Paul Merton In China Details

[Highly rated reviewer]

superb.......................................

This dvd series is superb. Paul Merton in China consists of 4 tv episodes that were originally broadcast on Channel Five last May.

It follows the journey of Paul Merton, the comedian and writer ( and captain opposite Ian Hislop on the cult programme - I've Got News For You), and his translator Emma, as they voyage across the communist state, exploring Chinese culture, expansion and change from Mao Zedong's reign.

The only downside to the programme was that during Paul's time making the documentary in China, he was continuously escorted around by government appointed officials, (as many documentary makers in China are), so he was mostly limited to what the officials wanted him to document and broadcast.

While Paul was staying in a Chinese hotel, the staff were told to expect the arrival of a 'Western celebrity'. When Paul Merton and his translator Emma arrived at the hotel, he was greeted personally by the owner, thinking that he was Paul Martin the former Canadian Prime Minister....Why? Paul Martin is Paul Merton's real name.

Paul has followed this series up, with another series called Paul Merton in India.

Well worth watching........

It lacks that certain 'je ne sais quoi'

I was a little disappointed with this mini series; was it the result of Channel 5's production? I'm not sure.

It feels like the producers threw a bone to Paul Merton and said go and visit China. From the outset you feel like he was dumped in China without much of an agenda or care. There are occasions where he annoyed me. Not wanting to try local delicacies or get involved, his attitude and responses to certain situations that presented themselves.

I'm a fan of Paul Merton: his intelligent comedy and quick wit which normally shines on such television classics as 'Have I got news for you', his love of silent films and radio work and even his surreal self-titled comedy series on Channel 4 (many years ago), but there are occasions where his dry humour falls flat or where he ends up annoying people. Words aren't the only thing that can get lost in translation. Even certain situations seemed completely pointless, such as booking Paul a room in the Grand Hyatt Hotel Shanghai (you'll know what I mean when you watch it).

That aside I don't want to completely lambaste this so called odyssey. There is charm, funny moments and unexpected interviews; and it's always nice to watch travel-related television which isn't solely based around typical tourist locations.