stunts. It’s very good at making the audience clear as to why their targets deserve to be mistreated. A lot of the hilarity really comes down to just the sheer confidence these two have when making their mark on their targets. An example sees the two walking into a number of betting shops posing as builders, in which they then place signs on the billboards outside, which reveal a pun to the public of the company’s misdeeds.
Surprisingly, TRWBT also attacks the BBC itself, in a clip in which Jolyon & Heydon pose as charity beggars, begging members of the public to donate to “BBC In Need” – a charity collecting for bonuses for senior BBC management. It’s great and the public’s reaction is as priceless as any hidden prank show in recent years.
The second series of The Revolution Will Be Televised premieres this Sunday and I can guarantee audiences that it hasn’t lost any of its edge since it last went off air. If anything, it’s funnier, riskier and much more cringe worthy. But in a good way.
The Revolution Will Be Televised is on BBC on Sunday nights
