Broadcast: BBC1, Thursday, 9pm 14th October 2010
Guest Presenter: Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes)
Teams:
Jon Richardson
Paul Merton
Victoria Coren
Ian Hislop
Channel-flicking on Thursday 14th October 2010, stumbled upon this inaugural Episode of Series 40 (not 'Season' 40) of Have I Got News For You (HIGNFY). Was actually looking up the next episode of Mock the Week at the time, only to realise that the latest run of the show had ended - presumably to make way for HIGNFY.
I was really impressed with Benedict Cumberbatch as presenter. Had a confident authoritative presence, and looked pretty cool too. Would definitely like to see him as a regular host, but with such a strong positive impression made on his first go, you'd probably want to leave it for being best remembered for that, than risk having subsequent attempts being always comparable to that first one.
Jon Richardson was quite a presence too, well-informed, knowledgeable and cracking jokes that resonated with the audience. Certainly stood his ground on a par with Hislop and Merton - the resident giants of the panel who regularly try to steal the show.
Victoria Coren looked and felt out of place, and tried to make her presence felt a few times. But she's just too adorable and gorgeous to berate! Light fun was poked at her for her lack of knowledge for the more esoteric news stores of the week - nothing too malicious or spiteful, and rightfully so. Hislop, her panel partner, was gracious enough to explain a few things too in a respectful way. Of particular note, were random black and white pictures of politicians they had to name. In response to the host's surprise of Hislop getting it: "How did you know that?" Hislop wryly retorted: "I read the papers". Queue applause from and amused audience. Fair enough!
The most memorable gags I recall from the episode:
On the presentation of Kim Jong Il's son to the nation as General and future ruler, a large gathering of Korean officials were gathered like in a school photograph, layered and tiered. Only one of the officials are dressed in white uniform.
Paul Merton: Is that the Great Wall of Chinese?...
Paul Merton: It's from the popular North Korean children's book, 'Where's Woo-Jin?'
A more pointed reference from someone present!:
Overall, a great chemistry between host and guest panellists.
An interesting and engaging start.
Personal rating of the Episode: 4/5
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