Pugwall, 4.30 pm, Channel 9
Parents are going to hate Channel Nine. Why? Because it's about to introduce their children to Peter Unwin George "don't say it" Wall.
"Pugwall" as he's known to his mates in "the band", is a kids' kid, a cross between Adrian and Kylie Mole who yearns to be a rock star "earning a million dollars before breakfast", surfie and disc jockey in that order.
He lives with his mum, Supes ("I call her Supes she tears around the house at mega-speed like a Superwoman"), dad, who's a real-estate agent and sister Marion, who he calls Marmaloid -"She's the super nerd of the family" - in a well off area of Geelong.
Pugwall, played by Jason Torrens, is an ace 13-year-old, who, like any young teenager, is mortally ashamed of the fact that he's lumbered with a family like his. In the first episode they put him through an excruciating birthday party to celebrate his teenage coming.
To make matters worse, his Uncle Harry (Maurie Fields) is there, interfering and generally making a fool of himself. Then it's the final straw. His dad (Ken James) decides to make a speech, drags him up to his side and calls him by his full name. Ugh! Every kids nightmare. However, herohead - "he reckons he's God's answer to everything" - makes up for when he and Supes produce their birthday present - an electric guitar. In the next few episodes "the band" will be formed.
Pugwall is great. It treats parents with the disrespect they deserve and puts the series in the hands of those who know best, the kids. Stodgy old adults beware your children are about to strike back.
Written by Nigel O'Mahony
