Ideas for The Hollowmen

I’ve already expressed surprise – and a tinge of sadness – that The Hollowmen is just not cutting through in the ratings. In thinking about it some more, a few things come to mind as to possible reasons.

Similar Story Arc (plot) in each show?

Government in trouble over issue.  Tony has to solve it. Phillip and Warren provide the official guidelines/suggestions (usually involving a PowerPoint and a preliminary report in 6 months). Tony has to work around them without offending them. Sometimes a focus group is run.  Murph thinks of clever solution. End.  (I know I’m exaggerating, but you get the point)

Too Narrow Cast of Characters?

Frontline had a number of more independent  lead roles, so multiple threads could be developed. HollowMen is a bit more linear. Bit hard to explain what I mean, perhaps the Suggestions bit at the end will cover it.

Little Buy-In From Viewers?

Do we just assume this sort of thing goes on anyway.  I know it’s satire, but maybe it’s ‘really’ only 10% exaggerated, or perhaps the public perceive it as being very close to the truth.

Perhaps viewers are too removed. Again it’s hard not to mention Frontline. It sent-up something we see every day; current affairs.  Viewers had a buy in and could relate to it. This Canberra public-service stuff may be too distant or not easy to relate to.

Suggestions

The One with Phillip and Warren. How about a show that turns things around. Spin off another thread.  We focus on Phillip and Warren, with Tony etc being bit parts. We see how P&W ‘really’ work and how they relate to – and view – Tony et al.  They may be just as manipulative of Tony.

The One where Things Stay Wrong. What happens when they can’t spin it. How does the gang cope? Do they turn on each other, find a scapegoat?

The One with the Documentary Crew.  The ABC is making a documentary on the Department. How does Tony explain their activities to a journalist who clearly knows what is really going on.  As she used to work there…