The Long Arm of the Law
Television's obsession with reality TV has finally turned from the contrived game shows masquerading as reality back to documentary style shows which give us insight into areas we would otherwise not see.
Reality TV series based on 'fly on the wall' footage are nothing new, shows like Cops, Airport and Airline have been around for ages. Cops first aired in the US in 1989 taking the viewer on patrol with police officers. Airport first screened in the UK in 1996 taking the viewer behind the scenes at Heathrow airport and featuring all aspects of the running of an airport from airline check-in to immigration. The series Airline which began in 1998 is based on the operations of budget airline, EasyJet and more recently, a US version, Airline USA, has been based on SouthWest Airlines.
The continued success of these series shows that the public has an appetite for reality TV that does not rely on contrived situations and the lure of cash prizes. With 'fly on the wall' TV, the action tells the story. Low-key narration is used only where additional explanation is required and, in the case of Cops, is provided by the police officers themselves.
Channel 7's Border Security first aired in 2004 and was a surprise success in the ratings. The show follows the Australian Customs Service, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs as they work to protect Australia’s borders from illegal immigration, smuggling, illegal fishing and agricultural hazards. While the show, with narration by Grant Bowler, gives a fascinating insight into the behind the scenes action at our airports with extensive screening of passengers and their luggage, it also shows the work at our mail centres in identifying packages containing prohibited imports and the protection of our costal waters.
The Force, a new show from the makers of Border Security narrated by Simon Reeve, premiered on Channel 7 this week and took us on patrol with police officers from all over Australia. It features the diversity and challenges of police life from neighbourhood disputes to murder investigations. Police dramas have always been popular as have true crime documentaries but here The Force captures real life action as it happens. Like border Security, the Force is a fascinating insight into police investigations of real crimes which at times can be stranger than fiction.
Border Security screens on Channel 7 on Tuesdays at 7.30pm followed by The Force at 8.00pm.
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