Spacehamster’s Blog

The Gruen Transfer is one of those shows that I missed on its initial run. And now that it’s in its final week, I wish I hadn’t. Essentially the show is an ABC version of the ‘World’s Greatest Commercials’ specials that they used to run on Nine. Except they have a panel of people from the Advertising industry analysing the many different aspects of Advertising on commercial television.

If you’re a serious-minded student of media, then this program definitely won’t be very satisfying. Thanks to having Wil Anderson as host, there’s plenty of one-liners (whether you think they’re funny depends on what you think of Wil). He gives a far more restrained performance here than he did when he was hosting the Glass House, however.

OTOH, the show does raise some issues that don’t get any airplay on the Tabloid-style current affairs shows. Like focusing on telecommunications advertising, or the beauty industry. One of my favourite segments is ‘The Pitch’, where advertisers try and spruik unpopular causes - like Whale Hunting, or invading New Zealand. It’s a fantastic opportunity for talented Advertising Agencies to show their cheeky and/or sardonic side.

So I’d definitely recommend it. It doesn’t have any truly serious in-depth analysis, but it is an entertaining half-hour.