Life Support (TV series)
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Life Support was a comedy programme on Australia's SBS network which satirised lifestyle television programs. It ran for three seasons. As of late 2005/early 2006 the show was re-aired on Foxtel's "Comedy Channel". At time of this update (24/1/06), Life Support is still part of the Comedy Channel's program, with no plans for it to be removed. On Australia Day 2006 a Life Support Marathon was shown on the Comedy Channel showing the first Series and half of the second.
Concept
A satirical, sometimes dark look at Australian life as seen through the omnipresent lens of the Television Lifestyle Show. The series' lifestyle experts included Sigourney, a home economics guru who always wore a fresh frock and was a firm believer in the doctrine of "pleasing your man"; Todd, a DIY whiz; Rudi, a sleek gynaecologist who believed he occupied a position just slightly below God; and young person Penne. A lot of the show is based upon political incorrectness, and shock factor. The objective of the show often seems to be to make people think "You can't say that on TV!" For example: Penne explains that roadside tributes are an ideal place to get fresh flowers; Dr Rudi endorses fattening up one's daughter to prevent boys from wanting to have sex with her because "It's better to have a fatty gumbah in the family than a filthy slut;" Sigourney recommends that if you have a bad haircut, shave your head and tell your friends that you've had chemotherapy.However, often the show was merely a satire, and with almost all the stories, they retained the same feeling that what they said was possible, and could be implemented, no matter how cruel or strange they were, such as testing makeup on children, to make sure it is safe.
Characters
- Penne - an independent, often aggressive, stereotypical left-wing university student-style young woman, always trying to find a way to make a quick buck and make life easier for overwhelmed young adults. Played by Abbie Cornish (season 1) and Alison Barnes (seasons 2-3).
- Sigourney - a ditzy young woman who taught the art of landing a wealthy husband. Played by Rachael Coopes.
- Todd - a parody of 'do it yourself' home-handymen blokes. Played by Brendan Cowell (seasons 1-2) and Duncan Fellows (season 3).
- Dr Rudi - an amoral South African doctor with a strong accent. Played by Simon Van Der Stap (seasons 1-2) and Jack Finsterer (season 3).
Dr Rudi vs Dr Rudi
Throughout the third series, there were various hints that the new Dr Rudi, who was explained as having surgery, was actually an imposter. During the usual letter time, instead of answering mail, they would instead continue the plot that the old Dr Rudi was out for revenge, and to get his life back. During the final scene of the final episode of Life Support, Sigorney and Dr Rudi's (Jack Finsterer) wedding was taking place, and from behind the bushes came the original Dr Rudi (Simon Van Der Stap) to try to end the wedding. The pair got into an argument over which Dr Rudi Sigorney would marry, and they started a fist fight. This led to the closing credits, and the end of Life Support.External links
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