If We Were A Kids' Show...

Now it's time once again for our occasional dip into the Unbelieva-Mailbag...

This one is from Huw Rinal from Tan-Y-Bwlch, Wales, who writes:

Dear Unbelievables, 
     I know you had a TV show pilot that wasn't picked up by the networks, bach, isn'it, there's lovely. But if it could be rebooted as a kids' show, what sort of format would you like it to take - cartoon, live-action, 3D, computer animated, or what? There's lovely, isn'it?

Your pal from the valleys, bach, isn'it,

Huw Rinal.

Great question, and one I think we'll all have interesting opinions on. Myself, I'd like to see us as a Gerry Anderson-type action adventure show, with puppets as ourselves, like Thunderbirds or Joe 90. Intrigue, drama, espionage, technology, jumping out of planes, downhill skiing while shooting at people, etc. Like James Bond on a smaller scale.

Here's a couple of clips to give you an idea:







Can't you just see us kicking Henri Petit's butt in Supermarionation? Or knocking seven bells out of Little Debbie or Sam Snow while dangling dangerously from some exploding tower? Or even taking on extra intelligence a la  Joe 90 to defeat Negative Charge or Dr. Oldschool? And then winding down in the pool at Tracy Island with some lovely ladies (Hello, ladies!!)? 

I  think it would be a sweet idea. I may just get on the horn to some TV types and suggest it, but before I do, I'll have the guys weigh in on this topic.

Ciao!

Power Plays

In our line of work, successes feel so much better when you have a theme to play (either in your mind, or your 8-track player)that fits the mood. But we also need songs to get us pumped before stuff goes down. Here's three of my personal faves...




Yes, we ARE the best, are we not?



"Eyyy, it's strategy, I know what I'm doin'! Eyy Clubber! Hit me harder!" 



Yaaaaa!!


A good police drama's theme tune is always a good choice for those moments such as stakeouts - when the tension is so palpable you could reach out and grab a handful. A classic cops'n'robbers theme such as Z Cars helps ease the mind and focus at the same time.



Starting point for both Judi Dench and the amazing Brian Blessed.





The Doctor Who theme has a good celebratory groove to it, but there are many versions. My personal favourite is the Peter Howell version, used from 1980-85, from the end of Tom Baker's run, through Peter Davison and into Colin Baker. Yes, I know - I'm a bit of a Whovian.



That giant "phooom!!" at the end is such a great emotional release. You can't help but feel better for hearing it.

Even more nerdy is my love of late '70s sci-fi show Blake's 7 - and the theme is full of brooding power. Perfect for swooping in and getting the job done, then revelling in the moment.



Sometimes you need something with a bit of pomp and bombast - the Thunderbirds theme is spot on.



And lastly, even though we're laid-back guys on the whole, some moments require a kick-ass rock tune with a ballsy riff, one you can not only do air guitar to, but air drums too.



Not to mention a crazed incoherent Mancunian lead singer.



And at the end of the day, when I'm in the Unbelieva-shower, I use the excellent acoustic properties of the room to great effect when I belt out this classic anthem.




The guys like to joke about making the bathroom soundproof, which is laughable. After all, that would ruin the natural reverb of the room. They are such a pair of goofballs sometimes.

Celebs: That's How They Troll

Ah yes, dear reader. Many people like yourself are unaware of how badly celebrities can treat each other, especially when it comes to picking holes in each other's personal appearance. For example, poor George Clooney was unaware early on in his career of how famous he would eventually become, so when this photo of grade-school George leaked out, nobody batted an eye.

But then he did ER, became a megastar, and this overlooked picture became the subject of much ridicule and mirthsome joshing, mostly from other cast members and film directors. All it took was for someone to figure out that it looked almost exactly like this picture...

and Mr. Clooney has never lived it down.

Then there's the 'Thunderbirds' incident.

CNN's Fareed Zakaria has for years had to repeatedly deny that he is in fact Scott Tracy, pilot of Thunderbird 1.

"I don't know what you mean."

And Steven Seagal has been having a field day since the man-bun became popular. He calls up well-known man-bun sporting footballers such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Pablo Osvaldo (below)

at all hours of the day and night, berating them that they are doing it all wrong, and the Seagal ponytail (below) is the way to go.

However, the torch has been passed. Hearing of Ibrahimovic and Osvaldo's plight, and knowing how imperative it is for footballers to get a solid 8 hours rest per night, other celeb man-bun wearers such as Leo DiCaprio and Jared Leto have taken to calling up Seagal and chanting "Man-bun! Man-bun! Man-bun!" down the phone at him. 

They even sent Facebook messages with nothing but pages and pages of the words 'man bun' to him, as yet to no avail. Steven is adamant that the ponytail is still cooler than any man-bun. We are inclined to agree.

"Won't see me wearin' no man-bun."