The Tony Martin and Ed Kavalee Duo
Ever since the days of The D-Generation and his work with Mick Molloy as part of the Martin/Molloy duo, I've always taken a liking to Tony Martin's comedic style. His casual, Earthy demeanour is easy to relate to. In many ways, Ed Kavalee is no different. His work with Martin on Get This worked a treat, much like his acting work on popular shows such as Ten's Thanks God You're Here and his short-lived stint on Santo, Sam and Ed's World Cup Fever. Kavalee has proven his ability to perform in a variety of small screen contexts. Now, both Martin and Kavalee have come together for Nine's The Joy of Sets, a tongue-in-cheek but intriguing little show about the nature of small screen viewing.
The Joy of Sets is produced by Zapruder's other films, Andrew Denton's production company, who is also the producer of The Gruen Transfer. Will Kavalee and Martin's work on the new show top Zapruder's list? Will it override the pace and wit of The Gruen Transfer, or even the sharp, intellectual comedy we find in CNNNN? Will Denton's acclaimed work on Enough Rope, his own television interviewing stint that ran from 2003 to 2008, be challenged by the arrival of the Martin-Kavalee duo? So many questions, as you can see, need to be asked about the duo's transition from radio to television. Sure, they've both worked in small screen land prior to The Joy of Sets, but can they combine, as a duo, with their own television time slot?
In all honesty, I have great faith in both men. The first show fared well and Kavalee and Martin are seasoned entertainers with a strong sense of comedy in worlds of radio, television and film. To say that the task will be easy for both men would be an understatement. Zapruder's other films is still seeking redemption for its inability to sell David Tench Tonight back in 2006. The Tunnel and AFP may have trumped the cable television failure that was 30 Seconds, but CNNNN, The Gruen Transfer and Enough Rope stand as Denton's best. Whilst all three are brilliant examples of effective, engaging Australian television, all found their feet years ago. Australia needs new blood; Kavalee and Martin are capable of bringing home the goods.
Kavalee, as mentioned, has worked with Martin on Get This, which succeeded in the world of radio. Martin's work on The D-Generation and in the Martin/Molloy duo also proves his CV. By the same token, however, we can only talk about credentials for so long before we, as Australian television viewers, want to see results. Can the Tony Martin and Ed Kavalee team pull it off?
By Chris Traficante